A History of Indian Medical Literature v1.c23.73

v1.c23.73

Bloodletting (raktavisrāvaṇa) constitutes the next subject.¹⁵⁴ Contra-indications are mentioned first (14.24).¹⁵⁵ There are two kinds of bloodletting by means of sharp instruments:¹⁵⁶ pracchāna (scarification)¹⁵⁷ and sirāvyadhana (venepuncture or phlebotomy)¹⁵⁸ (14.25). The technique is described (14.26).¹⁵⁹ The causes of an insufficient flow of blood are dealt with (14.27–28), followed by the symptoms in such a case (14.29). The causes and symptoms of an excessive flow are described too (14.30). Proper bloodletting, its effects and advantages are discussed (14.31–34). Powders to increase the blood flow, styptics (raktasthāpana)¹⁶⁰ and other methods of checking the bleeding are described (14.35–36), followed by dietary instructions (14.37–38).