The practice of bloodletting was well-known by the time of Hippocrates, in the fifth century B.C.

It was a central part of the medical canon by the Middle Ages, where it was practiced by both surgeons, and barbers. The tradition can be seen today in the red (blood) and white (cloth tourniquet) striped pole in front of barber shops.

George Washington died after a threat infection was treated by draining nine pints of his blood.

About 150 years ago, bloodletting was declared quakery, and died out.

Or did it?

Chris Shelton, a Medical Qigong Therapist (MQT) from the Morning Crane Healing Arts Center in California does blood letting on Cung Le’s foot, which is so damaged a quick survey of the Triginometric literature not even find a word to describe it.