Also network vessel pricking. An acupuncture method whereby the skin is punctured with a stabbing or picking action, usually with a three-edged needle (or nowadays, especially in the West, with disposable lancets) and a few drops of blood are squeezed out in order to drain heat, quicken the blood, move qì, and reduce swelling. It is performed at the site of a point or at the small veins in the area surrounding a point (such as BL-40). First, pressure is applied to restrict the blood flow of the area, to increase the visibility of the veins, and to cause the blood to flow out more easily when the vein is pricked. The point is then swiftly and decisively pricked to a superficial depth of about 0.1 cùn and a few drops of blood are allowed to escape. Lastly, the point is pressed with sterile cotton until the bleeding ceases. Before bloodletting, explain the procedure to the patient thoroughly to allay any fears. This method is inappropriate for weak, pregnant, or postpartum patients, or those suffering from bleeding, anemia or low blood pressure. Bloodletting is often indicated in this text by the term prick to bleed or pick to bleed. See also diffuse pricking; three-edged needle.