Indeed, the beneficial effects of acupuncture may be only those of suggestion, distraction, and other psychological effects. This acupuncture body model, imported from China, maps the myriad acu-points and meridians used in this system of medicine. Return to the top. Return to the top. Bloodletting From ancient times and among various cultures, bloodletting has been used as a primary form of medical treatment.
Leeches are annelid worms that inhabit fresh water.
They are injurious to animals and people from whom they suck blood. They attach themselves by means of their strong mouth adapted to sucking. It is still used for some medical purposes and is a source of the anticoagulant, hirudin. It could also be removed by suction using a bloodletting cup in which was burned a small amount of alcohol to create a vacuum. Return to the top.