Bloodletting Therapy is a unique acupuncture treatment method in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is one of the most commonly used therapeutic techniques since the era of the Neijing, which even considers bloodletting as the first choice for treating diseases and alleviating suffering. Depending on the patient’s specific condition, a three-edged needle or a thick, sharp needle is used to puncture specific acupuncture points or superficial blood vessels on the patient, allowing a certain amount of blood to be released to achieve therapeutic effects.
Effects of Bloodletting Therapy: It has a beneficial bidirectional regulatory effect on the blood system.
Research indicates that bloodletting therapy can promote metabolism, stimulate bone marrow hematopoiesis, accelerate metabolic processes, improve microcirculation and vascular function, facilitate the elimination of harmful substances from the blood, and ensure beneficial substances are timely replenished into the bloodstream, thus helping the body re-establish homeostasis and restore normal physiological functions. By improving microcirculation, it can also prevent excessive inflammatory responses and promote recovery from inflammation.
Understanding Your Health Status Through Blood Color Diagnosis — Which type do you belong to?
1. Dark black blood, resembling ink, indicates a long-standing illness, suggesting that blood stasis has persisted for a long time, obstructing the vessels. 2. Blood mixed with water indicates rheumatic disease or liver disease. 3. Blood containing jelly-like mucus indicates damp-heat accumulation and long-standing stagnation. 4. Very light blood indicates inflammation or an early-stage illness. Purple-red blood indicates a new injury. 5. Blood resembling wash water indicates severe chronic dampness. 6. Clear watery fluid indicates edema. 7. Presence of blisters indicates heavy dampness. 8. Foamy liquid indicates wind pathogen. 9. A large amount of blood drawn indicates a long illness duration. 10. A small amount of blood drawn indicates a short illness duration or a deeper location of the disease. 11. If, after cupping, you feel a rush of heat when reaching into the cup, it indicates heavy damp-heat. 12. Slow bleeding, even after multiple punctures, suggests qi deficiency and blood deficiency. 13. Light bleeding that does not coagulate easily indicates blood deficiency. 14. Blood that settles easily and coagulates quickly indicates qi deficiency.
Finger Bloodletting, also known as Minor Bloodletting, is generally performed near the Jing points or at various extremities where small red or purple blood vessels resembling fine hair are found, puncturing to release dark blood to treat diseases.
Clinical validation shows that Minor Bloodletting can resolve various difficult and complicated diseases. For example:
Case 1: Anxiety
Mr. Li, 33 years old, overweight, has been under immense work pressure for a long time, feeling anxious and restless, nearly on the verge of collapse. Upon observing the meridians, it was found that the area near the Zhongchong (中冲) point on the dorsal side of the first segment of the middle finger showed stagnation, with small blue veins bulging and winding. After puncturing, a significant amount of dark blood was released, resulting in a clear mind and substantial improvement in his condition. A disposable blood collection needle can be used instead of a three-edged needle.
Case 2: Nasal Ulceration
Mr. Ji, 36 years old, has a small ulcer in the right nostril that worsens every winter, persisting for many years, causing unbearable pain, and has not been cured despite multiple treatments. Upon examining the meridians, it was found that there were several small red blood vessels at the Yinbai (隐白) and Dadun (大敦) points on the right big toe. After puncturing, dozens of drops of dark blood were released, and the ulcer subsided the next day, with no recurrence for two years.
Case 3: Oral Ulcer
Mr. Zhao, 50 years old, robust physique, busy with work and socializing, often talks a lot. Prone to heat, prefers cold and fears heat, experiences recurrent oral ulcers on the tongue every summer, with repeated hoarseness. Upon examining the meridians, numerous small red blood vessels were found near the Jing point on the big toe. After several punctures for bloodletting, significant improvement was achieved. He has not experienced noticeable heat-related ulcers in recent years. Additionally, after puncturing and bleeding at the back, his hoarseness also improved.
Case 4: Increased Vaginal Discharge
Ms. Gou, has abnormal increased vaginal discharge, and various treatments have not cured it. Upon examining the meridians, several prominent red blood vessels were found around the Lidu (厉兑) point on the second toe. After a small amount of blood was released through puncturing, her symptoms improved, and after another release a week later, she was clinically cured.
Case 5: Sensitivity and Suspicion
Mr. Qian, 26 years old, suffers from nervous sensitivity and suspicion, often suspecting others of harboring ill intentions or plotting against him. His eyes appear overly bright and exposed. Upon examination, a segment of a winding, bulging blood vessel, about the thickness of a noodle, was found near the Shenmen (神门) point on the upper part of the ear. After puncturing, a large amount of stagnant blood was released. His eyes became calmer, and his suspicion improved significantly.
As the saying goes, when the disease comes, the corresponding acupuncture point should be treated; when the disease is resolved, the corresponding stasis will gradually disappear. If the disease does not resolve, puncturing can be done every three days until recovery, with each puncture stopping when fresh blood is released, as excessive bleeding is not beneficial.
Precautions for Bloodletting:
1. Bloodletting Technique
1. After identifying the blood point, quickly puncture with wrist strength, aiming for 6-9 punctures within one second.
2. For dilated vessels, one puncture should yield blood, which will generally spurt out, so be prepared to avoid splattering.
2. Reactions After Bloodletting
1. 80% of patients feel relaxed and comfortable after bloodletting, while 20% may experience increased pain. Those who feel increased pain tend to heal faster than those who feel immediate relief.
2. If there is no sensation after 5-10 punctures, further bloodletting is not advisable.
3. Timing of Bloodletting
1. For inflammation and acute pain patients, bloodletting can be done once a day, and after alleviating symptoms, every 3-5 days.
2. For chronic patients, every other day, and once every 5-7 days after seeing results. Bloodletting can be performed after cupping for 15-20 minutes.
4. Contraindications for Bloodletting
1. Patients with significant bleeding or those prone to subcutaneous bleeding.
2. Severe heart disease.
3. Patients with sexually transmitted diseases, skin diseases, or skin ulcers.
4. Pregnant women or those on their menstrual cycle, and patients with leukemia should not undergo bloodletting.
5. Patients who are overly hungry or full, frightened, or excessively tense should not be treated.
6. For patients with liver disease, bloodletting should be approached with caution (as with any other treatment); do not let the blood come into contact with oneself or any wounds, as this could lead to infection.
5. Treatment for “Needle Sickness”
1. Immediately warm the patient’s Dazhui (大椎) point with your palm.
2. Pinch the Renzhong (人中) and Hegu (合谷) points simultaneously.
3. Then press Neiguan (内关), Yongquan (涌泉), and Taichong (太冲). If possible, have the patient drink a cup of warm sugar water or glucose immediately.
4. Immediately have the patient lie down (with the head lower than the feet).
6. Diagnosing Through Blood Analysis
1. Very light blood indicates inflammation or an early-stage illness. Blood mixed with water indicates rheumatic disease or liver disease, while dark blood indicates a long-standing illness with blood stasis obstructing the vessels.
2. If bloodletting reduces pain during the day but worsens at night, it indicates blood stasis, and another puncture is necessary until relief is achieved.
The above is for reference only; non-professionals should not perform these procedures independently.Appendix: Bloodletting Therapy for 24 Difficult Diseases
1. Cerebral Hemorrhage (Stroke):
Refers to bleeding caused by the rupture of blood vessels within the brain due to non-traumatic reasons, accounting for 20%-30% of all strokes, with a mortality rate of 30%-40% in the acute phase. The causes are mainly related to vascular diseases: hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, vascular aging, smoking, etc.
Patients who bleed will often be in a coma; puncturing the Yintang (印堂), Taiyang (太阳), Taichong (太冲), and all ten fingers can release 1-5 drops of blood, which may help them regain consciousness sooner and reduce the severity of hemiplegia. If a patient is in a coma for more than 24 hours, the rate of hemiplegia is over 90%. If it exceeds 72 hours, there is a 100% chance of hemiplegic sequelae, which is extremely difficult to treat. Therefore, early awakening is a priceless secret technique; once the patient wakes up, puncture Dazhui, Quchi, and Weizhong to draw blood, which may lead to recovery.
2. Neuralgia:
For pain along the Gallbladder meridian (outer thigh and calf pain), check for bulging blood vessels around the Yanglingquan (阳陵泉) and Fenglong (丰隆) points. If present, bloodletting may lead to recovery.
3. Long-standing Boils and Abscesses:
Boils: Red, swollen, hot, painful, shallow, and large, easily dissipated if not pus-filled, and easily ruptured if pus-filled. Caused by heat toxins and qi-blood stagnation.
Abscesses: Diffuse swelling without a head, unchanged skin color, unclear borders, little heat and pain, difficult to dissipate if not pus-filled, and difficult to rupture if pus-filled. Caused by cold pathogens obstructing qi and blood stagnation.
Furuncles: Initially appear like millet, deeply rooted and small, needle-like in shape, white at the top and painful. Caused by pathogenic toxins and qi-blood stagnation.
Carbuncles: Superficial, localized, small and round, mildly red, swollen, and painful, easily ruptured and healed, recurrent. Caused by damp-heat accumulation.
Boils, abscesses, furuncles, and carbuncles are four types of surgical conditions occurring on the body surface. Bloodletting can be performed at the Huxi (后心) point.
4. Initial Stage of Conjunctivitis and Stye:
Puncture the Taiyang (太阳) point to release 7-9 drops of blood, and puncture the tips of the middle toes to release 3-5 drops of blood; this can lead to recovery by the next day.
5. Severe Rheumatism in the Legs:
This is a group of diseases that primarily affect joints, bones, muscles, blood vessels, and related soft tissues or connective tissues, most of which are autoimmune diseases. The onset is often insidious and slow, with a long course, and most have a genetic tendency. Diagnosis and treatment can be challenging.
Puncturing 3 inches beside the third, fourth, and fifth thoracic vertebrae can yield significant effects; many patients with severe conditions have been cured in 1-2 sessions.
6. Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers:
These are very common diseases characterized by localized circular or oval defects in the gastric or duodenal wall. Patients experience periodic upper abdominal pain, acid reflux, and belching. This condition is prone to recurrence and has a chronic course.
Puncturing the blue veins from the Neiting (内庭) to the Jiexi (解溪) points and near the outer ankle can release blood. For gastric ulcers, blood vessels should be sought within 0.5 inches above and 2.5 inches below the Tiaokou (条口) point.
7. Chronic Nephritis:
Characterized by proteinuria, hematuria, hypertension, and edema as basic clinical manifestations, with varying onset patterns, prolonged course, and slow progression, which can lead to varying degrees of renal function decline, ultimately developing into chronic renal failure.
(1) Bloodletting at the Yaoyang (臑俞) point can resolve yellow fluid; once the yellow fluid is gone, the patient will recover.
(2) Around the kidneys.
(3) Bloodletting around the navel. (Do not puncture the center of the navel)
8. Hepatitis Bloodletting:
Usually refers to liver cell damage caused by various pathogenic factors such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, chemical toxins, drugs, alcohol, and autoimmune factors, leading to a series of discomfort symptoms and abnormal liver function indicators.
Puncture points include Yangjiao (阳交), Zusanli (足三里), Quze (曲泽), Yanglingquan (阳陵泉), and Sanyinjiao (三阴交).
9. Cirrhosis with Ascites:
This is a common chronic progressive liver disease caused by one or more factors acting over a long time or repeatedly, resulting in diffuse liver damage. In China, most cases are post-hepatitis cirrhosis, with a small number being alcoholic cirrhosis and schistosomiasis cirrhosis. Late-stage complications often include upper gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, secondary infections, splenomegaly, ascites, and cancer.
Use hepatitis acupuncture points plus: Shenshu (肾俞), Yaoyang (腰俞) points, Tiaokou (条口) (0.5 inches above and 0.5 inches outside), and Gan Shu (肝俞).
10. Effective Points for Hemorrhoids:
This is a common disease located at the anal area, which can occur at any age, but the incidence gradually increases with age.
(1) Chaojiao (龊交) point (located at the junction of the upper gum and upper lip) can be found at the white granule point; 1-3 sessions can lead to recovery.
(2) For red, swollen, and ulcerated anal areas, bloodletting at the Weizhong (委中) point can reduce pain.
11. Insomnia:
Refers to the inability to fall asleep or maintain sleep, leading to insufficient sleep. It is also known as sleep onset and maintenance disorder, caused by various reasons leading to difficulty falling asleep, shallow or infrequent sleep, early awakening, and insufficient or poor-quality sleep, which is a common condition.
Insomnia often brings great suffering and psychological burden to patients, and the misuse of sleeping pills can harm other aspects of health.
(1) Shenmen (神门), Xingjian (行间), and Zusanli (足三里).
(2) Dazhui, Shendao (神道), Zhongwan (中脘), puncture and then perform cupping.
12. Cervical Spondylosis:
Pain points include Tianzong (天宗), Jianzheng (肩贞), and Chize (尺泽) points.
13. Chest Internal Injury:
Puncture Dazhui, Jianjing (肩井), and then the injured area.
14. Shoulder Periarthritis:
Puncture the Kidney Guan (肾关) point (1.5 inches below Yinlingquan) and Chize point; one session can yield results.
15. Acute and Chronic Throat Diseases:
Puncture Dazhui, Erjian (耳尖), and the posterior auricular vein, Shaoshang (少商), Quchi (曲池), Taiyang (太阳); bloodletting can reduce pain.
16. Impotence:
(1) Puncture Shenshu (肾俞), Fuliu (复溜) to draw blood, Guanyuan (关元), and perform cupping at the Bladder Shu (膀胱俞) for 15 minutes.
(2) Puncture Sanyinjiao (三阴交), Mingmen (命门), and perform cupping at Shenshu, Xuehai (血海).
17. Hypertension:
Puncture Taiyang, Dazhui, Erjian, posterior auricular vein, and Quchi; bloodletting can lower blood pressure. Note: Do not drink water within one hour after bloodletting, as it may reduce effectiveness.
18. Asthma:
Puncture Dazhui, Feishu (肺俞), Fengmen (风门), Gaomang (膏盲), and Lieque (列缺) for bloodletting. Perform cupping at Zhongfu (中府) and Dazhui for 15 minutes.
19. Hyperlipidemia:
Puncture Dazhui, Taiyang, Yaoyang, Weizhong, and Quchi.
20. Rheumatic Heart Disease:
Puncture Yangjiao, Chize, and Taiyang.
21. Eyelid Pterygium:
Puncture Shaoze (少泽), Zhiyin (至阴), Erjian, and Dazhui every other day for a ten-day course.
22. Otitis Media:
Puncture the outer ankle joint for bloodletting.
23. Epilepsy:
(1) Puncture Taiyang, Quze, Weizhong, and Yangjiao.
(2) Puncture Shaoshang and Renzhong for bloodletting. Perform cupping at Gan Shu and Dazhui for 15 minutes.
(3) Identify pain points at the lower part of the posterior neck and puncture Neiguan with a plum blossom needle to draw blood.
24. Mental Illness:
Puncture Taiyang, Quze, Weizhong, Taichong, Yangjiao, Fenglong, and Xinshu (心俞); perform cupping after bloodletting.
The Secret of Bloodletting:
For diseases that have not been cured for a long time, when all methods are ineffective, one should puncture the blood vessels at the ankles, elbows, wrists, and knees to achieve unexpected effects.
Bloodletting should generally not be performed at night; it is best done around noon.