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    GlossaryBloodletting (Phlebotomy)

    involves withdrawing blood to treat or prevent illness

    Bloodletting, also known as phlebotomy or venesection, is an ancient medical practice that involves the withdrawal of blood from a patient to treat or prevent illness and disease. Historically, it was based on the belief that removing blood could balance the body's humors and cure various ailments. While largely discredited today, modern phlebotomy is still used for specific medical conditions like hemochromatosis and polycythemia vera, where reducing blood volume can be beneficial.

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