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Dazhui (GV14), Jianwaishu (SI14), Fengmen (BL12): Apply fire cupping for suction for 15 minutes.

Fengchi (GB20), Waiguan (TE5): Use plum-blossom needle to tap until bleeding occurs.

[Attached Formula]

Lieque (LU7), Guanchong (TE1): Use a three-edged needle to prick until bleeding occurs.

Jianbing (Extra), Shenzhu (GV12), Dazhu (BL11): Apply fire cupping for suction for 15 minutes.

Shoulder region, posterior neck: Use plum-blossom needle to tap until bleeding occurs.

[Folk Formula]

At Zhongzhu (TE3) acupoint, use a three-edged needle to prick, then squeeze out blood with two fingers.

[Ancient Formula]

At Juegu (GB39) and Shaoze (SI1) acupoints, use a three-edged needle to prick until bleeding occurs.

[Case Report]

Xi XX, Male, 31 years old, member of Xi Gelao Brigade, Kangjiadu, Pengxi County, Sichuan Province. First consultation on January 25, 1983.

Chief Complaint: Neck discomfort upon waking up in the morning, pain when turning the head.

Symptoms: Neck stiffness, inability to turn the head.

Diagnosis: Stiff neck (Acute cervical sprain).

Treatment Principle: Expel wind-cold, unblock meridians.

Treatment Method: Push and knead the shoulder and neck area with hands. Prick Zhongzhu (TE3) acupoint with a three-edged needle and squeeze out blood with two fingers. Then press this acupoint with fingers while the patient shakes their head. Additionally, apply moving cupping (gliding cupping) on the shoulder and neck area for 10 times. The patient recovered immediately after the procedure.

Twelve. Sprains and Contusions

Sprains and contusions refer to injuries of the sinews and vessels in the joints of the four limbs or the trunk, causing obstruction of Jing-Qi (Meridian Qi) circulation and stagnation of Qi and Blood locally. They are mostly caused by strenuous exercise, improper lifting, forceful twisting, pulling, compression, or accidental falls and twists that damage the sinews and joints. They often recur due to invasion of Wind, Heat, Cold, and Dampness pathogens.

[Treatment]

(I) Shoulder Region

Jianyu (LI15), Jianzhen (SI9): Use a three-edged needle to prick until bleeding occurs.

Naoshu (SI16), Jianliao (TE14): Apply fire cupping for suction for 15 minutes.

Dazhui (GV14), Shoulder region: Use plum-blossom needle to tap until bleeding occurs.

(II) Elbow Region

Quchi (LI11), Xiaohai (SI8): Use a three-edged needle to prick until bleeding occurs.

Chize (LU5): Apply fire cupping for suction for 10 minutes.

Sanyangluo (TE6), Xiabai (LU2), Tianjing (TE10): Use plum-blossom needle to tap until bleeding occurs.

(III) Wrist Region

Yangchi (TE4), Shaoze (SI1): Use a three-edged needle to prick until bleeding occurs.

Affected wrist area: Apply fire cupping for suction for 10 minutes.

Yangxi (LI5), Hegu (LI4), Wanggu (SI4): Use plum-blossom needle to tap until bleeding occurs.

(IV) Lumbar Region

Guanyuanshu (BL23), Weizhong (BL40): Use a three-edged needle to prick until bleeding occurs.

Shenshu (BL23), Yaoyangguan (GV3): Apply fire cupping for suction for 20 minutes.

Lumbar region: Use plum-blossom needle to tap until bleeding occurs.

(V) Thigh Region

Zhibian (BL54), Qiaoyin (GB11): Use a three-edged needle to prick until bleeding occurs.

Huantiao (GB30), Chengfu (BL36): Apply fire cupping for suction for 20 minutes.

Huantiao (GB30): Use plum-blossom needle to tap until bleeding occurs.

(VI) Knee Region

Yanglingquan (GB34), Liangqiu (ST34): Use a three-edged needle to prick until bleeding occurs.

Yangguan (Extra), Ququan (LR8): Apply fire cupping for suction for 15 minutes.

Knee region: Use plum-blossom needle to tap until bleeding occurs.

(VII) Ankle Region

Kunlun (BL60), Qiuxu (GB40): Use a three-edged needle to prick until bleeding occurs.

Yongquan (KI1): Apply fire cupping for suction for 10 minutes.

Ankle region: Use plum-blossom needle to tap until bleeding occurs.

[Folk Formula]

For any areas mentioned above with blood stasis, perform collateral pricking (using a three-edged needle or plum-blossom needle) followed by cupping to induce bleeding.

[Case Report]

Wang, Female, 28 years old, athlete of the basketball team of the Commercial Bureau, Hechuan County, Chongqing Municipality. First consultation on March 19, 1983.

Symptoms: Redness, swelling, heat, and tenderness with refusal to be pressed in the left ankle.

Diagnosis: Left ankle sprain.

Treatment Principle: Reduce swelling, relieve pain, invigorate blood.

Treatment Method: At the site of the left ankle sprain, prick with a three-edged needle and apply fire cupping for suction for 5 minutes to bleed; the blood was dark purple-black. External application medicine: Raw Rhubarb (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) 2g, Loofah Network (Luffae Fructus Retinervus) 10g, Raw White Part of Scallion (Allii Fistulosi Bulbus) 8g, Fresh Ginger (Zingiberis Recens Rhizoma) 4g. After 3 days, puncture again; the blood became purplish-red, and the dressing was changed. After two treatments, the sprain healed.

Chapter 6 Excerpts of Effective Formulas from Ancient and Folk Bloodletting Therapies

Section 1 Bloodletting Formulas for Head and Neck Diseases

If both eyes are red, swollen, painful, intolerable, sensitive to light, and causing inner anxiety, only prick Jingming (BL1) and Yutou (Taiyang, EX-HN5) acupoints; bleeding from Taiyang will naturally subside the disease.

If eye pain suddenly causes blood to fill the eyeball, making it difficult to open due to sensitivity to light and dryness, one must prick Taiyang (EX-HN5) to bleed; the disease will subside without using a golden knife.

If Heart Fire flares upward causing red eyes, pricking Yingxiang (LI20) can unblock it; after extracting toxic blood, the bones of the eye will feel cool, showing efficacy.

Neiyingxiang (EX-HN9) consists of two acupoints located in the nostrils. Insert reed leaves or bamboo leaves into the nasal cavity; bleeding is ideal. If not cured, prick Hegu (LI4) again (from *Zhenjiu Dacheng · Yulong Ge*).

Bleeding from Yingxiang (LI20) is miraculous for red eyes; for mouth and tongue ulcers, target the sublingual orifices. Pricking the purple veins on both sides of the tongue with a three-edged needle is effective (from *Yixue Rumen*).

Dongyuan said: Bleeding from Taiyang and Yangming meridians clarifies vision. Since these meridians have abundant blood but scarce Qi, eye cataracts and red pain start from the inner canthus. Pricking Jingming (BL1) and Cuanzhu (BL2) dissipates the heat of Taiyang (from *Zhenjiu Juying*).

Cuanzhu: Located in the depression at the inner ends of the eyebrows. *Su Zhu* states: Needle 2 fen, retain for 6 breaths, moxa 3 moxibustions. *Tong Ren* prohibits moxibustion, needles 1 fen, retains for 3 breaths, reduces with 3 inhalations, withdraws slowly. It is suitable to prick with a fine three-edged needle to dissipate heat; pricking three times greatly brightens the eyes. *Ming Tang* suggests pricking 3 fen with a fine three-edged needle to bleed, moxa 1 moxibustion (from *Zhenjiu Dacheng*).

When the Crown Prince of Guo suffered from corpse-like fainting (Shijue), Bian Que selected Sanyang Wuhui (Baihui, GV20), and after a short while, the prince revived. When Emperor Gaozong of Tang had a headache, Qin Minghe said, "It is advisable to prick Baihui (GV20) to bleed." Empress Wu said, "How can there be bleeding from the head of the Supreme Sovereign?" Subsequently, they pricked him; slight bleeding occurred, and he recovered immediately (from *Zhenjiu Dacheng*).

(Miraculous Formula for Treating Throat Swelling) Look for red spots on the patient's head; prick them externally with a needle to cure (from *Liangpeng Huiji*).

Throat Bi (Sore throat): Find red bumps on the head, prick them with a needle to cure (from *Chuanyi Waibian · Zhen Famen*).

Ear Tip (Erjian, EX-HN2): Fold the ear wing to locate the tip. Mainly treats trachoma and eye membranes. Moxa 5 moxibustions. For chronic eye diseases, if eyes are red and swollen, bloodletting is applicable (from *Zhenjiu Jingwai Qixue Zhiliao Jue*).

Bleeding from the posterior auricular vein treats eye diseases, effectively curing red and painful eyes; this is also a branch of the Zhenmai meridian (from *Fuzhou Minjian Zhenjiu Jingyan Lu*).

Red Eyes. Eyes are red, swollen, painfully intolerable, sensitive to light, causing inner anxiety. Only prick Jingming (BL1) and Yutou (Taiyang, EX-HN5); bleeding from Taiyang cures the disease completely (from *Bianque Shenying Zhenjiu Yulong Jing*).

Taiyang (EX-HN5) consists of two acupoints located in the depression behind the eyebrows on the purple veins. It treats eye redness/swelling and headaches; bleeding with a three-edged needle is appropriate. To induce bleeding, tightly wrap a silk cloth around the neck so the purple veins appear, then prick until blood flows for immediate cure. Alternatively, tightly twist the collar to reveal the purple veins, then prick until blood flows for immediate cure (from *Qixiao Liangxue*).

Bizhun (EX-HN10): Located at the tip of the nasal bridge. Specifically treats rhinophyma (alcohol nose); bleeding with a three-edged needle is appropriate (from *Zhenjiu Dacheng*).

Bizhun (EX-HN10): Located at the tip of the nasal bridge. Bleeding with a three-edged needle treats rhinophyma (from *Zhenjiu Xuequ Suoyin*).

Throat Closure (Houbi): Soak bamboo paper with croton seeds until full, make a paper wick, light it, and smoke the throat with the smoke to expel bad blood and resolve the condition. Or prick into the throat to release purple blood for cure. Since throat diseases originating from the Six Fu Organs are accessible, probing and pricking the throat blood resolves it (from *Zhunwai Bian · Xun Famen*).

Eye Heat. Heart Fire flares upward causing red eyes; insert reed leaves into the nose. If blood comes out, it is truly excellent, and coolness inside the eyes shows miraculous effects. Neiyingxiang (EX-HN9) is inside the nostrils; roll reed leaves or bamboo leaves and insert them into the nose. Bleeding is good; if not cured, prick Hegu (LI4) again (from *Bianque Shenying Zhenjiu Yulong Jing*).

Neiyingxiang (EX-HN9), Extra Acupoint. Located at the upper end of the nostrils. Lightly prick with a long three-edged needle or thick needle to bleed. Old methods suggest inserting a reed tube into the nose to bleed. Mainly treats sudden acute red, swollen, and painful eyes (from *Zhenjiu Kongxue Ji Qili Fa Bianlan*).

Bihuan (EX-HN11): Located where the crescent-shaped wrinkle of the nasal ala meets the face. Treats carbuncles and rhinophyma. Needle 2 fen, allow slight bleeding, no moxibustion (from *Zhenjiu Jingwai Qixue Zhiliao Jue*).

Bihuan (EX-HN11), Extra Acupoint. Located at the middle of the crescent-shaped wrinkle between the ear and nose, meeting the face. Needle 2 fen, allow slight bleeding. Treats rhinophyma, carbuncles; also treats facial cellulitis (from *Zhenjiu Kongxue Ji Qili Fa Bianlan*).

Shang'e Acupoint: Located inside the mouth on the red and white pulse line of the upper palate. Needle 3 fen, treats leech jaundice and seasonal diseases (from *Beiji Qianjin Yaofang*).

Juquan (EX-HN15), one acupoint, is on the tongue, at the center. When the tongue is extended, there is a straight groove/fissure here. ... Treats tongue coating and stiff tongue; use a small needle to bleed (from *Zhenjiu Dacheng*).

Haiquan (CV23), located on the central vein under the tongue, treats Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst Syndrome). Needle to bleed (from *Leijing Tuyi*).

Haiquan (CV23), one acupoint, is located at the center under the tongue. Treats Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst Syndrome). Bleed with a three-edged needle (from *Zhenjiu Dacheng*).

On the sublingual frenulum, slightly posterior to the midpoint between Jinjin (EX-HN15) and Yuye (EX-HN16), needle 2 fen, bleed. Treats Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst Syndrome) and hiccups (from *Zhongguo Zhenjiu Xue*).

To treat sudden tongue swelling, where the tongue fills the mouth like an inflated pig bladder, blocking breathing, which kills if not treated promptly: Prick the large veins on both sides under the tongue to bleed. Do not prick the central vein below, as continuous bleeding will kill. If not cured and several sheng of blood are lost; then heat an iron comb until red, cauterize the wound several times to stop bleeding (from *Beiji Qianjin Yaofang*).

To treat tongue stiffness and swelling like a pig bladder, prick the large veins on both sides under the tongue; bleeding stops the swelling. Do not prick the central vein, as it causes uncontrollable bleeding leading to death. Alternatively, burn a copper wire and cauterize; if bleeding continues, it is fatal. Or apply vinegar mixed with soot from the bottom of a pot. Apply repeatedly until the tongue subsides quickly. Many people do not recognize this condition; failure to treat leads to death (from *Shiyi Dexiao Fang*).

The acupoints on the purple veins on both sides under the tongue are located here; curl the tongue to access them. Treat double tongue (swollen tongue) pain and throat closure; boil a three-edged needle in water and bleed (from *Zhenjiu Dacheng*).

Left Jinjin (EX-HN15), Right Yuye (EX-HN16), located on the purple veins on both sides under the tongue. Treats Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst Syndrome), mouth ulcers, tongue swelling, and throat Bi (sore throat). Bleed with a three-edged needle (from *Leijing Tuyi*).

All new cases of muteness are necessarily due to a stiff tongue. Jinjin (EX-HN15) and Yuye (EX-HN16) are located under the tongue, commonly known as two major blood vessels. It is essential to pierce the vessels until blood appears (from *Zhenfa Xuedao Ji*).

Jinjin (EX-HN15) and Yuye (EX-HN16) are on the veins on both sides of the midline of the sublingual frenulum in the mouth. The left is named Jinjin, the right Yuye. Treats mouth ulcers, glossitis, Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst Syndrome), tonsillitis, intestinal colic, and throat Bi. Needle 2 fen to bleed (from *Zhenjiu Jingwai Qixue Zhiliao Jue*).

Jinjin Yuye, Extra Acupoints. Located on the veins on both sides of the midline of the sublingual frenulum. The left is Jinjin, the right Yuye. Curl the tongue to access. Needle 2-3 fen (to bleed), or use a small three-edged needle to bleed. Treats mouth ulcers, glossitis, tonsillitis, Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst Syndrome); some say it also treats double tongue and throat closure (from *Zhenjiu Kongxue Ji Qili Fa Bianlan*).

Double Tongue (Chongshe): Prick the lingual pillar with a Pai needle (from *Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing*).

A small tongue growing under the main tongue is called Double Tongue (Chongshe). The lingual pillar refers to the tendon under the tongue like a pillar. One should use the fifth needle, called the Pi needle (scalpel), to prick it (from *Leijing*).

Inside the Lips: Treats Liver disease, gingivitis, lockjaw, halitosis, stomatitis, cheek swelling, and leech jaundice. Needling method: Bleed with a three-edged needle (from *Zhenjiu Jingwai Qixue Tupu*).

One cun medial to the corner of the mouth entering the buccinator muscle, needle 2 fen, bleed. Treats mouth canker, gingival ulceration, and jaundice (from *Zhongguo Zhenjiu Xue*).

Mian Baye (Facial Eight Evils): Chengguang (GV7) is located on the anterior head, 2.5 cun above the anterior hairline, 1.5 cun lateral to the midline of the vertex, totaling two acupoints. Heliao (SI18) is located on the face, directly below the outer edge of the alae nasi, level with the upper 1/3 point of the philtrum, totaling two acupoints. Renying (ST9) is located in the neck, within the carotid triangle, at the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, level with the upper border of the thyroid cartilage, totaling two acupoints. Treats Leprosy (Lifeng). Needling method: Bleed with a Bian stone (from *Zhenjiu Jingwai Qixue Tupu*).

Ear Tip Bloodletting: Treats conjunctivitis (red eye). Method: Pierce the epidermis at the ear tip and squeeze out a drop of blood; after bloodletting, the patient feels reduced pain and itching. Ear acupuncture can also be applied to the earlobe and center of the earlobe, retaining needles for 30 minutes (from *Weisheng Yu Jiankang Bao*).

Hanlian Tincture combined with Seven-Star Needle for Alopecia Areata

Treated 11 cases, 10 cured, 1 effective; course of treatment approx. 1-3 months. Drug preparation: Eclipta Herba (Hanliancao) 20g, steamed for 20 minutes, cooled, soaked in 200ml of 75% alcohol (3 days in winter/spring, 2 days in summer/autumn), then filtered. Usage: Apply to affected area until dry, lightly tap with seven-star needle until skin is flushed. Initially apply medicine 3 times daily, tap 2 times. When new hair grows, reduce to applying medicine 2 times daily, tapping 1 time (from *Shanghai Zhongyi Zazhi*).

Tooth decay: Prick Hand-Yangming meridians; if ineffective, prick the vessels entering the teeth, immediate relief (from *Neijing · Miuci Lun*).

Throat Bi (Sore throat): Prick the crease at the nail of the little finger of the Hand-Shaoyin meridian, extract blood equivalent to three soybeans, prick alternately left and right; avoid alcohol, wheat, and toxic foods (from *Beiji Qianjin Yaofang*).

Clinical Observation of Well-Acupoint Pricking for Acute Tonsillitis

Treated 30 cases, satisfactory results. Method: Prick Shaoshang (LU11), Shangyang (LI1), and Guanchong (TE1) with a three-edged needle, squeeze out 2-3 drops of blood; optionally combine with needling Tianrong (SI17), Hegu (LI4), or Neiting (ST44), Quchi (LI11), retain needles for 10-30 minutes, manipulate intermittently (from *Shanghai Zhongyiyao Zazhi*).

Observation of Transcutaneous Needling of Facial Acupoints, Cupping, and Oral Qianzheng San for Facial Paralysis (150 Cases)

In addition to needling acupoints, bleed at Dazhui (GV14) (mainly for central facial paralysis). After removing needles, apply fire cupping for 10 minutes, then prepare oral Qianzheng San, decoct and take one dose daily after dinner. Treated 150 cases; results: Peripheral type - 66 cured, 44 basically cured, 33 significantly improved; Central type - 5 improved, 2 ineffective. Total effective rate 98.7% (from *Henan Zhongyi*).

Observation of Bloodletting at Taiyang Acupoint for Hypertension Headache

Treatment Method: Main acupoints are Taiyang (EX-HN5, bilateral) and Yintang (EX-HN3). Add Cuanzhu (BL2, bilateral) for frontal headache; add Baihui (GV20) and Sibashong (EX-HN1, bilateral) for vertex headache; add Fengchi (GB20, bilateral) for neck stiffness; add Touwei (ST8, bilateral) for dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus. Prick each acupoint about 0.2 cm deep with a bloodletting needle or three-edged needle, allowing 5-6 drops of blood per acupoint. For robust patients with severe headaches, up to 10+ drops. Once daily or every other day, 10 sessions per course. Results: In this group of 50 cases, 13 basically cured, 17 markedly effective, 16 effective, 4 ineffective; total effective rate 92%. Simultaneously observed 30 cases treated with Chinese medicine (total effective rate 70%) and 30 cases treated with Western medicine (total effective rate 67%). Comparison shows this group is superior (from *Zhongguo Zhenjiu*).

Pricking Therapy for Posterior Cervical Folliculitis

Find dark brown spots near the affected area that fade upon pressure, varying in size, as pricking points. Cut 3-5 muscle fibers, then prick 5-7 times with light, medium, or heavy techniques (tolerable limit). Once every 3 days, change 2-3 new pricking points each time. Attached case: A patient ineffective after 2 months of penicillin was cured in 3 sessions using this method, with no recurrence during over a year of follow-up (from *Henan Zhongyi*).

Needle Pricking and Mustard Plaster for Facial Paralysis (112 Cases)

After rinsing the oral cavity with 30% boric acid water, on the paralyzed side along the mandibular line, identify 3 pricking points corresponding to the second molar and 0.3-0.5 cm anterior/posterior to it, and 3 more points 0.5-1.0 cm above/below these. Sparrow-peck prick each point 20-30 times from shallow to deep, rinse mouth after bleeding. Mix 20-30g mustard powder with warm water into a paste, spread on gauze 0.5cm thick, apply between Dicang (ST4), Jiache (ST6), and Xiaguan (ST7) acupoints, remove after 20-24 hours. Results: 79 cured, 22 improved, 11 ineffective (from *Zhonghua Liliao Zazhi*).

Regarding "Running Horse Throat Bi" (rapidly progressing sore throat), life and death depend on a flip of the hand; bleeding via Bian stone pricking cures the disease. When treating a woman with wooden tongue swelling filling the mouth, use sharp, small Pai needles to prick 5-7 times; it took three days to subside, and the blood loss amounted to nearly a bushel (from *Zhenjiu Juying*).

Sudden redness, swelling, and itching at the eye corner is called "Stealing Eye Needle". On the back at the Gao Huang (BL43) acupoint, beside the third thoracic vertebra, there are red spots; prick them with a needle to cure. If not pricked, burning with rush pith cures it. If no spots are seen, frequently scrape with the back of a wooden comb until red spots appear (from *Yanfang Xinbian*).

Stye (Hordeolum): Located on the dorsal midline, 3 cun lateral to the left and right, between the spinous processes of the 4th and 5th thoracic vertebrae, near red spots. Two acupoints total. Selection: Red spots near Gao Huang (BL43). Treatment: Hordeolum. Acupuncture/Moxibustion: Prick the red spot, or moxa with moxa stick for 5-10 minutes (from *Zhenjiu Jingwai Qixue Tupu*).

Ba Guan Da Ci (Eight Passages Great Pricking): Treats unbearable eye pain threatening to burst; must prick the spaces between the ten fingers to bleed for cure (from *Jingyue Quanshu*).

Severe fever, day and night incessant: Prick between the ten fingers to bleed, called Ba Guan Da Ci. For eye diseases, eye pain threatening to burst, redness: Greatly prick Ba Guan (from *Baoming Ji*).

Ba Xie (Eight Evils): Located on the dorsum of the hand, between the heads of adjacent metacarpals when the hand is clenched. Between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal heads is also called Da Du; between 2nd and 3rd is Shang Du; between 3rd and 4th is Zhong Du; between 4th and 5th is Xia Du. Treats Head Wind, toothache, arm/hand redness/swelling, Bi syndrome. Needling: Needle 1-2 fen, or bleed (from *Zhenjiu Jingwai Qixue Tupu*).

Needling Taixi (KI3) to Treat Throat Bi

Lei Quanshan once treated a man with Throat Bi, pricking Taixi (KI3) to extract half a cup of black blood, resulting in cure (from *Jiyin Gangmu*).

Bloodletting at the Posterior Auricular Area to Treat Throat Swelling (Hou'e)