Bloodletting Therapy
[Nephrology]
The traditional bloodletting therapy, known in ancient times as “Qimai” or “Ciluo,” is commonly referred to as “bloodletting therapy.” This is a unique acupuncture treatment method in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The mechanism of bloodletting therapy is to adjust Yin and Yang, unblock the meridians, harmonize Qi and blood, and alter the pathological changes of Qi and blood flow in the meridians, thereby achieving the effect of regulating the organ functions of Qi and blood.
Functions
The ear apex point is an extraordinary point outside the meridians, located at the highest point of the auricle. Bloodletting at the ear apex can promote blood circulation, improve tissue blood and oxygen supply, and regulate organ functions. It has anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, anti-allergic, calming, vision-enhancing, pain-relieving, blood pressure-lowering, and dizziness-relieving effects.
Indications
High fever, explosive conjunctivitis, red and swollen eyes, acute conjunctivitis, keratitis, acne, hypertension, facial paralysis, insomnia, sore throat, migraine, hordeolum, tongue pain, eczema, etc.
Tools
Three-edged needle, disposable injection needle, cotton balls, 75% alcohol, etc.
Procedure
Insert straight for 0.3 to 0.5 inches, or use a three-edged needle to prick and draw blood.The patient should be in a comfortable position. The practitioner should disinfect their hands and the ear apex point with 75% medical alcohol, and rub the ear apex until it becomes red and warm. The auricle should be naturally folded towards the ear canal, and a disposable blood collection needle or a small three-edged needle should be inserted straight into the ear apex about 2 mm. Then, the practitioner should pinch and release with their thumb and index finger while using a cotton ball to wipe the bleeding area until the blood color changes from dark to light red, applying pressure to stop the bleeding.
Contraindications
1. Strict disinfection is essential to prevent infection.
2. Pregnant women, postpartum women, individuals with weak constitutions, and the elderly with frail health should not use this method.3. Individuals with abnormal coagulation functions are prohibited from using this method.4. Individuals with infectious diseases and mental illnesses are prohibited from using this method.
5. During the pricking, the technique should be light, steady, precise, and quick. Avoid excessive force to prevent deep penetration, excessive trauma, and excessive bleeding. The amount of blood drawn should be limited to a few drops to 3-5 ml.
Clinical Applications
High fever is the most common and effective indication for bloodletting at the ear apex, suitable for high fever caused by colds, pneumonia, and tonsillitis, especially in cases where high fever persists for several days after these diseases. Bloodletting at the ear apex can quickly reduce fever, sometimes requiring only one or two bloodletting sessions.
Facial paralysis is a common condition characterized by dysfunction of the facial expression muscles, typically presenting as facial asymmetry. It is a common and frequently occurring disease that does not discriminate by age. Patients often cannot perform basic actions such as raising eyebrows, closing eyes, or puffing cheeks. Regular acupuncture combined with bloodletting at the ear apex can enhance treatment efficacy, especially for the action of closing the eyes.
Detoxification, heat-clearing, and pain relief: TCM holds that “where there is obstruction, there is pain,” referring to pain caused by stagnant Qi and blood in the meridians and organs. Through bloodletting therapy, it can unblock the stagnation of Qi and blood in the meridians, alleviating bodily pain and treating conditions such as headaches, back pain, cervical spondylosis, and ulcers. Bloodletting therapy can also relieve symptoms caused by excessive internal heat, such as irritability, chest tightness, shortness of breath, insomnia with vivid dreams, and anxiety.
TCM believes that “the ear is where the meridians converge.” All twelve meridians connect to the ear. When a certain organ or part of the body undergoes pathological changes, it can be reflected at the corresponding point on the auricle through the meridians. The efficacy of bloodletting therapy at the ear apex is clear, the operation is simple, and there are no side effects, making it a safe, effective, and easy-to-learn traditional TCM therapy.
(Written by Sun Ling, Edited by Xu Jing, Reviewed by Liu Xiaohui, Managed by Suo Zhihui)
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