While the use of special points and synergistic needling (dao ma) are hallmarks of Master Tung’s Acupuncture, any discussion of his approach is incomplete without mention of his bloodletting therapy. Especially in chronic, severe, or difficult cases that do not respond well to acupuncture and herbs, bloodletting is indispensable. In these cases, Master Tung agreed with the classics: the root of these conditions is blood stasis.

To treat the blood stasis, Master Tung would focus on unblocking blood vessels, improving circulation, and removing pathogenic blood through bloodletting. Yet unlike more conventional bloodletting methods, Master Tung did not limit bloodletting to locally affected areas (e.g., bleeding around a rash) or to specific points for systemic treatment (e.g., bleeding jing-well points to revive a patient). Rather, bloodletting is done according to areas of the body that correspond to either a specific organ or to a specific disease, creating a more refined and controlled system.

Points for bleeding are found in two main areas. First, the majority of them can be found on the trunk of the body. Unlike other systems of acupuncture, points on the chest, back, and abdomen are never needled, and are thus safer because only bloodletting is used. Look for rough skin area or dark small veins to bleed in the back. Second, distal areas on the limbs have corresponding effects on the zang and fu organs, allowing the practitioner to treat according to organ patterns.

Below are the pro tips for determining where to bleed:

• The best areas for bloodletting will show local signs of blood stasis, such as visible spider nevi or small dark purple veins.
• Upon palpation, the skin in these areas may feel rough, indicating blood stasis, or hot, indicating heat.
• Veins that are thick, distended, and may be green in color should not be bled.
• It is important that bloodletting is done on the veins, not the arteries.
• Unlike Tung’s needling technique, bloodletting is applied ipsilaterally to the site of disease.

There are two additional defining characteristics of Master Tung's bloodletting therapy:

1. Master Tung used three-edged needles exclusively. However, lancet needles are safer for beginners because the depth can be controlled. Advanced practitioners may choose to use three-edged needles, body piercing or syringe needles.
2. Master Tung would first use his unique palm diagnosis method to determine the best area to start the treatment.

These distinctions, together with the use of distal body points for treating illness, make Master Tung’s bloodletting techniques unique and effective.

Bloodletting is contraindicated in patients with bleeding disorders (i.e., hemophilia), and patients who are on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies, such as Coumadin (warfarin), or on any medications that may cause excessive bleeding. Caution should be taken in babies, deficient patients, elderly patients, and patients who are hungry, anemic, or pregnant. Patients who experienced recent trauma, have angioma or severely impaired liver, kidney, and heart functions should also be bled with caution. Bloodletting should be stopped when the following signs are presented: pale face, fainting pulse, cold limbs, sweating, lowering blood pressure, or unconsciousness.