blóðprópum

Blóðprópum, commonly known as bloodletting, is an ancient medical practice involving the removal of blood from a patient to cure or prevent illness or to improve the patient’s health. The technique has roots in various ancient cultures, including those of Egypt, Greece, China, and the Americas, where it was used as a fundamental therapeutic method for millennia.

In classical antiquity, particularly in the works of Hippocrates and later Galen, bloodletting was based on the theory of the four humors—blood, phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile—which were believed to maintain bodily health. Imbalances in these humors were thought to cause disease, and bloodletting was employed to restore equilibrium. The practice was widely adopted in medieval Europe, often performed by leeches, cupping, or venesection, where incisions were made in veins to drain blood.

By the 19th century, scientific advancements and the rise of germ theory led to the decline of bloodletting as a mainstream medical practice. It was increasingly recognized as ineffective and sometimes harmful, particularly when performed improperly. While modern medicine has largely abandoned the technique, historical and cultural interest in blóðprópum persists, reflecting its significance in the evolution of medical thought.

Today, bloodletting is primarily studied within the context of medical history, anthropology, and the history of science. It serves as an example of how early medical practices were shaped by limited understanding of physiology and pathology. In some traditional healing systems, such as certain forms of naturopathy or alternative medicine, bloodletting may still be referenced, though its use is rare and controversial.