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Guide: Bleeding therapy provides rapid anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects for throat diseases.

Swelling in the throat

Yu Xichun

[Original Text] From "Plain Questions: Supplementary Needling Techniques": "When the throat is swollen, making it impossible to swallow saliva or expel sputum, promptly needle the area in front of the ankle bone (Rangu point) until bleeding occurs, and the condition will resolve immediately. For left-sided ailments, needle the right side; for right-sided ailments, needle the left side."

Translation: If the throat is so swollen that even a drop of water cannot be swallowed and sputum cannot be expelled, quickly needle the Rangu point located in front of the ankle bone until bleeding occurs, and the condition will improve immediately. For left-sided ailments, needle the right side; for right-sided ailments, needle the left side.

Note: Regarding "cannot swallow saliva," Gao Shizong explained, "'Nei' (内) means to swallow." That is, it refers to the inability to swallow saliva.

Clinical Observations: Clinically, conditions causing sore throat and swollen tonsils include tonsillitis and acute pharyngeal inflammation. Puncturing the collaterals at Rangu (KI 2) to induce bleeding is an example of treating the upper part by needling the lower, or cross-needling left and right points. Sometimes, puncturing the collaterals at Zhaohai (KI 6) or Shuiquan (KI 5) to release 1–2 ml of blood can immediately relieve pain and improve function.

If the swollen throat is caused by a tumor, collateral puncture can also alleviate the discomfort.

In addition, local collateral puncture is a commonly used method for sore throat and swollen tonsils. For instance, gently puncturing the swollen tonsils or the posterior pharyngeal wall with a lumbar puncture needle to release 1–2 ml of blood can also quickly alleviate symptoms. Collateral puncture is highly effective in reducing inflammation and relieving pain in throat-related conditions.