Bloodletting
The practice of bloodletting is used to stimulate the healthy, smooth flow of qi and blood throughout the body, as well as drain excess heat.
What is bloodletting?
Bloodletting is used to help with:
-
Stabbing acute/chronic pain
-
Sore throat
-
Coughs
-
Migraines/headaches
-
Conjunctivitis
-
Insomnia
-
Anxiety
-
Feeling heat in the body
-
Skin problems (eg. psoriasis, eczema)
How does it work?
Instruments used for bloodletting include the traditional three-edge needle, seven-star needle (also known as a cutaneous needle), a medical lancet, or sometimes a regular acupuncture needle.
​
During a bloodletting treatment, your acupuncturist will collect several drops of blood by squeezing the small puncture point made by the sterile instrument used, which is then absorbed with a sterile cotton ball. Depending on the diagnosis and treatment purpose, your doctor may instead use cupping to draw out 5 -10 mL of blood.
When used with fire cupping (aka wet cupping), this treatment releases old blood from the puncture site, allowing for new, healthy blood to take its place and provide you with relief.
Bloodletting is a virtually painless treatment that is executed carefully and sterilely to ensure minimal discomfort.
