12/12/2024
Wrong! Bloodletting is a therapeutic modality in Chinese medicine. And no, it doesn’t involve leeches!
I don’t know about you… but before I went to Chinese medical school, when I heard the term “bloodletting,” thoughts of medieval medicine that included leeches, bowls of blood, and bleeding patients within an inch of their life came to mind. And of course, it was reinforced by ridiculous skits performed on Saturday Night Live by Steve Martin and Gilda Radner in the “Theodoric of York—Medieval Barber.” (Yep, I’m that old)
All kidding aside, bloodletting is a traditional modality in Chinese medicine indicated in certain situations and is still being used and researched today. Health conditions where bloodletting is indicated are:
• Swelling and edema in the legs, feet, hands, etc.
• Gout or arthritis
• Severe acute cases of pneumonia
• Chronic low back pain
• Acute strokes
• High fevers
Worried about the blood? The amount of blood that is let is minimal. A drop or two from superficial veins at the puncture site, needled by a small gauge lancet, is all that is therapeutically necessary.
And yes, patients benefit from it! As explained by Caitlin Piacentini, L.Ac., who was treating an older gentleman’s swollen feet with bloodletting. “After his first session of bloodletting, the swelling in his feet was completely gone and never came back. He was astounded! Every time he came in again from then on, he would have me look at other areas of his hands, legs, etc. to see if they indicated bloodletting as a treatment”. Going forward, Caitlin has used and recommended bloodletting to her patients regularly for all kinds of ailments.
Curious about bloodletting and how it might help with your health condition? Reach out to Caitlin Piacentini, L.Ac. at caitlin@sunflowerbloomacu.com. She’s happy to answer any questions you might have!
