Bloodletting Therapy (Cìluò Fàngxiě Liáofǎ) 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 “Huangdi Neijing” (Inner Canon of Huangdi), 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 certain acupuncture points or superficial blood vessels on the patient, allowing a controlled 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, thereby 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 of the following do you belong to?
1. Dark black blood, resembling ink, indicates a long-standing illness, suggesting that blood stasis has been present 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 deep-seated condition. 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 (Xiǎo Luò Fàngxiě), is generally performed near the Jing points or at various extremities where small, hair-like red or purple blood vessels are found. This acupuncture method involves 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 point on the dorsal side of the middle finger showed stagnation, with small blue veins bulging and twisting. After puncturing, a significant amount of dark blood was released, resulting in a refreshing feeling 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 with unbearable pain, and has not been cured despite various treatments. Upon meridian examination, several small red blood vessels were found at the Hidden White (Yǐnbái) and Great Dun (Dàdūn) 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 Ulcers
Mr. Zhao, 50 years old, robust physique, busy with work and socializing, tends to get overheated and prefers cold, suffering from recurrent oral ulcers and hoarseness every summer. Upon meridian examination, numerous small red blood vessels were found near the Jing point of the big toe. After several punctures for bloodletting, significant improvement was observed. He has not experienced noticeable overheating ulcers in recent years. Additionally, after puncturing and bleeding at the back points, his hoarseness also improved.
Case 4: Increased Vaginal Discharge
Ms. Gou has abnormal vaginal discharge that has increased, and various treatments have failed to cure it. Upon meridian examination, several prominent red blood vessels were found around the Li Dui (Lìduì) point on the second toe. After a small amount of blood was released through puncturing, her symptoms improved, and after another session 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 twisted, bulging blood vessel, about the thickness of a noodle, was found near the upper part of the ear. After puncturing, a large amount of stagnant blood was released. His gaze became calmer, and his suspiciousness significantly improved.
As the saying goes, “When the disease comes, the point should be treated; when the disease goes, the point should be hidden.” After 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 or acute pain patients, bloodletting can be done once a day, and after symptoms improve, every 3-5 days.
2. For chronic patients, every other day, and after seeing results, every 5-7 days. 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 menstruating, 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 liver disease patients, bloodletting should be approached with caution (as with any other treatment); do not let the blood touch yourself or any wounds, as this could lead to infection.
5. Treatment for “Needle Fainting”
1. Immediately warm the patient’s Dazhui (Dàzhuī) point with your palm.
2. Pinch the Ren Zhong (Rénzhōng) and He Gu (Hégǔ) points simultaneously.
3. Then press Neiguan (Nèiguān), Yongquan (Yǒngquán), and Taichong (Tàichōng). If conditions allow, the patient should immediately drink a cup of warm sugar water or glucose water.
4. Immediately have the patient lie down (with their head lower than their 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 attempt this on their own.Appendix: Bloodletting Therapy for 24 Difficult Diseases
1. Cerebral Hemorrhage (Stroke):
This 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 an acute mortality rate of 30%-40%. The causes are mainly related to vascular diseases: hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, vascular aging, smoking, etc.
For any bleeding patient, they must be in a coma; puncture the Yintang (Yǐntáng), Taiyang (Tàiyáng), Taichong (Tàichōng), and all ten fingers to draw 1-5 drops of blood, which can help them wake up 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, Weizhong, and draw blood for a chance of recovery.
2. Neuralgia:
For gallbladder meridian pain (outer thigh and calf pain), check for bulging blood vessels around the Yanglingquan (Yánglìngquán) and Fenglong (Fēnglóng) points. If present, bloodletting often leads to recovery.
3. Long-standing Boils and Abscesses:
Abscess: Red, swollen, hot, painful, shallow, and large; if not pus-filled, it is easy to dissipate; if pus-filled, it is easy to rupture and heal. Caused by heat toxins and qi-blood stagnation.
Carbuncle: Swelling without a head, unchanged skin color, unclear boundaries, little heat and pain, difficult to dissipate if not pus-filled, and difficult to rupture if pus-filled. Caused by cold evil stagnating qi and blood.
Boil: Initially like a grain, deep-rooted and small, needle-like in shape, white at the top and painful. Caused by evil toxins invading and qi-blood stagnation.
Furuncle: Superficial, localized, small and round, red, swollen, and mildly painful, easy to rupture and heal, recurrent. Caused by damp-heat accumulation.
Abscesses, carbuncles, boils, and furuncles are four types of surgical conditions occurring on the body surface. Bloodletting should be performed at the Xinshu (Xīnshū) point.
4. Conjunctivitis and Early Stage Styes:
Puncture the Taiyang (Tàiyáng) point to draw 7-9 drops of blood, and puncture the tips of the middle toes to draw 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 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 a genetic tendency. Diagnosis and treatment can be challenging.
By puncturing 3 inches beside the third, fourth, and fifth thoracic vertebrae, significant effects can be seen; many severe cases can be cured in 1-2 sessions.
6. Gastric and Duodenal Ulcers:
These are very common diseases characterized by localized round 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.
Puncture the blue veins from the Neiting (Nèitīng) to the Jiexi (Jièxī) points, and puncture near the outer ankle. For gastric ulcers, look for blood vessels within 0.5 inches above and 2.5 inches below the Tiaokou (Tiáokǒu) point.
7. Chronic Nephritis:
This refers to a group of glomerular diseases characterized by proteinuria, hematuria, hypertension, and edema as basic clinical manifestations, with varying onset patterns, prolonged course, and slow progression, potentially leading to varying degrees of renal function decline and ultimately chronic renal failure.
(1) Bloodletting at the Yaoyang (Yàoyáng) point can cure yellow water. (2) Around the kidneys. (3) Bloodletting around the navel. (Do not puncture the center of the navel)
8. Hepatitis Bloodletting:
This 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 the Yangjiao (Yángjiāo), Zusanli (Zúsānlǐ), Quze (Qūzé), Yanglingquan, and Sanyinjiao (Sānyīnjiāo) points.
9. Cirrhosis with Ascites:
This is a common chronic progressive liver disease caused by one or more factors leading to 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 the acupuncture points for hepatitis plus: Shenshu (Shénshū), Yaoyang, Tiaokou (0.5 inches above and 0.5 inches outside), and Ganshu (Gānshū).
10. Effective Points for Hemorrhoids:
This is a common disease located in the anal area, which can occur at any age, but the incidence gradually increases with age.
(1) Chaojiao (Chāojiāo) point (located at the junction of the upper gum and upper lip); find the white granule point, and it can be cured in 1-3 sessions.
(2) For red, swollen, and ulcerated anal areas, puncture the Weizhong (Wèizhōng) point to relieve pain.
11. Insomnia:
This refers to the inability to fall asleep or maintain sleep, leading to insufficient sleep. Also known as sleep onset and maintenance disorders, it is caused by various factors leading to difficulty falling asleep, shallow or infrequent sleep, early waking, and insufficient or poor-quality sleep, making it a common condition.
Insomnia often brings significant suffering and psychological burden to patients, and the misuse of sleeping pills can harm other aspects of health.
(1) Shenmen (Shénmén), Xingjian (Xíngjiān), and Zusanli.
(2) Dazhui, Shenda, Zhongwan, puncture and then perform cupping.
12. Cervical Spondylosis:
Pain points, Tianzong (Tiānzōng), Jianzheng (Jiānzhēn), and Shizhe (Shǐzhé) points.
13. Chest Internal Injury:
Dazhui, Jianjing, and then the injured area.
14. Shoulder Periarthritis:
Kidney Guan (Shèn Guān) point (1.5 inches below Yinlingquan), Shizhe point, effective in one session.
15. Acute and Chronic Throat Diseases:
Dazhui, Ear Apex, Ear Back Vein, Shaoshang (Shàoshāng), Quchi, Taiyang, bloodletting reduces pain.
16. Impotence:
(1) Shenshu, Fuliu (Fùliú) puncture for bloodletting, Guanyuan (Guānyuán), and Shenshu cupping for 15 minutes.
(2) Puncture Sanyinjiao, Mingmen (Míngmén), and perform cupping at Shenshu, Xuehai (Xuèhǎi).
17. Hypertension:
Taiyang, Dazhui, Ear Apex, Ear Back Vein, Quchi; bloodletting can lower blood pressure immediately. Note: Do not drink water within one hour after bloodletting, as it may reduce effectiveness.
18. Asthma:
Dazhui, Feishu (Fèishū), Fengmen (Fēngmén), Gaomang (Gāománg), and Lieque (Lièquè) puncture for bloodletting. Zhongfu (Zhōngfǔ), Dazhui cupping for 15 minutes.
19. Hyperlipidemia:
Dazhui, Taiyang, Yaoyang, Weizhong, and Quchi.
20. Rheumatic Heart Disease:
Yangjiao, Weizhong, and Taiyang.
21. Eyelid Pterygium:
Shaoze (Shàozé), Zhiyin (Zhīyīn), Ear Apex, Taiyang, every other day for ten days as a treatment course.
22. Otitis Media:
Bloodletting at the outer ankle joint.
23. Epilepsy:
(1) Taiyang, Quchi, Weizhong, Yangjiao.
(2) Shaoshang, Renzhong puncture for bloodletting. Ganshu, Dazhui cupping for 15 minutes.
(3) Find pain points at the lower back of the neck and puncture Neiguan with a plum blossom needle for bloodletting.
24. Mental Illness:
Taiyang, Quchi, Weizhong, Taichong, Yangjiao, Fenglong, and Xinyu (Xīnyǔ); bloodletting followed by cupping.
The Secret of Bloodletting:
For diseases that have not been cured for a long time, when all methods are ineffective, bloodletting should be performed at the ankles, elbows, wrists, and knees, targeting those bulging blood vessels, which can yield unexpected results.
Bloodletting should generally not be performed at night; it is best done around noon.
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