Join Dr George Chan, and dive into the science behind bloodletting, one of the oldest medical practices in the world.

Aldobrandino da Siena, Le regime du corps, ca. 1265-70 (detail)

TUE 8 APR, 5.30PM
TE MATA TAIRONGO AUDITORIUM, LEVEL 2
$20 MUSEUM MEMBERS

Bloodletting has been used for over 3,000 years to treat diverse conditions including inflammation, bleeding and mental disorders. The ancient Greeks believed that good health depended on balancing the four humours—blood, considered the dominant one, along with phlegm, black bile, and yellow bile. Disease was the consequence of stagnant blood disrupting this balance. Removing "bad" or excess blood was therefore necessary to restore health. Similar concepts about health and disease, with slight variations, were also found in other ancient civilisations and these treatments persisted for centuries even though they lacked a scientific basis.

With advancements in understanding human biology, physiology, and disease pathology, modern bloodletting is now limited to specific conditions primarily to eliminate harmful blood components or to collect blood for established replacement therapies as well as experimental treatments like rejuvenation. This practice, however, remains popular in traditional and alternative medicines.

Join Dr George Chan, and dive into the science behind one of the oldest medical practices in the world. Hear how innovations in medical technology but also natural methods like leeches are keeping the practice of bloodletting alive today.

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British Library, Sloane MS 2435, fol. 11v (detail) © The British Library Board
ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Dr. George Chan MBBS, FRCPath, FRCPA, FHKCPath

Dr. George Chan is the former Head of the Haematology Laboratory of the Auckland District Health Board, now Te Whatu Ora Te Toka Tumai Auckland, a Consultant Haematologist at Auckland City Hospital Papākainga Atāwhai and Labtests Auckland, now Awanui Labs, and a Clinical Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland Waipapa Taumata Rau. During his career, he contributed to international haematology groups and while Dr Chan retired from clinical practice in 2022, he remains active in haematology through other avenues.

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Exhibition courtesy ROM