Bloodletting

The history of bloodletting

Bloodletting treatment (Phlebotomy) is a treatment method that was already well known in ancient times, and is used today, among other places, in Chinese medicine.

Curious to hear more about bloodletting? Let’s continue.

In the Middle Ages, it was widely believed that bloodletting was a remedy for almost any possible medical problem. As a result, almost every healer at that time specialized in letting the blood of their patients. How did this treatment method become so widely accepted?

Bloodletting in ancient times

Already in ancient times, there were scientists and physicians who considered bloodletting a fitting treatment for nearly any illness. In most of the developed empires of ancient times, bloodletting was an accepted practice. This was the case in Egypt and Greece, and later in the Roman Empire as well. However, in ancient times it was just one of many methods used to improve a patient’s condition. Other methods included physical activity, as well as various kinds of diets.

Bloodletting in the Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, bloodletting rose in status and became the preferred treatment among physicians. Bloodletting was performed using various methods. One of them was a leech attached to the patient’s blood vessel to suck their blood. Many patients felt relief after such treatment, as it apparently significantly reduced their blood pressure, and with it, their headaches. Bloodletting is also mentioned in Judaism, although the sages were careful to place restrictions on the practice, and required anyone who underwent it to eat a sufficient amount of food. In hindsight, it turns out that this caution was indeed warranted.

Bloodletting in the modern era

In cases such as a significant excess of iron in the body. Or an excess of red blood cells that hinders proper blood flow in the body, bloodletting is an accepted treatment. Bloodletting treatment is also performed as part of Chinese medicine, whose history is longer than any other type of medicine in the world.

Getting bloodletting treatment

If you’re interested in receiving treatment using ancient Chinese medicine methods, this is the right place for you. Shai Davids, a certified Chinese medicine practitioner, offers treatments including bloodletting, herbal medicine, Tuina, cupping, and acupuncture in Jerusalem and Givatayim.

The bloodletting performed is intended to resolve pain or another medical issue. It is done from acupuncture points or specific areas of the body, and does not involve quantities like a blood donation, but much smaller amounts that bring almost immediate relief.

Want to treat a persistent headache? Acute lower back pain? Stubborn skin conditions? Call and we’ll do bloodletting.