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Woman in China rushed to hospital after 2 years of regular ‘healthy’ TCM bloodletting treatments spark severe anaemia

  • She believes procedure protects body against effects of hot, humid climate
  • Suffers damaged veins, dizziness, fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath

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A woman in China had to be rushed to hospital suffering from severe anaemia due to the long term effects of two year’s worth of traditional bloodletting and cupping treatments. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock
Yating Yangin Beijing

A woman in China had to undergo emergency hospital treatment for severe anaemia after spending two years having bloodletting and cupping treatments at a wellness centre.

The woman, surnamed Jin, an advocate of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) from Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, southeastern China, started having the treatments believing they would optimise her health.

The procedure combines two established therapies, acupuncture and cupping and involves the insertion of very fine needles, followed by placing cups on the skin to create suction.

Used for a range of ailments, including neck, shoulder and back pain, colds and digestive issues, as well as for enhancing general health, the process is thought to boost circulation and improve organ function.

Over the last six months, the woman stepped up her bloodletting sessions to once a week, which meant she was losing a significant amount of blood each month. Photo: Baidu
Over the last six months, the woman stepped up her bloodletting sessions to once a week, which meant she was losing a significant amount of blood each month. Photo: Baidu

Jin believed the therapies were particularly effective in protecting her against the effects Wenzhou’s hot and humid climate.

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