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TED-Ed

Why was bloodletting so popular? - Stephanie Honchell Smith

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528 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

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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.

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Meet The Creators

Educator
Stephanie Honchell Smith
Director
Denys Spolitak
Narrator
Addison Anderson
Composer
Cem Misirlioglu
Sound Designer
Cem Misirlioglu
Director of Production
Gerta Xhelo
Produced by
Sazia Afrin
Editorial Director
Alex Rosenthal
Editorial Producer
Cella Wright
Fact-Checker
Charles Wallace

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