Significance of Blood-letting
Blood-letting, also referred to as Raktamokshana, is a traditional Ayurvedic practice involving the intentional withdrawal of blood to treat various health conditions. This therapeutic procedure aims to reduce toxicity, balance the doshas, and remove impurities from the bloodstream, particularly when Pitta humor is dominant. Methods such as leech therapy and bloodletting through incisions are utilized for ailments like chronic piles, skin diseases, and complications arising from vitiated blood. Careful application is essential to prevent excessive blood loss.
Synonyms: Bloodletting, Phlebotomy, Venesection, Blood extraction
In Dutch: Aderlating; In Finnish: Verenvuodatus; In Spanish: Flebotomía; In German: Aderlass; In Swedish: Åderlåtning; In Malay: Membiarkan darah
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Blood-letting'
In Buddhism, blood-letting may symbolize ritualistic practices among Bhikkhus, reflecting a deeper connection to physical sacrifice or purification, emphasizing the spiritual journey and the shedding of attachments in pursuit of enlightenment.
From: Vinaya (3): The Cullavagga
(1) The act of letting blood, mentioned in the context of the Bhikkhus’ practices, possibly relating to rituals or symbolic actions.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Blood-letting'
Blood-letting in Hinduism is a traditional therapeutic practice involving the removal of blood to treat various conditions, particularly those linked to imbalances in bodily humors like Pitta and Vata, and is classified under Raktamokshana techniques.
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) It should be prescribed with due consideration to the nature and intensity of the aggravated Doshas involved in the case.[2] (2) A traditional medical practice involving the removal of blood to treat various conditions, particularly in the mouth.[3] (3) The practice of drawing blood, often used as a treatment for various diseases including erysipelas.[4] (4) The process of drawing blood as a treatment method for conditions like Arumshika.[5] (5) A medical practice referred to as a remedy for diseases of the ear-lobes, thought to alleviate symptoms by drawing blood.[6]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Jalaukavacharana (this by medicinal leech) - Both forehead and palpebral conjunctiva of upper and lower eyelid of each eye (one sitting in each side).[7] (2) Blood letting is a process used in Siravyadha, and was used to remove vitiated blood, with the aim of improving circulation to the affected area, which can help in the regeneration of tissues.[8] (3) This is a therapy that can be practiced in inflammatory, suppurative, and painful conditions to relieve pain and inhibit suppuration, as described in Sushruta Samhita.[9] (4) This is an ancient and important para-surgical procedure used in the treatment of diseases caused by vitiated blood. It is a key treatment for the management of vitiated blood.[10] (5) This refers to the practice of removing blood from the body, which is mentioned as part of the general treatment for Mooshika Visha, often performed at the bite site to help remove the poison.[11]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) A medical practice mentioned in the text, which refers to the withdrawal of blood from specific areas of the body as a treatment method.[12] (2) A therapeutic practice involving the removal of blood from the body, utilized as part of the treatment for Pittaja Abhishyanda.[13] (3) A therapeutic procedure involving the intentional withdrawal of blood, used historically for treatment purposes.[14] (4) A medical procedure that may be employed in cases of elevated and unshifting Gulma to alleviate symptoms.[15] (5) A traditional therapeutic technique involving the removal of blood to alleviate certain conditions, including head ailments.[16]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) The practice of removing blood from the body as a therapeutic measure, employed in the treatment of various conditions, including those with swellings.[17] (2) A therapeutic method used to remove vitiated blood from the body, particularly for conditions provoked by either Vata, Pitta, or Kapha.[18] (3) A therapeutic practice involving the removal of blood to treat various health conditions, especially those related to impurities in the blood.[19] (4) A treatment approach for conditions where Pitta humor is predominant, aimed at reducing toxicity.[20] (5) A therapeutic method for chronic piles aimed at removing excessive vitiated blood from the affected area.[21]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 5: Kalpasthana
(1) A technique involved in treatment where blood is drawn from the body to reduce the effects of poison.[22] (2) A medical practice where veins are opened to let out blood, recommended as a remedy for eliminating snake poison.[23]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) A medical procedure involving the withdrawal of blood from a patient, used to treat certain conditions.[24]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 3: Sharirasthana
(1) The process of removing blood from a patient, which should be performed with care to avoid excessive loss.[25]
From: Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine
(1) This is a therapeutic practice within the context of Yakrddalyudara treatment, which can be administered on the left arm of the patient.[26]
The concept of Blood-letting in local and regional sources
Blood-letting in the context of the Boer War emphasizes the war's devastation and its toll on the population. Additionally, it is associated with cleansing procedures in rasayana treatments, showcasing its varied implications in health and conflict.
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Blood-letting is a procedure which is a part of the preliminary cleansing procedures in rasayana treatments, and it is mentioned in the provided text.[27]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) The writer refers to blood-letting in the context of the Boer war, highlighting the war's destructive nature and its impact on the population.[28]
The concept of Blood-letting in scientific sources
Blood-letting, also known as Raktamokshana, is a traditional Ayurvedic practice. It involves removing blood to balance doshas, treat skin conditions, and other ailments. Various methods like Siravedha and leech therapy are employed. Careful management is needed to maintain health.