Clinical and Haematological Study of Hijama-Bi’l-Shart (Wet Cupping) In the Management of Pain

Abstract

Background: This randomized clinical and haematological study evaluated the effect of Hijama-Bil-Shart (Wet Cupping) on musculoskeletal pain and inflammatory markers in venous and cupped blood. Materials and Methods: 110 patients with musculoskeletal pain were screened, with 90 diagnosed and included. After 30 subjects were lost to follow-up, 60 completed the study. Participants received 4 weekly sessions of wet cupping therapy over 4 weeks. Pain intensity was measured using VAS and KOOS scores, and inflammatory markers (Serum uric acid & CRP) were assessed in venous and cupped blood. Results: Pain relief, measured by VAS, showed significant improvement across various musculoskeletal conditions: cervical spondylosis, frozen shoulder, low backache, sciatic pain, knee osteoarthritis, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis. KOOS scores for knee osteoarthritis improved significantly. Serum uric acid levels in venous blood were suggestively insignificant, while CRP levels decreased gradually but were not statistically significant. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Hijama-Bil-Shart (wet cupping) therapy is effective in relieving musculoskeletal pain and improving quality of life. It shows long-term benefits with sustained pain relief and gradual reduction in CRP levels. However, it is not effective in significantly reducing raised serum uric acid levels. Keywords: Musculoskeletal pain, Wet cupping, VAS, KOOS, Hijama-Bil-Shart, CRP