Which body part should be used for bloodletting in diabetes?

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, blood-letting therapy is a treatment method that involves making tiny needle punctures at specific acupoints or areas to promote blood circulation and regulate the balance of qi and blood. For patients with diabetes, blood-letting therapy might be used as an adjunctive treatment. Generally, TCM considers diabetes to be associated with dysfunction of the spleen and kidney; therefore, blood-letting therapy might target meridian acupoints related to these organs, such as Zusanli (ST36), located on the anterior-lateral aspect of the lower leg, and Taixi (KI3), situated in the depression between the medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon. Specifically, the following acupoints are commonly used:

1. Zusanli (ST36): Located three cun below the犊鼻 (Dubì) point, on the lower leg below the knee. Stimulating this acupoint can regulate spleen and stomach function and promote glucose metabolism.

2. Sanyinjiao (SP6): Located three cun above the medial malleolus, along the posterior border of the tibia. Stimulating this acupoint helps regulate the functions of the liver, spleen, and kidney, exerting a positive influence on glucose metabolism.

3. Pancreatic Shu (BL20): Located 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the eighth thoracic vertebra. Stimulating this acupoint can regulate pancreatic function and promote insulin secretion.

In addition, other acupoints such as Spleen Shu (BL20) and Kidney Shu (BL23) may also be used to help regulate blood glucose levels. However, diabetes is a metabolic disease primarily caused by insufficient insulin secretion or impaired insulin action, and its treatment should be based on scientifically managed blood glucose control, including dietary management, physical activity, pharmacological therapy, and necessary insulin use. Blood-letting therapy may assist in improving local blood circulation but cannot replace standard diabetes treatment protocols.