Experts have warned that unregulated beauticians are endangering lives by performing dangerous bloodletting procedures as desperate patients look for alternative treatments amid NHS waiting times.
The ancient practice that is done by drawing blood to treat various diseases has now become the marketing strategy of some beauty salons and freelance practitioners, even though they do not have any medical oversight. Health professionals are very concerned that those individuals without proper training might cause the infections so severe that the amount of blood lost might be excessive, or even death might be possible.
Rise in Risky Procedures
Furthermore, because of the stretched resources for the NHS, people are consequently attracted to the private sector, offering fast services in dealing with various conditions, among others, are high blood pressure, chronic pain, and skin issues. Many beauticians and wellness influencers on social media have taken advantage of this; to their advantage, they target this demand and thus, advertise the bloodletting procedure as a “natural detox” or “holistic therapy.”
But should the procedure is carried out by any unlicensed medical professional, it may lead to what follows along with other complications.
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Bloodborne infections (e.g., hepatitis, HIV from unsterilised equipment)
- Nerve damage from incorrect needle placement
- Severe anaemia (if too much blood is removed)
Experts Sound the Alarm
Dr. Sarah Jarvis, a General Practitioner and a health commentator, told the Mirror: “Bloodletting should only be done by trained healthcare professionals in a sterile environment. There is no proof that it ‘detoxifies’ the body, and if you do it in the wrong way, it can be very dangerous.”
The NHS clarifies that the bloodletting is only necessary for medical reasons in particular cases, for example, hemochromatosis, and it must be carried out under the supervision of a professional.
Calls for a Crackdown
Regulators exhort people to refrain from going to unlicensed practitioners and to be alert and inform the authorities of any salons that provide such services. The UK government has also been called upon to put stricter rules in place for the procedures that are non-medical and safe for users.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) representative issued the following statement: “Bloodletting in any form, even at a regulated healthcare setting, is very risky. We advise people who are thinking of undergoing such a treatment to first have a consultation with their GP.”
What to Do If You’ve Been Affected
If an unregulated bloodletting procedure has caused you or someone else complications, please get medical assistance without any delay. Those who suspect illegal acts can inform either the CQC or trading standards in their local area.
The ongoing increase in NHS waiting times exacerbates the suffering of experts. Experts highlight that reliance on unqualified practitioners is a hazardous track that should never be taken.
