Introduction
Phlebotomy or bloodletting is one of the oldest therapeutic methods in Iranian medicine, aiming to remove corrupted, thick, or cold blood from the body and restore balance to the four humors (yellow bile, blood, phlegm, and black bile).
In traditional medicine, it is believed that the accumulation of blood or changes in its quality can be the source of many pains and diseases, and by opening specific veins in the body, natural blood flow is restored.
Next, by looking at indigenous and traditional beliefs, we will review the diseases that were treated with phlebotomy or bloodletting.
Back pain
Traditional therapists believe that many back pains are caused by sudden coldness and warmth in the feet.
For treatment, the back of the leg is incised or bloodlet to relieve stiffness caused by temperature changes.
With the removal of blood, the body’s “coldness” is reduced, and back and hip pain is relieved.
Leg pain
If pain is felt from the knee downwards, they bloodlet below the knee (popliteal fossa).
The goal is that by removing blood from this area, blood thickness and congestion are relieved, and blood circulation in the lower limbs improves.
Also, for ankle or hip pain, they incise the back of the foot.
Among traditional treatments, leg pain has been one of the most common reasons people visit bloodletters.
Gout
Gout is caused by the accumulation of substances resulting from excessive red meat consumption in the body and is often accompanied by burning in the soles of the feet.
To reduce these substances and improve blood circulation, traditional therapists perform phlebotomy on the top of the foot so that fresh blood replaces it and inflammation is reduced.
Migraine and headaches
To treat migraines, the therapist, by tying a cloth around the neck and exposing the temporal veins,
incises both sides of the temple to remove thick and impure blood from the head area.
In some cases, the frontal vein is also opened to reduce chronic migraine pains.
This action causes the release of pressure in the superficial vessels of the head and general relaxation for the patient.
Jaundice of the eyes
In the past, yellowing of the eyes was considered a sign of “heat and corruption of yellow bile.”
For treatment, they bloodlet behind the patient’s ear and then mixed a small amount of blood with black pepper and applied it to the corner of the eye to induce tearing and cleansing.
If no result was achieved, they also incised behind the eyebrows to expel the yellowness from the body.
Sexual impotence in men
From the perspective of traditional medicine, sexual dysfunction often results from blood thickness or excessive fat.
For treatment, the vein above the elbow is phlebotomized so that fresh blood flows and the body is freed from accumulated fats.
This action, according to the sages, leads to increased blood flow to the reproductive organs and improved sexual potency.
Irregular menstruation in women
To regulate menstruation and relieve premenstrual pain, they incise the top of women’s elbows.
By doing this, heavy and stagnant blood is removed from the body, and the natural warmth of the uterus is restored.
If complete improvement is not achieved in the first instance, the phlebotomy procedure is repeated in subsequent months.
Shortness of breath and cough
In traditional medicine, persistent coughs and shortness of breath are signs of blood thickness and blockages in the energy pathways (vessels).
For treatment, the vein under the tongue is incised to remove stagnant blood.
By doing this, pressure is relieved from the vessels of the head and neck, and breathing becomes easier.
Female colic and infertility
In cases where a woman experiences colic, lower abdominal pain, or delay in pregnancy, the practitioner targets areas such as:
-
The lower back (buttocks area)
-
The earlobe
-
and behind the knee
is bloodlet to expel “corrupted blood” from the body and open the uterine pathway.
This action leads to increased blood supply to the uterus and ovaries and improved fertility.
Stiffness and discoloration of the tongue
If the patient’s tongue becomes stiff or white (colloquially “stuck” or “heavy”), the therapist incises inside the lip or under the tongue.
Then, a scarf or cloth is tied around the neck to allow blood to exit from the wound.
By doing this, impure and heavy blood from the head area is drained, and the tongue’s movement and flexibility are restored.
Summary and scientific note
Phlebotomy and bloodletting, from the perspective of traditional medicine, are methods for regulating the balance of heat, moisture, and blood thickness.
In modern medicine, the principle of this method, under the title of Therapeutic Phlebotomy, is used in the treatment of diseases such as:
-
Polycythemia (increased red blood cells)
-
Hemochromatosis (iron accumulation in the blood)
is scientifically accepted.
However, phlebotomy should be performed by a trained specialist, in a sterile environment, and with consideration of the patient’s temperament and condition.
Conclusion
Phlebotomy is not only a part of Iran’s medical heritage but also a symbol of the connection between ancient knowledge and modern science.
Understanding the principles of its execution, precise body points, and temperament diagnosis is vital for the effectiveness of this treatment.
Alongside modern methods, phlebotomy, within a scientific and safe framework, can help restore the body’s natural balance and reduce many pains and inflammations.
