For centuries, blood has been considered to have mystical properties and has been associated with vitality. In ancient times, bathing in or drinking the blood of the strong was thought to invigorate the weak. For instance, among Ancient Romans it was customary to rush into the arena to drink the blood of dying gladiators [1]; among others, to drink or bathe in blood was thought to cure a variety of ailments [2]. Bleeding was practiced to let out bad blood and restore the balance of humors, thus hopefully returning the patient to health.
