Hijama (Wet Cupping or Dry Cupping) for Diabetes Treatment
- Ammar Ayten
- Jul 6, 2024
- 2 min read
The article "Cupping (Hijama) in Rheumatic Diseases: The Evidence" provides a comprehensive overview of the application of cupping therapy in various rheumatic conditions. Here are the key points summarized:
1. **Background and Types of Cupping**:
- Cupping therapy, known as Hijama in Arabic, has ancient origins dating back to cultures like Egypt and China.
- Techniques include dry cupping (using suction) and wet cupping (involving controlled bloodletting).
- Traditionally used for pain relief, cupping has been explored for treating a wide range of medical conditions.
2. **Mechanism of Action**:
- **Pain Reduction**: Cupping may activate pain modulation pathways such as the Pain-Gate Theory and DNICs.
- **Anti-inflammatory Effects**: It can promote vasodilation, regulate blood flow, and reduce oxidative stress.
- **Immunomodulation**: Cupping affects immunoglobulins, cytokines, and immune cells, potentially influencing conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and fibromyalgia.
- **Hematological Adjustments**: Helps in detoxification, improves blood circulation, possibly benefiting osteoarthritis (OA) and vasculitis.
3. **Applications in Rheumatology**:
- **Fibromyalgia**: Cupping, combined with acupuncture and pharmacotherapy, can alleviate pain and improve quality of life.
- **Osteoarthritis**: Mixed evidence exists, with some studies showing pain relief and functional improvement.
- **Rheumatoid Arthritis**: Wet cupping may reduce pain and inflammatory markers, complementing conventional treatments.
- **Gout**: Limited evidence supports cupping for acute gouty arthritis, reducing serum uric acid levels.
- **Other Conditions**: Evidence varies for ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, vasculitis, and scleroderma, with reports of benefits and mixed outcomes.
4. **Clinical Evidence and Recommendations**:
- More rigorous studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), are needed to establish cupping's efficacy conclusively.
- Integration with standard pharmacotherapy and conventional treatments is recommended for optimal patient outcomes.
5. **Safety Concerns**:
- While serious side effects are rare, careful consideration and monitoring are crucial, especially in rheumatic patients undergoing cupping therapy.
In conclusion, the article underscores cupping therapy's potential benefits in rheumatic diseases while highlighting the necessity for further high-quality research to validate its effectiveness and ensure safe clinical application.
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