Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Blood-letting is an old medical practice where blood is drawn from a patient to cure or prevent illness and disease. It was believed that removing blood would balance the humors and promote health.
Related terms
Leeching: A method of blood-letting where leeches are applied to the skin to suck out 'bad' blood.
Phlebotomy: The practice of drawing blood for therapeutic purposes or medical testing.
Venesection: A type of blood-letting that involves cutting a vein, often with a lancet.