Cupping (Hijama) in Rheumatic Diseases: The Evidence
- Ammar Ayten
- Jul 6, 2024
- 2 min read
Full study in the link below
The article "Cupping (Hijama) in Rheumatic Diseases: The Evidence" provides an extensive review of cupping therapy's application in various rheumatic conditions based on existing scientific literature. Here are the key points from the article:
Background and Types of Cupping: Cupping therapy, known as Hijama in Arabic, has historical roots dating back to ancient cultures like Egypt and China. It encompasses various techniques such as dry cupping (using suction) and wet cupping (involving bloodletting). The therapy is traditionally used for pain relief but has been explored for treating a wide range of medical conditions.
Mechanism of Action: Cupping is believed to exert therapeutic effects through several mechanisms:
Pain Reduction: The therapy may activate pain modulation pathways such as the Pain-Gate Theory and Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Controls (DNICs).
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Mediated by factors like nitric oxide (NO), cupping can promote vasodilation, regulate blood flow, and reduce oxidative stress markers.
Immunomodulation: Cupping has been associated with changes in immunoglobulin activity, cytokine levels, and immune cell responses, potentially influencing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia.
Hematological Adjustments: It is proposed that cupping aids in detoxification and improves blood circulation, which may benefit conditions like osteoarthritis (OA) and vasculitis.
Applications in Rheumatology: The article reviews cupping therapy's effectiveness across various rheumatic conditions:
Fibromyalgia: Evidence suggests that cupping, particularly when combined with acupuncture and pharmacotherapy, can alleviate pain and improve quality of life.
Osteoarthritis: Studies indicate mixed results, with some suggesting pain relief and functional improvement, while others find weak evidence supporting its efficacy.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Wet cupping has shown potential in reducing pain and inflammatory markers, complementing conventional treatments.
Gout: Limited evidence supports the use of cupping for acute gouty arthritis, primarily through reducing serum uric acid levels.
Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriasis, Vasculitis, and Scleroderma: There is varying evidence regarding cupping's efficacy in these conditions, with some studies reporting benefits and others noting adverse effects or inconclusive results.
Clinical Evidence and Recommendations: The article concludes that while cupping therapy shows promise in rheumatic diseases, more rigorous studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), are needed to establish its effectiveness definitively. It emphasizes the importance of integrating cupping with standard pharmacotherapy and other conventional treatments for optimal patient outcomes.
Safety Concerns: Serious side effects, albeit rare, have been reported, underscoring the need for careful consideration and monitoring when applying cupping therapy, especially in rheumatic patients.
Overall, the review highlights the evolving scientific interest in cupping therapy's potential benefits for rheumatic conditions while acknowledging the current gaps in evidence that warrant further research.
Comments