Pricking the Vessels: Bloodletting Therapy in Chinese Medicine

The first text on bloodletting therapy for Western practitioners of Chinese medicine, this authoritative text explores the theory and function of bloodletting, and provides detailed instruction on its clinical use.

Bloodletting therapy, which works to remove internal and external disruptions to the system through the withdrawal of small quantities of blood, has numerous benefits, especially concerning the treatment of complex or chronic disease. Yet the technique is often met with alarm in the West and side-lined in favour of less controversial treatments such as fine-needle acupuncture, and moxibustion. This book provides a concise overview of its theory, historical and contemporary relevance, and clinical guidance. With detailed reference to the classic texts, the author clarifies the fundamental Chinese medical theory related to blood and the network vessels, and provides an in-depth discussion of the benefits of and practice guidelines for bloodletting. The book includes a chapter on the classical acupuncture techniques of Tung Ching Chang whose work is attracting increasing attention in the West. Through the exploration of classic texts and contemporary standards, the book provides everything needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the technique and to encourage its use as a viable treatment option in the West.

It will be an invaluable addition to the resources available for acupuncturists, as well as students and practitioners of Chinese medicine more generally, including those interested in all Chinese approaches to health.

Henry McCann, DAOM, LAc, Dipl OM, is a licensed, professional practitioner of Chinese Medicine. Dr. McCann studied at the New England School of Acupuncture, and then completed his doctorate in acupuncture and Oriental medicine with specialities in women’s health and geriatric medicine at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. Prior to his training in medicine he finished a BA and BM at Oberlin College and was a Fulbright fellow to Japan. Dr. McCann is on faculty at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine doctoral program, and the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine. In addition to his regular teaching responsibilities, he has taught bloodletting therapy and other advanced topics in Chinese Medicine in Ireland, Germany, Holland, Austria, and Indonesia. He is the co-author of a clinical manual of Tung’s acupuncture as well as the author of numerous scholarly articles on all aspects of Chinese Medicine.