Why was bloodletting so popular?

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Stephanie H. Smith |

TED-Ed

• June 2025

Bloodletting was a pervasive medical practice that dates as far back as ancient Greece and continued well into the 19th century. Physicians like Hippocrates believed bad health could be attributed to a fluid imbalance, and recommended bloodletting to help reset the body's balance. So, why did bloodletting stick around so long? Stephanie Honchell Smith digs into its popularity and shortcomings. [Directed by Denys Spolitak, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Cem Misirlioglu, WORKPLAYWORK].