Blood-letting Therapy Research Articles

Evidence-based approach to Jaloukavacharana with special reference to Aeromonas species: a case series

Abstract Jalukavacharana (medicinal leech therapy) is a time-tested bloodletting therapy employed to treat inflammatory, ischemic, and infectious diseases. Aeromonas spp., commonly found in the leech’s gut, is known to cause two major diseases: gastroenteritis and wound infections (with or without bacteremia). In cases such as diabetes mellitus where the patient can be immuno-compromised, the possibility of complications through leech therapy and Aeromonas spp. is high. The current study was carried out on five subjects, indicated for Jalukavacharana. The blood culture was studied, and the vomitus of a Jalouka (leech) post Jaloukavacharna (medicinal leech therapy) was obtained to rule out the presence of any pathogenic bacteria, especially Aeromonas spp. Five subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were treated with Jaloukavacharna under all the therapeutic precautions, and then blood samples were collected and sent for blood culture and sensitivity analyses to confirm the presence of Aeromonas species in these samples, and one leech vomitus blood sample has been studied for the presence of the same. All the five blood samples tested negative for any pathogenic organism, including the Aeromoans spp., and the leech vomitus blood sample tested positive for Aeromonas spp. From the aforementioned case series, it is evident that though the leech vomitus contained the pathogenic gut bacteria Aeromonas spp., all the blood samples of the study subjects tested negative for the same, indicating that the proper practice of Jaloukavacharna (medicinal leech therapy) according to the classics can help us prevent the complications of leech therapy from affecting the individual.

New interpretation of "Miu Ci".

Based on the record of Miu Ci theory from Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic), and incorporating the relevant discussions of medical scholars from various dynasties, this article interprets and analyzes the Miu Ci technique, the points to be needled, and the diseases can be treated. The following innovative understandings are proposed： 1) The original meaning of "Miu" in Miu Ci is "to prick in a different way from the meridians (needle the major collaterals)", not "needle left and right interchangeably". Needle left and right interchangeably is not a necessary operation in Miu Ci. 2) The stimulation sites of Miu Ci are the "four extremities" of the human body, referred to as the "major collaterals of qi", and the nail bed of the four extremities is not equivalent to the commonly reco-gnized "Jing-well points". 3) Miu Ci can treat critical illnesses, not just limited to musculoskeletal pain or mild conditions at the early stage of a disease. 4) Miu Ci is not equivalent to Luo Ci needling (pricking bloodletting therapy).

Management of Herpes zoster in Ayurveda through Bloodletting therapy along with other Ayurveda treatment: A case study

Herpes zoster is a very painful disease. Generally, it is a unilateral and self-limiting condition. Inappropriate or delayed therapy might make the disease worse and increase the risk of complications such as post-herpetic neuralgia. Age-related immunosuppression and low immunity make people more susceptible to herpes infection and more likely to develop post-herpetic neuralgia (15%). According to Ayurveda, it correlates with visarpa. It is a raktapradoshaj vikara (disease caused by vitiated blood) and primarily a pitta-predominant disease manifesting twaka (skin) so visarpa is one of the major skin diseases. Here we present a case of a 66-year-old female patient with k/c/o HTN and hypothyroidism visited the OPD with symptoms of unilateral onset of blisters on the right side of the back region, the right axillary region, and the medial aspect of the right arm, within 48 hours; along with burning Pain, itching, and sleeplessness due to burning. According to Ayurveda, the patient was clinically diagnosed with pittaj visarpa. Considering pitta dosha and rakta dhatu dusti, raktmokshan was planned as the prime treatment. The patient showed improvement in burning pain after the first setting of raktamokshan. The numeric rating scale revealed that the patient experienced relief in the severity of burning pain (from 8 to 0) and itching (from 5 to 0). Other Ayurveda treatments like pittaghna chikitsa (pitta pacifying) and pradeha (local application) were used. Rapid blister formation stopped within three days of treatment, and after 28 days, all blisters crusted off and a normal skin complexion was achieved. Thus, Ayurvedic treatment was valuable and cost-effective for treating conditions like herpes. Ayurveda protects patient’s immune systems and reduces the chances of post herpetic neuralgia and reinfection.

Selective Application of Blood Glucose Monitoring After Free Flap Surgery: Potential Indications in Real-World Practice.

For free-flap monitoring, physical examination still serves as the criterion standard. Blood glucose measurement (BGM) has been suggested to be useful in identifying flap perfusion status. Nonetheless, its routine use may not be cost-effective in real-world settings. This study aimed to share the experiences of using BGM for flap monitoring and suggest its potential indications. Of cases of free flap reconstruction conducted between March 2017 and May 2021, those using BGM for flap monitoring were reviewed. Blood glucose measurement was selectively conducted for the following specific situations, which included encountering a flap showing a reddish discoloration and/or rapid capillary refilling time in the immediate postoperative period, monitoring discolored flaps after conducting a salvage operation, and conducting bloodletting therapy for salvaging congestive flaps. The clinical course and outcomes were evaluated. Of a total of 203 cases, 35 used BGM for flap monitoring in addition to clinical examination. In 29 cases, BGM was performed to distinguish early hyperemia from true venous insufficiency. All flaps showed BGM greater than 60 mg/dL with a mean value of 115.42, suggesting early hyperemia, and had uneventful postoperative courses. In 3 cases with already discolored flaps after a salvage operation, BGM was conducted 4 times serially every 3 hours and showed a mean value of 81.6 mg/dL with increasing trends. The flaps recovered completely. In the other 3 cases requiring bloodletting therapy, BGM was conducted an average of 11 times at a median interval of 7 hours. The bloodletting therapy was terminated with reference to the value of BGM when it showed greater than 60 mg/dL while the therapy was on hold. All flaps were successfully salvaged except one showing partial necrosis. Blood glucose measurement may be helpful in assessing flap perfusion and decision making in certain clinical situations and may be useful as an ancillary tool for flap monitoring. Selective application of BGM may contribute to achieving optimal outcomes.

Auriculotherapy Modulates Macrophage Polarization to Reduce Inflammatory Response in a Rat Model of Acne.

The inflammatory response is an important part of the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Auriculotherapy has been shown to have a good therapeutic effect on this disease. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effect of auriculotherapy in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Propionibacterium acnes was injected subcutaneously into the ears of rats to establish an animal model of acne. The auriculotherapy intervention in rats consisted of auricular bloodletting therapy (ABT), auricular point sticking (APS), or a combination of both (ABPS). The anti-inflammatory effects of auriculotherapy were evaluated by measuring changes in ear thickness, local body surface microcirculation in the ear, and serum inflammatory factors in rats. The polarization of macrophages was analyzed by flow cytometry, and the expression of TLR2/NF-κB signaling pathway in the target tissues was analyzed using western blot. ABT, APS, and ABPS all reduced the erythema of ear acne, decreased microcirculation in localized ear acne, and decreased serum levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in rats. Meanwhile, the three interventions reduced M1-type macrophages and increased M2-type macrophages; only APS could reduce the expression of TLR2/NF-κB signaling pathway. ABT, APS, and ABPS can improve the inflammatory symptoms of acne and reduce inflammatory cytokines. APS may exert anti-inflammatory effects by altering macrophage polarization and decreasing TLR2/NF-κB expression.

Nursing of a patient with hordeolum treated by ear-apex bloodletting therapy

Nursing of a patient with hordeolum treated by ear-apex bloodletting therapy

Experience of He's three-clear method by stages for herpes zoster on the head and face

The clinical experience of He's three-clear method by stages for herpes zoster on the head and face is summarized. The strong-clear method (blood-letting therapy) combined with mild-clear method (acupuncture with filiform needle) are applied for the acute pain period and subacute pain period of herpes zoster on the head and face. For acute pain period, the bleeding volume should be large (more than 10 mL), and treatment is given once every other day; for the subacute pain period, the bleeding volume should be 5-10 mL, and treatment is given 2-3 times a week. In the chronic pain period, the fire needle of the warm-clear method combined with mild-clear method (acupuncture with filiform needle) are applied for the syndrome of qi-stagnation and blood-stasis, while the warm acupuncture of the warm-clear method combined with mild-clear method (acupuncture with filiform needle) ware applied for the syndrome of qi-deficiency yin-injury blood-stasis.

Nursing of a patient with acute mastitis and breast abscess treated by stone needle therapy combined with pricking and blood-letting therapy

Nursing of a patient with acute mastitis and breast abscess treated by stone needle therapy combined with pricking and blood-letting therapy

Auricular acupoint sticking-pressing and ear-apex bloodletting therapy for a young adult patient with acne of dampness-heat of spleen and stomach type and related nursing management

Auricular acupoint sticking-pressing and ear-apex bloodletting therapy for a young adult patient with acne of dampness-heat of spleen and stomach type and related nursing management

Effect of blood-letting acupuncture and cupping therapy in the treatment of herpes zoster

Effect of blood-letting acupuncture and cupping therapy in the treatment of herpes zoster

Efficacy and Safety of Qinpi Tongfeng Formula Combined with Bloodletting Therapy in the Treatment of Acute Gouty Arthritis: A Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Acute gouty arthritis (AGA) is a common arthritis disease, with the characteristics of acute onset, severe condition, and poor prognosis. The conventional treatments have shown certain curative effects but are accompanied with many adverse reactions. The combination of orally taken Qinpi Tongfeng Formula (QPTFF) and bloodletting therapy could effectively alleviate arthralgia and joint swelling in AGA patients. However, there is a lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the combined therapy against AGA. Methods This is a prospective, randomized, parallel controlled trial conducted in the First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine to explore the efficacy and safety of QPTFF combined with bloodletting therapy in the treatment of AGA. Eighty-six AGA patients meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be randomly divided into the treatment group and control group in a 1 : 1 ratio using a randomization table. The investigators and the patients will not be blinded, while the outcome assessors and statisticians will be blinded to the allocation. Patients in the treatment group will take QPTFF and bloodletting therapy simultaneously, while patients in the control group will be instructed to orally take colchicine tablets. The primary outcome is the total effective rate, and the secondary outcomes are the pain changes after the first treatment, pain scores, complete pain relief time, joint symptom scores, TCM syndrome score, and laboratory test. SPSS22.0 will be used for statistical analysis. Discussion. This study will evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of QPTFF combined with bloodletting therapy in the treatment of AGA, and the results of this study will provide reliable clinical evidence for the clinical use of QPTFF combined with bloodletting in the treatment of AGA. The trial is registered with ChiCTR2100048836.

MULTIPLE VACUUM SYRINGE BLOOD ASPIRATION PROCEDURE (MVSBAP): A NEW HORIZON OF RAKTAMOKSHANA PROCEDURE IN PANCHAKARMA THERAPY OF AYURVEDA

Panchakarma is a specialized branch of Ayurveda that primarily deals with the body's purification (Shodhana) of doshas. As we know, the word Panchakarma refers to five special therapeutic procedures like Vamana, Virechana, Vasti, Nasya and Raktamokshana. Raktamokshana is an effective bloodletting therapy. Classically it is described as of six types, i.e. (1) Shringa, (2) Jalauka, (3) Alabu, (4) Shiravedha, (5) Prachchhana and (6) Ghatiyantra. In the present study, a clinical trial has been done, especially in the disease of Gridhrasi, with particular reference to Sciatica by combining Parchchhana and Ghatiyantra, a modified form of Raktamokshana therapy, called Multiple Vacuum Syringe Blood Aspiration Procedure (MVSBAP). Sciatica is painful neuralgia of the Sciatic Nerve in which pain starts from the gluteal region and buttock and comes down through the back of thigh, knee, calf and outer border of the foot. Sixty patients were selected for the clinical trial using a simple random sampling method from the OPD and IPD of Government Ayurveda College and Hospital, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Two groups are made like Group-A and Group-B, each consisting of 30 patients. Patients of Group-A are treated with only traditional Ayurvedic medicines, and patients of Group-B are treated with MVSBAP and traditional Ayurvedic medication. After one month of final treatment, assessment is done on statistical parameters, which show pretty better results in Group-B patients. The application of MVSBAP in the disease of Gridhrasi draws a new horizon to the ailing humanities.

Clinical observation on holographic meridian scraping therapy combined with auricular bloodletting therapy in treating primary hypertension in the elderly

Clinical observation on holographic meridian scraping therapy combined with auricular bloodletting therapy in treating primary hypertension in the elderly

Effect of Bloodletting Therapy on Patients with Spastic Wrist Dorsiflexion Dysfunction after Stroke

<sec><title>Objective</title> To observe the effect of bloodletting therapy on limb spasticity, wrist dorsiflexion function, surface electromyography, upper limb motor function of patients with spastic wrist dorsiflexion dysfunction after stroke. </sec><sec><title>Methods</title> A total of 70 patients with spastic wrist dorsiflexion dysfunction after stroke in the Peoples Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine were randomly divided into the control group and the experimental group according to the random sequence was generated by SPSS 22.0 software, with 35 cases in each group. The control group received routine medical treatment, rehabilitation treatment and acupuncture therapy. Yangxi (LI 5), Yangchi (TE 4), Daling (PC 7) acupoint of the affected hand were selected for acupuncture treatment, Yangxi (LI 5) acupoint was straightly needled 0.5-0.8 inch, Yangchi (TE 4) and Daling (PC 7) acupoints were straightly needled 0.3-0.5 inch, 30 minutes each time, once a day, five times a week, continous treatment for four weeks. The experimental group was given bloodletting therapy on the basis of routine medical treatment and rehabilitation treatment in the control group. The operation acupoints of bloodletting therapy were the same as those of the control group, once every other day, three times a week, continous treatment for four weeks. Before treatment and after treatment for four weeks, the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) was used to evaluate limb spasticity; passive range of motion (PROM) of wrist dorsiflexion joint was used to evaluate wrist dorsiflexion function; the simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment upper extremity scale (FMA-UE) was used to evaluate upper limb motor function; surface electromyography such as integrated electromyogram (iEMG) and root-mean-square value (RMS) were used to evaluate the functional status of the neuromuscular system on the affected side; the clinical effects of the two groups were compared. </sec><sec><title>Results</title> There was no significant difference in MAS grade, PROM score, iEMG, RMS, and FMA-UE score between the two groups before treatment (<italic>P</italic>>0.05). Compared with before treatment, the MAS grade, iEMG and RMS of the two groups were significantly decreased after treatment, and the PROM score, FMA-UE score were significantly increased (<italic>P</italic><0.05). Compared with the control group, the MAS grade, iEMG and RMS of the experimental group were significantly lower, and the PROM score, FMA-UE score were significantly higher (<italic>P</italic><0.05). There was no significant difference in the total effective rate between two groups (<italic>P</italic>>0.05), while the obvious effective rate of the experimental group was significantly higher than the control group (<italic>P</italic><0.05). </sec><sec><title>Conclusion</title> Bloodletting therapy can improve the spasticity of wrist flexor muscle in patients with spastic wrist dorsiflexion dysfunction after stroke, reduce the abnormal muscle contraction, and improve the passive range of motion of wrist joint and limb motor function. It is worthy of clinical application and promotion. </sec>

Clinical observation on holographic meridian scraping therapy combined with auricular bloodletting therapy in treating primary hypertension in the elderly (全息经络刮痧联合耳尖放血疗法治疗老年高血压病临床观察)

Clinical observation on holographic meridian scraping therapy combined with auricular bloodletting therapy in treating primary hypertension in the elderly (全息经络刮痧联合耳尖放血疗法治疗老年高血压病临床观察)

Ear-tip bloodletting therapy combined with external application of Traditional Chinese Medicine in treating hordeolum at the early stage in a child and related nursing management

Ear-tip bloodletting therapy combined with external application of Traditional Chinese Medicine in treating hordeolum at the early stage in a child and related nursing management

Ear-tip bloodletting therapy combined with external application of Traditional Chinese Medicine in treating hordeolum at the early stage in a child and related nursing management

Ear-tip bloodletting therapy combined with external application of Traditional Chinese Medicine in treating hordeolum at the early stage in a child and related nursing management

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF LICHEN PLANUS: A CASE REPORT

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that most often affects middle-aged adults. LP can involve the skin and mucous membranes; it can significantly affect the quality of life of patients as well. Lichen planus is an autoimmune disorder. In Ayurveda, Lichen planus can be compared to Chramakushtha type of Kush- thavyadhi (~skin disease) which is the presentation of discolouration of the skin. In this study, a case report of lichen planus is being presented. The patient was treated on the lines of Kushthachikitsa with Predominant of dosha, aimed at controlling the vitiated Vata, Kapha, and normalizing the Raktadushti. For this Panchakarma therapy including Virechan (~the purgation) and Raktamokshana(~bloodletting therapy) as the chief treatment modality. On completion of Panchakarma therapy, the case was subjected to three months of Shaman therapy (~oral medication) of GiloySwarasa (~Juice of tinosporacordifolia), SanshamaniVati, Amarsundari Vati, Cap. Max Hb, Avipittikar Chruna, and Syrup Raktadoshantak. The observations made after the treatment through an assessment on various signs and symptoms and Pathyapathya (~Do’s &amp; Don’ts) were advised during the whole treatment. The Ayurvedic treatment was successful and able to save normal skin texture. The patient was first fol- lowed up for a month, after which the signs and symptoms were reduced. No other oral medication was adminis- tered during this follow-up. The patient had been given regular follow up for more than a year without any relaps- es and complications. Keywords: Ayurveda, Charma Kushtha, Kushthachikitsa, Lichen planus.

Effect of blood-letting puncture of "Well-points" on hippocampal mitophagy-related protein expression in rats with acute brain injury due to hypobaric hypoxia

To study the effect of blood-letting puncture at "Well-points" of the twelve meridians on hippocampal mitophagy of hypobaric hypoxia-induced brain injury (HHIBI) rats, so as to explore its biological mechanisms underlying improvement of high altitude hypoxia-induced brain injury. Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group （n=9）， and model and blood-letting groups which were further divided into 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h subgroups (n=9 in each subgroup). The HHIBI model was established by putting the rats into a hypobaric hypoxia chamber (equivalent to 5 000 m above sea level).The blood-letting groups were given blood-letting therapy at "Shaoshang"(LU11), "Shangyang"(LI1), "Zhongchong"(PC9), "Guanchong"(SJ1), "Shaochong"(HT9), "Shaoze"(SI9), once a day for 7 days. H.E. staining was used to observe the histopatholo-gical changes of hippocampus tissue. Serum hypoxia inducible factor(HIF)-1α and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) contents were assayed using ELISA, and the expression levels of hippocampal Beclin-1 and LC3-Ⅱ proteins detected using Western blot. Compared with the normal control group, the levels of serum HIF-1α and VEGF at each time point, and the expressions of hippocampal Beclin-1 at 12 and 24 h, LC3-Ⅱat each time point were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01); while in comparison with the model group, the levels of serum HIF-1α and VEGF contents, and the expressions of Beclin-1 at 12 h, LC3-Ⅱ at 24, 48 and 72 h were further significantly up-regulated in the blood-letting group (P<0.01, P<0.05). H.E. staining revealed that the pyramidal cells in the hippocampal CA1 region had a disordered arrangement, and some of them presented swelling with loose and pale cytoplasm or vacuolation at 6, 12 and 24 h, and showed indistinct nucleolus, irregular shape, pyknosis and deep staining and an obvious edema at 48 and 72 h, which was relatively milder in the blood-letting group. Blood-letting of "Well-points" can up-regulate serum HIF-1α and VEGF contents and hippocampal Beclin-1 and LC3-Ⅱ (mitophagy related proteins) expressions in HHIBI rats, which may contribute to its effect in reducing hypoxic brain injury.

Clinical observation of acupuncture bloodletting at Ashi points on local swelling and pain after snakebite: 阿是穴针刺放血治疗蛇伤局部肿痛临床疗效观察

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical therapeutic effect of acupuncture bloodletting therapy on local swelling and pain of snakebite in the patients bitten by snakes. MethodsA total of 106 patients with trimeresurus stejnegeri bite were randomly divided into two groups, a conventional treatment group and a conventional treatment combined with bloodletting therapy group, 53 cases in each one. In the conventional treatment group, the convention treatment of western medicine was adopted. In the conventional treatment combined with bloodletting therapy group, on the base of the conventional treatment, bloodletting therapy was applied at Ashi points selected at the tender points around the wound. The intervention and observation were performed not less than 7 days in two groups. Before and after treatment, swelling and pain degrees were measured and remission time of both the limb swelling and pain were recorded in the patients. ResultsCompared with the values on day 1 of treatment, swelling degree and visual analogue scale (VAS) score of the upper and lower limbs were all lower on day 3 and day 7 of treatment in the patients of the two groups (all P < 0.05). Compared with the conventional treatment group, swelling degree and VAS score of the upper and lower limbs were all lower in the values of the conventional treatment combined with bloodletting therapy group on day 3 and day 7 of treatment respectively (all P < 0.05). The remission time of either limb swelling or pain in the patients of the conventional treatment combined with bloodletting therapy group was shorter than the conventional treatment group respectively (both P < 0.05). ConclusionAcupuncture bloodletting therapy can effectively relieve the local swelling and pain caused by snakebite, promote the recovery of limb function, shorten the treatment course and improve the clinical therapeutic effect.