THE IMPACT OF BLOOD CUPPING (AL HAJAMA) ON BLOOD PARAMETERS IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS IN RAWALPINDI

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Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune condition marked by systemic inflammation and elevated levels of biomarkers such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), uric acid, and rheumatoid factor (RF). This study evaluates the therapeutic effects of blood cupping (Al-Hijama) on these inflammatory markers in RA patients from Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Objective: To Given the limitations of conventional RA treatments, exploring complementary therapies like cupping is essential for holistic disease management. This study aims to evaluate the effects of cupping therapy on pain reduction, functional disability, and inflammatory markers in RA patients in Rawalpindi. By providing empirical evidence, this research seeks to establish cupping therapy as a potential adjunctive treatment for RA. Methods: Out of 60 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, 32 (53%) were selected for the study. Participants were chosen based on their age (20-60 years) and absence of serious health conditions. Information about their age, gender, place of residence, education level, and previous experience with cupping therapy was collected. The inflammatory markers erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), uric acid, and rheumatoid factor (RF)—were measured both before and after the 10 days of cupping therapy. Results: The majority of participants were aged 51-60 years (50%) and predominantly from Rawalpindi (62.5%). Over half (56.25%) were experiencing cupping therapy for the first time. While the reduction in ESR after therapy was not statistically significant (p-value < 0.2), CRP and uric acid levels significantly (p-value < 0.05). RF levels showed a highly significant reduction (p-value < 0.005), highlighting the potential anti-inflammatory benefits of cupping therapy in RA management. Conclusion: Cupping therapy shows potential in lowering inflammatory markers like CRP, uric acid, and RF in rheumatoid arthritis patients. It may be a useful complementary treatment for inflammation management. Further studies are required to confirm its long-term effectiveness.