Bloodletting in Munich with medical assessment

In bloodletting, a set amount of blood is taken from a vein, usually in the arm. Technically this is similar to a blood donation. The body quickly replaces the lost fluid. Red blood cells and iron, by contrast, are rebuilt over a longer period. Bloodletting is one of the oldest methods in medicine. In naturopathy it is among the so-called eliminative methods. To be distinguished from this is bloodletting as part of modern medicine. For certain blood disorders and for pathological iron overload it is a recognised, guideline-based treatment. You should keep these two forms apart if you are thinking about bloodletting.

The roots of bloodletting go back to antiquity. Its basis was the theory of the four humours: according to this idea, illness arises when the body's fluids fall out of balance. Bloodletting was meant to remove an excess. In medieval monastic medicine it was widespread, including in the healing tradition of Hildegard von Bingen. The theory of the four humours is considered scientifically outdated today. Nevertheless, bloodletting is used in naturopathy, linked to the idea of relieving the circulation and stimulating the body's own regulation processes. Prof. Schulte-Uebbing has engaged with Traditional Western Medicine for many years and has published numerous contributions on it.

For some conditions, bloodletting is a fixed part of conventional treatment. These include certain blood disorders in which the body produces too many red blood cells. They also include disorders of iron metabolism in which too much iron is deposited in the body. Here the benefit is well documented. Diagnosis, monitoring and treatment belong in the hands of specialist doctors, usually in haematology or internal medicine. If corresponding blood values stand out at our practice, we raise it openly. We then recommend appropriate specialist assessment instead of carrying out naturopathic bloodletting.

Bloodletting puts strain on the circulation. Dizziness, a feeling of weakness, a drop in blood pressure up to and including fainting, and bruising at the puncture site are possible. In isolated cases infections or nerve irritation can occur. Repeated bloodletting can lead to iron deficiency and anaemia. We therefore check your blood values and circulation beforehand. In cases of anaemia, iron deficiency, low blood pressure, severe heart disease and during pregnancy and breastfeeding, we generally advise against it. If you take blood-thinning medication, please tell us beforehand. Previous circulation reactions during blood draws are also important to us.

Come well rested and not on an empty stomach. Drink enough beforehand, as you would before a blood donation. After bloodletting you should stand up slowly, drink plenty and take it easy for the rest of the day. Avoid sport, sauna and heavy physical work on that day. Whether you should drive yourself afterwards, we discuss with you beforehand. You can reach our practice by U-Bahn and S-Bahn via Marienplatz and Odeonsplatz in a few minutes' walk. If you feel dizzy or unwell after bloodletting, please contact us.