Cupping: East meets West

The Clinical and Histological Skin Changes After the Cupping Therapy (Al-Hijamah)

“…This was also the case in other studies [3,5]. Bruises can stay until 30 days especially if the cups were left for long period of time.…”

“…In another study [22], cupping and Chinese herbs treatment for vitiligo were more effective than medical treatment (p<0.05 Cups in our study were commonly applied on the back, chest, abdomen, and buttock where good bulk of muscles were present. This was the approach in other studies [3,5]. Patients complained from tingling sensation and tightness as a result of bloodletting and suction.…”

“…The after-effects of cupping often include erythema, edema, and ecchymosis in a characteristic circular arrangement. These bruises may take several days to several weeks to subside [3,5].…”

“…The most common sites on which the cups are applied are the back, chest, abdomen, and buttock; areas of abundant muscle [5]. The cups are typically left in place for 5-10 minutes or sometimes more.…”

“…Practitioners of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believe that diseases are caused by stagnant or blocked Qi and that cupping is able to unblock and correct the balance in the flow of Qi, thereby restoring health [3]. In Eastern Asia, cupping is a popular alternative therapy [4,5]. It was mentioned in the oldest recorded medical textbook, Ebers Papyrus, written in approximately 1550 BC in Egypt [6].…”