Bloodletting, also known as phlebotomy, is an ancient healing method that involves puncturing the veins with an intradermal needle to draw a few drops of blood to stimulate circulation. Pricking only a few millimetres deep can help clear trapped heat, which is often manifested by purple veins or spider veins, primarily in the legs.
The most common applications of bloodletting or spot bleeding include hypertension, acne, low back pain, sciatica, knee pain, or any febrile condition with a high fever. As a general rule, any blood pooling, especially along the energy meridians, can cause both local and referred pain, as it is considered a stagnation issue. Letting out even a drop of blood from the fingertips is usually very effective, as in the case of a cardiac arrest or heat stroke. It is not recommended to bleed bulging veins, as they may have already lost their functionality, similar to varicose veins. However, if you have visible purple veins in your legs and are suffering from a chronic pain condition, it may be a good idea to try bloodletting, which is sometimes conducted with the help of leeches in certain parts of the world.
Another popular form of bloodletting is blood cupping, also known as wet cupping, which involves piercing the skin locally with multiple pricks using a lancet and placing a disposable suction cup to draw stale and deoxygenated, uncirculated blood, primarily from the upper back. This application is also referred to as hacamat in the Middle East.
Bloodletting is not recommended for individuals taking blood thinners or those with a severe blood deficiency.