1D

Any thoughts on the reason for the blood letting of the monks, or why for some it became ‘…a nightmare. A horror.’

I had to search this one out. I had heard of it but never thought about the "why" of it. This is what I found.

"The practice of bloodletting in medieval monastic customaries was a routine procedure for healthy monks to maintain their health and balance of humors. It was believed that by removing certain humors from the body, one could prevent illness and maintain overall health. Bloodletting was not only a method of health care but also a spiritual practice, often seen as an imitation of Christ's blood during his crucifixion. The customaries, which served as guides for monks, detailed the procedure, including the use of special knives and the potential weakening of the monks after the procedure. The practice was generally performed on healthy individuals and was not allowed during fasting periods or certain seasons."

I guess "to each his own".

Blood letting was done to rid the impurities in the blood. It became a nightmare or a horror when the bleeding wouldn’t stop.

I knew that this was a procedure used in medicine but had not heard that it was a spiritual practice in monasteries.

Health was a reason, but the relaxing of the monastic ritual after the blood letting was an added bonus.

>2 Carol420: Thanks for the information Carol, I assume form your comment this isn't on your to do list for today 🤣 Don’t blame you, seems bizarre this is what people did if they became ill. Presumably from the use of words ‘a nightmare. A horror’ that something happened at one of these blood lettings.

>6 Andrew-theQM: Seems it was something that had been going on throughout history. Makes you wonder if the human race is really the one with the highest mentality:) Never read about any monkeys or chips doing some of the crazy things that humans do.

>7 Carol420: Very true Carol.