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Al-Ani RM. Wet cupping (Al-hijamah) as a strange cause of ear trauma: A case report. World J Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 10:30-35. [DOI: 10.5319/wjo.v10.i2.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cupping therapy is used across the globe since ancient Egypt. It is used as a complementary or alternative to daily clinical practice. Cupping therapy could be dry or wet (Al-hijamah) type. It is considered a relatively safe procedure for a variety of clinical problems like lower backache, shoulder pain, neck pain, headache, and migraine. Application of cupping therapy over body orifices is contraindicated.
CASE SUMMARY A 27-year-old gentleman presented with sudden left-sided hearing loss and tinnitus for 7 d. He gave a history of upper respiratory tract infection 14 d before his complaints. He received Al-hijamah over his left ear 3 d before seeking advice from the Otolaryngology clinic, but without benefit. Physical examination showed a dull-looking left ear drum, hemotympanum in the posterior part of the tympanic cavity, two blood clots over the eardrum, and multiple bleeding points over the external ear canal and tympanic membrane. A pure tone audiogram and tympanogram confirmed the diagnosis of middle ear effusion. Conservative treatment (avoidance of water entry, antibiotics, and local and systemic decongestants) was given for 5 d. The presenting symptoms as well as ear injuries resolved completely two weeks after the follow-up.
CONCLUSION We do not recommend using Al-hijamah directly over the ear as a treatment option for hearing loss to avoid unwanted ear trauma as well as there is no benefit from this kind of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raid M Al-Ani
- Department of Surgery/Otolaryngology, University of Anbar College of Medicine, Ramadi City 31001, Anbar, Iraq
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Abdulah DM, Mohammedsadiq HA, Mohammed AH. Effectiveness of wet cupping therapy on relieving pain in patients with chronic migraine: an observational study. JOURNAL OF COMPLEMENTARY & INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 18:569-577. [PMID: 33793142 DOI: 10.1515/jcim-2020-0183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic migraine is a disabling condition that negatively affects many aspects of migraineurs' lives. Patients who use pharmacological agents experience various side effects. Some studies have reported clinical improvement following wet cupping therapy in migraine patients. This study examined the effectiveness of wet cupping therapy on headache severity and its complications in patients with migraine. METHODS In this study, a total of 29 patients previously diagnosed with migraine were treated with wet cupping therapy and followed up for headache severity. The severity of pain was measured before therapy, 1 h after therapy, and one month after therapy. The wet cupping therapy was performed by an experienced nurse who was not part of the research team. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 36.17 (Sta. Deviation: 10.74 years; range: 22-68 years), and on average, patients had experienced migraine for 11.14 years. The severity of headache pain was decreased significantly from 6.66 (very intense pain) before cupping therapy to 2.48 (discomforting pain) 1 h after cupping therapy and 0.72 (very mild pain) one month after cupping therapy (p<0.001). The observed complications were skin pigmentation (6.9%), skin scarring (24.1%), and itching in the cupping region (31.0%). CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests a significant improvement in the severity of headache in migraine patients 1 h and one month after wet cupping therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ary Habeeb Mohammed
- Community and Family Medicine Department, College of Medicine, University of Duhok, Duhok, Iraq
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Ashton R, Nocivin I, Ashton RH, Levell N. Cupping on ancient Greek coins: A numismatic case series and its relationship to dermatology. Clin Dermatol 2020; 39:344-347. [PMID: 34272034 DOI: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cupping is an ancient medical therapy with a modern-day resurgence. This practice has been referred to in the ancient Egyptian papyri and the writings of Hippocrates and Galen. We attempt to bridge the past with the present by showcasing a series of ancient Greek coins from different mints depicting medical cupping vessels and dating as far back as the 4th century bce. This practice has not been sufficiently studied in randomized controlled trials, and a standardized procedure does not exist. The dermatologist may see the consequences of this practice in the office, as it is a complementary medical technique supposed to treat a variety of ailments from joint pain to menstrual problems and leaves a very characteristic morphology. We have showcased three coins of historic numismatic and medical interest that depict ancient cupping vessels. This is the first time these coins have been presented together. A literature search was also performed to outline the theories of the mechanism of action of cupping and to compile a list of reported dermatologic side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalind Ashton
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa School of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Irina Nocivin
- Foundation Doctor, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Egertin Rd, Guildford, United Kingdom SE1 7EH
| | - Richard Hj Ashton
- Editor (Ancient) of The Numismatic Chronicle, c/o Department of Coins and Medals, British Museum, London, UK WC1B 3DG
| | - Nicholas Levell
- Consultant Dermatologist & Research Lead: Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, Norfolk, UK
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Cognitive and Emotional Aspects of Cupping Therapy. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10030144. [PMID: 32143284 PMCID: PMC7139758 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10030144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cupping therapy has recently gained public attention and is widely used in many regions. Some patients are resistant to being treated with cupping therapy, as visually unpleasant marks on the skin may elicit negative reactions. This study aimed to identify the cognitive and emotional components of cupping therapy. Twenty-five healthy volunteers were presented with emotionally evocative visual stimuli representing fear, disgust, happiness, neutral emotion, and cupping, along with control images. Participants evaluated the valence and arousal level of each stimulus. Before the experiment, they completed the Fear of Pain Questionnaire-III. In two-dimensional affective space, emotional arousal increases as hedonic valence ratings become increasingly pleasant or unpleasant. Cupping therapy images were more unpleasant and more arousing than the control images. Cluster analysis showed that the response to cupping therapy images had emotional characteristics similar to those for fear images. Individuals with a greater fear of pain rated cupping therapy images as more unpleasant and more arousing. Psychophysical analysis showed that individuals experienced unpleasant and aroused emotional states in response to the cupping therapy images. Our findings suggest that cupping therapy might be associated with unpleasant-defensive motivation and motivational activation. Determining the emotional components of cupping therapy would help clinicians and researchers to understand the intrinsic effects of cupping therapy.
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The Evidence for Common Nonsurgical Modalities in Sports Medicine, Part 2: Cupping and Blood Flow Restriction. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONS GLOBAL RESEARCH AND REVIEWS 2020; 4:e1900105. [PMID: 32672728 PMCID: PMC7028774 DOI: 10.5435/jaaosglobal-d-19-00105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There are a number of nonsurgical modalities used by athletes in attempts to improve performance or prevent, treat, and rehabilitate musculoskeletal injuries. A concise review of available evidence on common nonsurgical modalities used today is necessary, so that practitioners may appropriately counsel patients.
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Rahman HS, Ahmad GA, Mustapha B, Al-Rawi HA, Hussein RH, Amin K, Othman HH, Abdullah R. Wet cupping therapy ameliorates pain in patients with hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes: A controlled clinical study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SURGERY OPEN 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijso.2020.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Nasb M, Qun X, Ruckmal Withanage C, Lingfeng X, Hong C. Dry Cupping, Ischemic Compression, or Their Combination for the Treatment of Trigger Points: A Pilot Randomized Trial. J Altern Complement Med 2019; 26:44-50. [PMID: 31580695 PMCID: PMC6983744 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2019.0231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chronic neck pain (NP) attributed to myofascial pain syndrome is one of the particularly common skeletal muscle disorder associated with the hyperirritable zone in the taut band of muscle. Trigger points (TPs) are the physical interpretation of the myofascial pain syndrome. In the United States, 30%–85% of pain patients have been affected by myofascial TPs. Objectives: To reveal preliminary evidence on the clinical efficacy of ischemic compression therapy, dry cupping, and their combination on improving the TPs' pressure pain threshold (PPT), neck range of motion (NROM), and neck disability index (NDI) in patients with TPs and nonspecific NP. Besides, assess the feasibility of conducting a randomized clinical trial (RCT). Design: A randomized pilot study was conducted on 24 patients with TPs and nonspecific NP. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups: the cupping group, the ischemic compression group, and the combination therapy group. PPT, NROM, and NDI were assessed before and after 4 weeks of treatment. Results: The results showed a statistically significant improvement in NDI, PPT, and NROM compared with values before the treatment (p < 0.05) in all groups. Although no significant difference was detected between ischemic compression (IC) and dry cupping, the combination approach showed significantly higher and faster improvement (p < 0.05). Conclusions: It is feasible to conduct a main RCT. Both IC and dry cupping may hold promise in treating TPs; a combination of the two therapies may provide superior improving rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Nasb
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Xu Qun
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University School of Medicine, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Charith Ruckmal Withanage
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Xie Lingfeng
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
| | - Chen Hong
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P.R. China
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Wang YT, Qi Y, Tang FY, Li FM, Li QH, Xu CP, Xie GP, Sun HT. The effect of cupping therapy for low back pain: A meta-analysis based on existing randomized controlled trials. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2017; 30:1187-1195. [PMID: 28946531 DOI: 10.3233/bmr-169736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND LBP is one of the most common symptoms with high prevalence throughout the world. Conflicting conclusions exist in RCTs on cupping for LBP. OBJECTIVE To assess the effects and safety of cupping for the patients with LBP. METHODS Pubmed, Cochrane Library databases, and Embase database were electronically researched. RCTs reporting the cupping for the patients with LBP were included. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager software (version 5.3, Nordic Cochrane Centre). The primary outcome was VAS scores. The secondary outcomes included ODI scores, MPPI scores and complications. RESULTS Six RCTs were included in this synthesized analysis. The results showed that cupping therapy was superior to the control management with respect to VAS scores (SMD: -0.73, [95% CI: -1.42 to -0.04]; P= 0.04), and ODI scores (SMD: -3.64, [95% CI: -5.85 to -1.42]; P= 0.001). There was no statistical significant difference as regard to MPPI scores. No serious adverse event was reported in the included studies. CONCLUSIONS Cupping therapy can significantly decrease the VAS scores and ODI scores for patients with LBP compared to the control management. High heterogeneity and risk of bias existing in studies limit the authenticity of the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Ting Wang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yong Qi
- Department of Orthopaedics, Guangdong No.2 Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fu-Yong Tang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Fei-Meng Li
- Guangdong Traditional Medical and Sports Injury Rehabilitation Research Institute, Guangdong No.2 Provincial Peopie's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi-Huo Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chang-Peng Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Guangdong No.2 Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guo-Ping Xie
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hong-Tao Sun
- Department of Orthopaedics, Guangdong No.2 Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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10
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Mehta P, Dhapte V. Cupping therapy: A prudent remedy for a plethora of medical ailments. J Tradit Complement Med 2015; 5:127-34. [PMID: 26151023 PMCID: PMC4488563 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2014.11.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since ancient times, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM; bǔ chōng yǔ tì dài yī xué) have played an important role in human health and welfare. Many therapeutic approaches in healthcare outside the realm of conventional medicine persist in various parts of the world. There is considerable scientific and commercial potential in CAM, which needs to be explored precisely. Cupping therapy ( bá guàn liáo fǎ), one of the CAM, is practiced across the world. This therapy is believed to act by correcting imbalances in the internal bio field, such as by restoring the flow of "Qi (qì)". Cupping involves applying a heated cup to generate a partial vacuum that mobilizes the blood flow and promotes effective healing. This review outlines various tools and techniques of cupping therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piyush Mehta
- Department of Quality Assurance, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
| | - Vividha Dhapte
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth University, Pune, India
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Cavlak M, Özkök A, Sarı S, Dursun A, Akar T, Karapirli M, Demirel B. Iatrogenic artefacts attributable to traditional cupping therapy in a shotgun fatality. J Forensic Leg Med 2015; 35:26-8. [PMID: 26344454 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2015.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2015] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cupping is a traditional treatment method that has been used for thousands of years to diminish pain, restore appetite and improve digestion, remove tendency to faint or remove 'bad blood' from the body. The suction of the cup is created by fire or mechanical devices. This procedure may result in circular erythema, petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis, burns and may be mistaken for trauma-related ecchymosis or livor mortis. Forty-year-old male was died by shotgun injuries in the same day of the wounding. Circular ecchymoses were observed on the forehead, within the scalp of occipital region, the back of the neck, and on the back. They were defined as ecchymoses in the first examination made by a general practitioner. In the external examination during the legal autopsy superficial incisions were observed on the circular ecchymoses. The shape, localization and color of and the characteristics of incisions on the circular lesions were concluded to be caused by the dry cupping therapy and wet cupping therapy procedures. These lesions and their formation mechanisms should be well-known by the forensic medical examiners and the other medical personnel involved in the forensic medical examination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alper Özkök
- Gazi University, Medical Faculty, Department of Forensic Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serhat Sarı
- Gazi University, Medical Faculty, Department of Forensic Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Dursun
- Gazi University, Medical Faculty, Department of Forensic Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Taner Akar
- Gazi University, Medical Faculty, Department of Forensic Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Birol Demirel
- Gazi University, Medical Faculty, Department of Forensic Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
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El Sayed SM, Baghdadi H, Abou-Taleb A, Mahmoud HS, Maria RA, Ahmed NS, Helmy Nabo MM. Al-hijamah and oral honey for treating thalassemia, conditions of iron overload, and hyperferremia: toward improving the therapeutic outcomes. J Blood Med 2014; 5:219-37. [PMID: 25382989 PMCID: PMC4222535 DOI: 10.2147/jbm.s65042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Iron overload causes iron deposition and accumulation in the liver, heart, skin, and other tissues resulting in serious tissue damages. Significant blood clearance from iron and ferritin using wet cupping therapy (WCT) has been reported. WCT is an excretory form of treatment that needs more research efforts. WCT is an available, safe, simple, economic, and time-saving outpatient modality of treatment that has no serious side effects. There are no serious limitations or precautions to discontinue WCT. Interestingly, WCT has solid scientific and medical bases (Taibah mechanism) that explain its effectiveness in treating many disease conditions differing in etiology and pathogenesis. WCT utilizes an excretory physiological principle (pressure-dependent excretion) that resembles excretion through renal glomerular filtration and abscess evacuation. WCT exhibits a percutaneous excretory function that clears blood (through fenestrated skin capillaries) and interstitial fluids from pathological substances without adding a metabolic or detoxification burden on the liver and the kidneys. Interestingly, WCT was reported to decrease serum ferritin (circulating iron stores) significantly by about 22.25% in healthy subjects (in one session) and to decrease serum iron significantly to the level of causing iron deficiency (in multiple sessions). WCT was reported to clear blood significantly of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, total cholesterol, uric acid, inflammatory mediators, and immunoglobulin antibodies (rheumatoid factor). Moreover, WCT was reported to enhance the natural immunity, potentiate pharmacological treatments, and to treat many different disease conditions. There are two distinct methods of WCT: traditional WCT and Al-hijamah (WCT of prophetic medicine). Both start and end with skin sterilization. In traditional WCT, there are two steps, skin scarification followed by suction using plastic cups (double S technique); Al-hijamah is a three-step procedure that includes skin suction using cups, scarification (shartat mihjam in Arabic), and second skin suction (triple S technique). Al-hijamah is a more comprehensive technique and does better than traditional WCT, as Al-hijamah includes two pressure-dependent filtration steps versus one step in traditional WCT. Whenever blood plasma is to be cleared of an excess pathological substance, Al-hijamah is indicated. We will discuss here some reported hematological and therapeutic benefits of Al-hijamah, its medical bases, methodologies, precautions, side effects, contraindications, quantitative evaluation, malpractice, combination with oral honey treatment, and to what extent it may be helpful when treating thalassemia and other conditions of iron overload and hyperferremia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Mohamed El Sayed
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Sohag Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt ; Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Taibah Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussam Baghdadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Taibah Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf Abou-Taleb
- Department of Pediatrics, Sohag Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Hany Salah Mahmoud
- World Federation of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Cairo Regional Headquarter, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reham A Maria
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Taibah Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tanta Faulty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Nagwa S Ahmed
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Sohag Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Manal Mohamed Helmy Nabo
- Department of Pediatrics, Sohag Teaching Hospital, Sohag, Egypt ; Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Maternity and Children Hospital, King Abdullah Medical City, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Adverse events related to cupping therapy in studies conducted in Korea: A systematic review. Eur J Integr Med 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2013.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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El Sayed SM, Abou-Taleb A, Mahmoud HS, Baghdadi H, Maria RA, Ahmed NS, Nabo MMH. Percutaneous excretion of iron and ferritin (through Al-hijamah) as a novel treatment for iron overload in beta-thalassemia major, hemochromatosis and sideroblastic anemia. Med Hypotheses 2014; 83:238-46. [PMID: 24857772 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2014.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2013] [Revised: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Iron overload is a big challenge when treating thalassemia (TM), hemochromatosis and sideroblastic anemia. It persists even after cure of TM with bone marrow transplantation. Iron overload results from increased iron absorption and repeated blood transfusions causing increased iron in plasma and interstitial fluids. Iron deposition in tissues e.g. heart, liver, endocrine glands and others leads to tissue damage and organ dysfunction. Iron chelation therapy and phlebotomy for iron overload have treatment difficulties, side effects and contraindications. As mean iron level in skin of TM patients increases by more than 200%, percutaneous iron excretion may be beneficial. Wet cupping therapy (WCT) is a simple, safe and economic treatment. WCT is a familiar treatment modality in some European countries and in Chinese hospitals in treating different diseases. WCT was reported to clear both blood plasma and interstitial spaces from causative pathological substances (CPS). Standard WCT method is Al-hijamah (cupping, puncturing and cupping, CPC) method of WCT that was reported to clear blood and interstitial fluids better than the traditional WCT (puncturing and cupping method, PC method of WCT). In other word, traditional WCT may be described as scarification and suction method (double S technique), while Al-hijamah may be described as suction, scarification and suction method (triple S technique). Al-hijamah is a more comprehensive treatment modality that includes all steps and therapeutic benefits of traditional dry cupping therapy and WCT altogether according to the evidence-based Taibah mechanism (Taibah theory). During the first cupping step of Al-hijamah, a fluid mixture is collected inside skin uplifting due to the effect of negative pressure inside sucking cups. This fluid mixture contains collected interstitial fluids with CPS (iron, ferritin and hemolyzed RBCs in thalassemia), filtered fluids (from blood capillaries) with iron and hemolyzed blood cells (hemolyzed RBCs, WBCs and platelets). That fluid mixture does not contain intact blood cells (having diameters in microns) that are too big to pass through pores of skin capillaries (6-12nm in diameter) and cannot be filtered. Puncturing skin upliftings and applying second cupping step excrete collected fluids. Skin scarifications (shartat mihjam in Arabic) should be small, superficial (0.1mm in depth), short (1-2mm in length), multiple, evenly distributed and confined to skin upliftings. Sucking pressure inside cups (-150 to -420mmHg) applied to skin is transmitted to around skin capillaries to be added to capillary hydrostatic pressure (-33mmHg at arterial end of capillaries and -13mmHg at venous end of capillaries) against capillary osmotic pressure (+20mmHg). This creates a pressure gradient and a traction force across skin and capillaries and increases filtration at arterial end of capillaries at net pressure of -163 to -433mmHg and at venous end of capillaries at net pressure of -143 to -413mmHg resulting in clearance of blood from CPS (iron, ferritin and hemolyzed blood cells). Net filtration pressure at renal glomeruli is 10mmHg i.e. Al-hijamah exerts a more pressure-dependent filtration than renal glomeruli. Al-hijamah may benefit patients through inducing negative iron balance. Interestingly, Al-hijamah was reported to decrease serum ferritin significantly (by about 22%) in healthy subjects while excessive traditional WCT was reported to cause iron deficiency anemia. Al-hijamah is a highly recommended treatment in prophetic medicine. In conclusion, Al-hijamah may be a promising adjuvant treatment for iron overload in TM, hemochromatosis and sideroblastic anemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Mohamed El Sayed
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Taibah Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia. Department of Medical Biochemistry, Sohag Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Egypt
| | - Ashraf Abou-Taleb
- Department of Pediatrics, Sohag Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Egypt
| | - Hany Salah Mahmoud
- World Federation of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, Cairo Regional Headquarter, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hussam Baghdadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Taibah Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Reham A Maria
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Taibah Faculty of Medicine, Taibah University, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tanta Faulty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Nagwa Sayed Ahmed
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Sohag Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Egypt
| | - Manal Mohamed Helmy Nabo
- Department of Pediatrics, Sohag Teaching Hospital, Sohag, Egypt; Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Maternity and Children Hospital, King Abdullah Medical City, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Huang CY, Choong MY, Li TS. Effectiveness of Cupping Therapy for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review. Acupunct Med 2013; 31:336-7. [PMID: 23886511 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2013-010385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yu Huang
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Plastic Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Mun-Yau Choong
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Tainan Municipal An-Nan Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Tzong-Shiun Li
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Tainan Municipal An-Nan Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Affiliation(s)
- Arya Nielsen
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Benjamin Kligler
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Andreas Michalsen
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité University Medical Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gustav Dobos
- Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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17
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Kim KH, Kim TH, Hwang-Bo M, Yang GY. Cupping: What Matters is not the Intervention Itself but how it is Practised. Acupunct Med 2013; 31:255-6. [DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2013-010353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Hyung Kim
- Department of Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine, Korean Medicine Hospital, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Tae-Hun Kim
- Department of Spine Center, Mokhuri Neck & Back Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Hwang-Bo
- Department of Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology & Dermatology, Daegu Oriental Hospital, Daegu Hanny University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Gi Young Yang
- Division of Clinical Medicine, School of Korean medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
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