What is the practice of drilling a hole in the skull without anesthesia called?

The practice of drilling a hole in the skull without anesthesia is known as trephining. Historically, trephining was performed to relieve pressure from the skull, treat head injuries, or release spirits believed to cause illness. It dates back to ancient times and is one of the oldest surgical procedures known. This method involved using a tool called a trephine to create an opening in the cranial bone, and it was believed to have various therapeutic benefits.

The other options do not relate to this specific practice. Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and treat various conditions. Phlebotomy refers to the process of drawing blood for tests or donation, while lobotomy is a surgical procedure that involves severing connections in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, historically used to treat mental disorders but not involving drilling a hole in the skull in the same manner as trephining.