Cauterization
Albucasis Chirurgicorum Omnium Primarii (1532)
Although less commonly performed than other external point therapies such as Bloodletting and Cupping, Cauterization and Branding has been used in various cultures since ancient times.
Cauterization is performed either with a red hot Needle or Iron, or some times with another substance such as a burning root or a specific type of stone. The size of the implement and length of heat application depend on the place being cauterized, the strength of the patient, and the diseases being treated.
Cauterizing with hot metal was called “Actual Cautery”, while Cauterization with Caustic substances (such as Blister Beetle) was called “Potential Cautery”. Both achieve similar results, however, some practitioners regard the application of Actual Heat as being stronger. However, Salmon suggested the Potential Cautery is better because of peoples fear of Actual Cautery.
Illustration showing Cautery points from a Manuscript in the British Library, Harley, 1585
The application of strong heat causes a local inflammatory reaction. It can divert away from a place of hyperactivity or stimulate the flow or Qi and Blood similarly to Acupuncture or Moxa.
It’s interesting to note that physicians emphasized Purging before Cautery.
Moxabustion, used in TCM, is the application of heat by burning herbs such as Chinese Mugwort. In some instances, this overlaps Cautery as Moxa can be applied to the skin to induce a mild burn or blister. Usually today, however, Moxa is held above a point to warm an area, or to warm a needle while acupuncture is being given, rather than actual cauterizing or burning the area..
Examples of Cautery
From Wirtzung (General Practice of Physick, 1598)
1. Rheum of the Head (tearing eyes or sinusitis), cauterize the neck
2. Mental Disease, Melancholy, Insanity, cauterize the base of the skull
3. Arthritis and Sciatica, cauterize locally.
4. Fistulas, including those in the corner of the eye.
5. Venomous bites can be Cauterized.
Salmon, Synopsis Medicinae, 1681
1. Epilepsy, Lethargy, Apoplexy, cautery on the back part of the Head
2. Cancers are cauterized after cutting to remove them
Other Examples
Cough, Difficulty Breathing, Asthma
By Branding the points half inch either side of the Heart, Cough, Difficulty Breathing and Asthma are cured. (Ayurveda)
Bleeding from the Nose or Mouth, or if the “Spleen is out of place”:
A brand in the shape of a cross is applied 1 inch from the navel.
Delirium
Brand the palate, the Temples and the root of the Thumbs.
Headaches and Toothache
Brand the Temples and the roots of the Thumbs.
Sore Eyes
Brand the toes of the feet.
Jaundice
A round brand should be given on the hand.
Slow Fever
Brand the spot a quarter of an inch from the Lip.
Enlarged Testicles
Brand the palate.
Anemia
For Anemia, Brand the “roots of the spine”.
Insanity
Brand the Belly, one cross-wise on the Spine, and on the Heart and 2 on the Temples.
Retention of Urine
Brand the spot 3 and a half inches below the Navel.
Scrofula
Brand the spot one inch above the Navel
Cauterization treatments from Sudan:
1. Sciatica, cauterize along the spine, up to the neck, 2–3 inches between each cauterization.
2. Colic, cauterize either side of the Navel.
3. Headache, cauterize behind the ears and on the temples.
4. Cough, cauterize the heel.
5. High Fever in children, cauterize the forehead
6. Syphilitic lesions are cauterized
7. Lumbago, Arthritis, Joint pain, local cauterization is used
8. Rabid Dog bites are cauterized.
9. Teething troubles, cauterize the base of the spine.
You may also like:
Bloodletting
Cupping
Fire Therapy
Albucasis Chirurgicorum Omnium Primarii (1532)Although less commonly performed than other external point therapies such as Bloodletting and Cupping, Cauterization and Branding has been used in various cultures since ancient times.
Cauterization is performed either with a red hot Needle or Iron, or some times with another substance such as a burning root or a specific type of stone. The size of the implement and length of heat application depend on the place being cauterized, the strength of the patient, and the diseases being treated.
Cauterizing with hot metal was called “Actual Cautery”, while Cauterization with Caustic substances (such as Blister Beetle) was called “Potential Cautery”. Both achieve similar results, however, some practitioners regard the application of Actual Heat as being stronger. However, Salmon suggested the Potential Cautery is better because of peoples fear of Actual Cautery.
Illustration showing Cautery points from a Manuscript in the British Library, Harley, 1585The application of strong heat causes a local inflammatory reaction. It can divert away from a place of hyperactivity or stimulate the flow or Qi and Blood similarly to Acupuncture or Moxa.
It’s interesting to note that physicians emphasized Purging before Cautery.
Moxabustion, used in TCM, is the application of heat by burning herbs such as Chinese Mugwort. In some instances, this overlaps Cautery as Moxa can be applied to the skin to induce a mild burn or blister. Usually today, however, Moxa is held above a point to warm an area, or to warm a needle while acupuncture is being given, rather than actual cauterizing or burning the area..
Examples of Cautery
From Wirtzung (General Practice of Physick, 1598)
1. Rheum of the Head (tearing eyes or sinusitis), cauterize the neck
2. Mental Disease, Melancholy, Insanity, cauterize the base of the skull
3. Arthritis and Sciatica, cauterize locally.
4. Fistulas, including those in the corner of the eye.
5. Venomous bites can be Cauterized.
Salmon, Synopsis Medicinae, 1681
1. Epilepsy, Lethargy, Apoplexy, cautery on the back part of the Head
2. Cancers are cauterized after cutting to remove them
Other Examples
Cough, Difficulty Breathing, Asthma
By Branding the points half inch either side of the Heart, Cough, Difficulty Breathing and Asthma are cured. (Ayurveda)
Bleeding from the Nose or Mouth, or if the “Spleen is out of place”:
A brand in the shape of a cross is applied 1 inch from the navel.
Delirium
Brand the palate, the Temples and the root of the Thumbs.
Headaches and Toothache
Brand the Temples and the roots of the Thumbs.
Sore Eyes
Brand the toes of the feet.
Jaundice
A round brand should be given on the hand.
Slow Fever
Brand the spot a quarter of an inch from the Lip.
Enlarged Testicles
Brand the palate.
Anemia
For Anemia, Brand the “roots of the spine”.
Insanity
Brand the Belly, one cross-wise on the Spine, and on the Heart and 2 on the Temples.
Retention of Urine
Brand the spot 3 and a half inches below the Navel.
Scrofula
Brand the spot one inch above the Navel
Cauterization treatments from Sudan:
1. Sciatica, cauterize along the spine, up to the neck, 2–3 inches between each cauterization.
2. Colic, cauterize either side of the Navel.
3. Headache, cauterize behind the ears and on the temples.
4. Cough, cauterize the heel.
5. High Fever in children, cauterize the forehead
6. Syphilitic lesions are cauterized
7. Lumbago, Arthritis, Joint pain, local cauterization is used
8. Rabid Dog bites are cauterized.
9. Teething troubles, cauterize the base of the spine.
You may also like:
Bloodletting
Cupping
Fire Therapy