The curse of bloodletting is a historical practice that involves deliberately causing bleeding in a person for therapeutic purposes. This ancient technique has been used in various cultures throughout history, dating back to at least 3000 BC. Bloodletting was believed to balance the humors in the body, which were thought to be responsible for disease and illness. In ancient Egypt, bloodletting was performed using a tool called a "scarificator," which was a sharp instrument used to make shallow cuts on the surface of the skin. The blood that was released was collected in a bowl and analyzed to determine the person's health status. Similarly, in ancient Greece and Rome, bloodletting was commonly used as a medical treatment.
So, how do I (and you, if you want) continue to get in touch with our inner psychic, for lack of a better term? Get in touch with your intuition, and build on the instincts you might be ignoring. Hondru suggests a kind of guided self-talk through the process. Start by asking yourself a few questions: When was this instinct most strong? Does it have to do with someone who passed?
She was a typical overbearing Jewish grandma who harassed me if I didn t eat enough, who sometimes called me a few times a day making sure I was still alive. As she gave us the grand tour of her home, Hexie pointed out to us her 200 year old black cloak and hood hanging on a hook in the Great Tower alongside the Wall of Broomsticks and the unusual coffee table made from a huge set of antique blacksmith bellows.
Similarly, in ancient Greece and Rome, bloodletting was commonly used as a medical treatment. In medieval Europe, bloodletting became even more prevalent. It was often performed by barbers, who had a solid understanding of anatomy due to their experience with cutting hair.
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Years later, as I think back on our visit with Hexie and I re-read the profile story that my mother wrote about her, I am struck by one thing in particular. At no time, did Hexie ever reveal to us that she was Reginald Hammerstein’s ex-wife! She constantly referred to herself as his “widow.” Hexie even recounted a story that took place at the time of his death (Reggie died on August 9, 1958, but eight years earlier he had already divorced Hexie and was remarried to Mary Alricks Steele). In recalling Reginald’s death, Hexie described this psychic experience to us… “One afternoon I was helping my daughter get dressed for a party and all of a sudden I heard a loud blast. I was shaken to the core. Later I learned that Reginald had died of a heart attack at that precise moment. From that time on, and for years afterwards, I was aware of his presence in the house. I feel as if he is still around. I believe Reggie will always be watching over me.”
Recently, I had a strange, coincidental “Hexie” experience myself. (A “wink” as Jessie would call it!) Out of the blue, I received an email message from a gal who lives in Naples, Florida. She was reading a copy of my mother’s book Haunted Village and Valley (which I published posthumously in 2010) and she wanted to get in touch with me regarding the story about “Bucks County’s Bona Fide Witch.” Apparently, her childhood home was located on the hilltop not far from Hexie’s house. In her note to me, she shared some memories about what it was like living next door to a “real live witch”! She fondly recalled Hexie’s dynamic personality as well as her many acts of kindness. She wrote… “As soon as we moved in, Hexie introduced herself to us. In no time at all, my sister and I became her biggest fans. We often sipped tea and nibbled on homemade cookies sitting in the Great Tower (which Hexie referred to as the “Magical Tree”). Her ways with animals and her love of nature seemed to soften the world and make things feel right. She was full of love and magic, and at times a bit of sadness, but her twinkle prevailed and the friendship she gave to two little blond-haired girls from across the way has stuck with me forever.”
Children are so perceptive, aren’t they? These two little girls were tuned in to Hexie’s sweetness but could also sense her sadness. My guess is that Hexie never let go of her love for Reginald Hammerstein. Memories of her often tug on my heartstrings. What a full life she had! She was a model, an actress, a make-up and wardrobe coordinator, a wife, a mother, a radio host, a television chef, a gardener, a designer, an antique collector, an inventor, and a bona fide witch, but most of all, Hexie was a dreamer. Once upon a time, she had fallen in love with a stranger across a crowded room and, even in spite of their contentious divorce, Reggie’s remarriage, his sudden death, and his decades of absence from her life, Hexie held on to her dream forever. She was never going to let him go.
Perhaps, her brother-in-law said it best when he wrote these words of longing and love.
Out of my dreams and into your arms I long to fly.
I will come as evening comes to woo a waiting sky.
Out of my dreams and into the hush of falling shadows,
When the mist is low and stars are breaking through,
Then out of my dreams I’ll go,
Into a dream with you.
My grandmother. My Nana. She was a typical overbearing Jewish grandma who harassed me if I didn't eat enough, who sometimes called me a few times a day making sure I was "still alive." She was opinionated and sometimes critical, but I adored her. She called me baby doll. She called me mashugana. The running joke among my cousins was that I was her favorite, but most likely it was true.
This eventually led to the red and white striped barber pole that is still associated with barbershops today. Despite its historical significance, bloodletting eventually fell out of favor as medical understanding and practices evolved. The introduction of more effective methods, such as the discovery of antibiotics and advancements in surgery, rendered bloodletting obsolete. It was finally phased out in the 19th century as medical professionals began to recognize its lack of efficacy and potential dangers. Today, the curse of bloodletting is viewed as a harmful and outdated practice. While blood can still be drawn for diagnostic purposes or in specific medical procedures, the general idea of using bloodletting as a therapeutic treatment is considered pseudoscience. In conclusion, the curse of bloodletting was a historical practice that involved deliberately causing bleeding in individuals for therapeutic purposes. This ancient technique was used in various cultures throughout history but has been abandoned due to advancements in medical understanding and practices. It is now viewed as an obsolete and potentially harmful practice that is not supported by modern medicine..
Reviews for "Bloodletting in Traditional Medicine: Myth or Miracle?"
1. John Doe - 1/5 - I was extremely disappointed with "Curse of Bloodletting". The story was predictable and the characters lacked depth. The dialogue felt forced and unrealistic, making it difficult to connect with any of the characters. The whole experience felt like a wasted opportunity for an intriguing and exciting plot. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating read.
2. Jane Smith - 2/5 - "Curse of Bloodletting" had an interesting premise, but it failed to deliver. The pacing was uneven, with long stretches of boredom interspersed with rushed and confusing action scenes. The writing style was dull and repetitive, making it hard to stay engaged. The majority of the characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real development. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and would not read another work by this author.
3. Mark Johnson - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Curse of Bloodletting" based on the promising synopsis, but unfortunately, it fell flat. The plot seemed promising at the beginning, but it quickly became convoluted and hard to follow. The ending felt rushed and unsatisfying, leaving many loose ends unresolved. The dialogue was stilted and unnatural, making it difficult to invest in the story. The writing style lacked finesse, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged throughout. Overall, I was disappointed with the book and would not recommend it.
4. Sarah Thompson - 1/5 - I found "Curse of Bloodletting" to be a complete waste of time. The characters were unlikable and their motivations were unclear. The pacing was glacial, with long stretches of nothing happening. The plot was predictable, and any attempts at creating suspense or tension fell flat. The writing style was dry and lacking in emotion, making it hard to connect with the story. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an entertaining read.