Autohemotherapy: Awakening the Body’s Natural Healing Capacity
A way to reactivate your body’s natural healing capacity
Autohemotherapy is a concept attributed to Dr. Paul Ravaut in the early 20th century (1912). It consists of injecting blood drawn from the arm—just like a standard lab test—directly into the gluteal muscle (intramuscularly).
To illustrate how this simple technique proved useful throughout medical history, let’s review one of the most remarkable research articles on the subject. “Autohemotherapy in Psychiatry” was published in the Maryland State Medical Journal by Robert Reddick in 1955, then President of the Dorchester County Medical Society, in which he reported:
In the past three decades, beneficial effects of autohemotherapy have been reported in treating: pulmonary tuberculosis, drug addiction, scarlet fever, acne, carbunculosis, rheumatic fever, various dermatoses, hyperemesis gravidarum, hormonal deficiencies, venereal lymphopathy, herpes simplex, herpes zoster, various allergies, fixed serological reactions, septic complications post-abortion, furunculosis, viral infections, urticaria, serum sickness, hemiplegia, bronchial asthma, acute chorea, leg ulcers, malaria, pleurisy, rabies, serum jaundice, arthritis, Landry’s polyradiculitis, acute anterior poliomyelitis, diphtheritic polyneuritis, duodenal fistula, tuberculous peritonitis, cardiovascular diseases, menstrual and menopausal discomforts, pneumonias, psoriasis, and others.
That’s quite a compelling list. But let’s return to Reddick’s observations on psychiatric patients:
In preliminary 1950 trials on chronic psychiatric disorders, 25 institutionalized patients were treated with weekly reinjections of their own blood over six months. The group included 13 schizophrenics, 6 involutional cases, 3 with “paranoid conditions”, and single cases of manic-depressive psychosis, cerebral arteriosclerosis, and alcohol-related psychosis.
Of these, 76% achieved social recovery, meaning they could leave the institution and resume their lives. Among the 13 schizophrenic patients, 11 improved enough to no longer require hospitalization—an 85% improvement rate.
The initial treatment involved injecting 5 ml of blood taken aseptically from the arm directly into the upper outer gluteal muscle. After three treatments without adverse reactions, the dose increased to 10 ml. The injection side alternated with the drawing site.
For control, another group received isotonic saline instead of blood, but also underwent blood draws. The saline group showed no improvement, and one patient even deteriorated and died.
Lab tests showed decreased inflammation markers and normalized protein levels. A marked lymphocytosis followed each session. One patient developed temporary pustular skin eruptions—interpreted as a healing crisis—and her IQ improved by 22 points during therapy.
Various theories explain the effect. One is that blood in the muscle acts as a foreign body, activating the reticuloendothelial system (RES), which boosts macrophage production. These cells then eliminate harmful microbes, cancer cells, and waste. Dina Soliman, M.Sc, explains:
As long as blood remains in the muscle, the RES is stimulated 4x more than usual. The normal macrophage level is 5%; after autohemotherapy, it increases to 22% within 8 hours and remains elevated for five days. It returns to normal by day 7. This is why autohemotherapy is repeated weekly and can be maintained for years.
Soliman studied 176 patients with various conditions including Type 1 diabetes, asthma, chronic sinusitis, skin issues, fatigue, autoimmune diseases, and infectious vaginal discharge. Most experienced improvements. Diabetic patients, for example, lowered their HbA1c significantly without changing insulin or diet.
One of the most striking uses is for shingles (herpes zoster), especially in older adults. A 1997 study by Dr. John H. Owlin found that 25 patients treated with 10 ml of autohemotherapy had rapid pain relief and lesion resolution. No adverse effects were noted.
Autohemotherapy is even prescribed today in sports and orthopedic medicine. In chronic degenerative conditions, it can outperform standard care. In 2003, Dr. Scott G. Edwards and James H. Calandruccio treated lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) with autologous blood injections and saw significant pain reduction—even in previously treatment-resistant cases.
Some researchers believe autohemotherapy may activate stem cells. A 2017 study showed electroacupuncture triggered the release of mesenchymal stem cells. Others believe cupping and acupuncture are indirect forms of autohemotherapy.
My godmother underwent stem cell therapy and noted no greater benefits than from autohemotherapy. Stem cell extraction involves abdominal fat or hip bone marrow; autohemotherapy is far less invasive.
In the Autohemotherapy Reference Manual, S.H. Shakman cites studies equating the effects of whole blood reinjection with stem cell therapy, praising its simplicity and efficiency.
Brazilian physician Dr. Luiz Moura also shared clinical successes via autohemotherapy—from vascular improvement documented by angiography to acne clearance. His experiences are worth exploring.
Regardless of the mechanism, the historical record and patient testimonials—including my own—are striking.
Side effects? Most are mild and transient: pustules, rashes, fever, migratory pain—possibly healing reactions. Some experienced worsened psoriasis. As always, consult your physician before starting any new therapy.
References- Edwards SG, Calandruccio JH. Autologous Blood Injections for Refractory Lateral Epicondylitis. J Hand Surg. 2003.
- Owlin JH, et al. Successful Treatment of Herpetic Infections by Autohemotherapy. J Altern Complement Med. 1997.
- Reddick RH. Autohemotherapy in Psychiatry. Maryland State Med J. 1955.
- Sauer GC. Evidence of Adreno-Cortical Stimulation by Autohemotherapy. J Invest Dermatol. 1950.
- Shakman SH. Autohemotherapy Reference Manual. 1998.
- Soliman D. New Era with Auto-Haemotherapy. J Phys Sci Appl. 2017.
