Bloodletting Research Articles

Comparison of the efficacy of phlebotomy under touch pain point and ultrasound-guided puncture decompression in the treatment of acute calcific supraspinatus tendinitis

To compare the efficacy of blood letting under pain point touch and ultrasound-guided puncture decompression in the treatment of acute supraspinatus muscle calcifying tendinitis. From January 2020 to January 2023, 45 patients with acute supraspinatus muscle calcifying tendinitis were selected and divided into treatment group and control group. In the treatment group, a total of 22 patients were treated with ultrasound-guided puncture decompression, including 16 females and 6 males, aged from 20 to 64 years old(39.31±5.80) years old, 11 on the left shoulder and 11 on the right shoulder. In the control group, there were 23 cases, including 15 females and 8 males, aged from 19 to 66 years old (40.67±6.13) years old, 12 on the left shoulder and 13 on the right shoulder. The treatment was treated with pain point touch bloodletting therapy. The visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, University of California, Los Angeles(UCLA) shoulder system score and shoulder Constant-Murley score were used to evaluate the therapeutic effect before treatment, 1 weeks, 1 month and 3 months after treatment, respectively. One patient in the control group gave up follow-up for personal reasons after 1 week of treatment, and the other 44 patients completed all follow-up. Six months after treatment, there were no recurrence cases in both groups. After statistical analysis, VAS pain score, UCLA score and Constant-Murley score of the treatment group and the control group were significantly different from those before treatment (P<0.05), and the improvement was more obvious in the treatment group. There was no statistical significance between the two groups (P>0.05). Bloodletting under pain point touch and ultrasound-guided puncture decompression are effective in the treatment of acute calcific supraspinatus tendinitis, with simple operation and low cost, which can effectively reduce local pain and effectively improve shoulder joint function. Primary hospitals can selectively operate treatment according to their own conditions.

A Critical Review on Mooshika Dansha[Rat Poisoning] in Agad Tantra

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine having eight important branches. Agadtantra is among oneof them which deals with Visha (poison) and its toxicological conditions and their management. AcharyaSusruta in Kalpa Sthana of Susruta Samhita, and Acharya Vagbhata in Uttaratantra of Ashtanga Hridaya,moreover in other classics and regional texts have recited concerning the origin of Visha and mooshikaVisha.There are eighteen types of Mooshika, signs and symptoms of their bite and its treatment is described bySushrutaacharya and Vaagbhataacharya. There are five modes of spread of Mooshika (rat) VISHA that areShukra[Semen], Purisha[Feaces], Mutra[Urine],Nakh [scratches by nails] and Dant[ bites with teeth ofMooshika] are poisonous. In case of Mooshika Visha, Dansha sthan [bite site] should be cauterized andRaktamokshana by blood letting should be done. After this various drugs paste should be applied on bite site.Various putrifictory therapies should be givene.g.Lepan, Vamana(Vomiting), Virechana(Purgation) Nasya(Nasalmedication), Anjana (Collyrium) etc. Various Kalpanas [drug preparations] like Sanskarit Ghrita[medicatedghee], Kwath [decoctions], Kalka[paste of drugs], Swarasa [juice of drugs] aremetionedwheresource of infection is rat treatment of Mooshika Visha can be given.

Leech Farming: An Overview Over Leech Breeding and Multiplication.

Introduction: There are various descriptions regarding blood letting or Raktamoksha using leeches (Jaloukavacharana) in ayurvedic classics. Acharya Susruta considers Rakta as the fourth Dosha and mentions Raktamoksha as a Shodhana karma (purificatory therapy) and is indicated in many diseases with vitiation of Raktha. As a matter of time, leech therapy is becoming more popular due to its benefits but there is no known established reliable suppliers of leeches for medical needs especially for medal purpose, maintenance of leeches in adequate environment, reproduction of leeches and storage of leeches on a large scale. Materials and Methods: This study is based on analysis of classical ayurvedic texts, modern books and internet sources. Some help was also been taken from previous articles published on the same topic. All the relevant information are compiled here. Result: Parameters for successful leech farming are studied and application of these facts can improve leech farming and thus ensure increased availability of leeches for medical needs. Discussion: The increased demand of leeches and its lesser availability forms a challenge especially in extreme weather. Basically, leech farming is a research topic and also an innovative idea for ayurvedic scholars. Leech farming provides special knowledge regarding selection and breeding of leeches

Investigating The Relationship Between Midwifery Students’ View on Traditional/Complementary Medicine and Health Perception: A Descriptive Study

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the view of midwifery students on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices and their health perception.&#x0D; Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the midwifery department of the Faculty of Health Sciences of a university in the Black Sea Region between October 4th and November 22nd, 2021 (n=304). Descriptive information form, Complementary, Alternative and Conventional Medicine Attitude Scale (CACMAS), and Health Perception Scale were used to collect the data. SPSS 23.0 statistical program was used for conducting data analysis and the data were presented using mean, standard deviation, number, and percentage values. Correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the variables.&#x0D; Results: A total of 304 female students participated in this study with a mean age of 20.98 ± 2.18 years. Among them, 68.4% of the students had a family income below the minimum wage, 77.6% had a nuclear family, and 50.3% lived in the city center. Cupping (blood letting 83.8%) was the most frequent CAM practice, and acupuncture (55.9%) was the most common practice for women’s health. Mean score of the students was 111.5 ± 19.1 of 189 points on the CACMAS and 52.7 ± 7.08 points on the Health Perception Scale. No significant correlation was found between the scores of the CACMAS and Health Perception Scale (p &gt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Students’ views on traditional complementary medicine and health perceptions were found to be high. It is necessary to increase the awareness of students on these topics.

Physiological Aspect of Raktamokshana – A Critical Review

Raktamokshana refers to the letting of blood, which is used to treat a variety of diseases, particularly when there is raktadushti, as well as during physiological function. In Ayurveda surgery, the first complete rational, systematic description of raktamokshana for numerous ailments is stated. According to Acharya sushrut, a person who regularly takes bloodletting will not be impacted by ailments like as shopha (inflammation), twak dosha (skin problems), visarpa (erysipelas), granthi (tumour), and others. The primary goal of this research is to determine the most likely method of action and effect of raktamokshana.&#x0D; A literary review is undertaken utilising electronic databases such as Pubmed, Google Scholar, IJAM, and Ayurveda classics such as Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtang Sangrah, and so on. The goal was to assess the effectiveness and implications of raktamokshana in treating pathological diseases and preserving physiological function. According to the study, both Ayurveda and current science explain that raktamokshana, or significant blood loss, activates / initiates a plethora of beneficial physiological mechanisms, making the body attentive and adaptive to deal with numerous systemic problems.

A Review Article on Role of Jaloukavacharan (Blood Letting) in Oshtha Roga (Diseases of Lip)

Raktmokshana is one of the parasurgical, detoxification strategies for Panchakarma. It is the course of disposal of vitiated Dosha that collect in the body. Jaloukavacharan is sort of Raktmokshana which is drilled internationally in India since antiquated occasions to treat Oshthrogas, in which vitiated Kapha, Pitta and Rakta Doshas get let from the body. Jaloukavacharan is a powerful blood filtration treatment which has property to die down the aggravation, enlarging, redness and consuming sensation promptly and in which little amount of blood eliminated to kill collected vitiated Pitta,Kapha and Rakta dosha of many blood borne sicknesses. Accordingly sicknesses brought about by Pitta, Kapha and Rakta Dosha are remembered. Likewise it is a lot more secure and less confounded Normal interaction. Jalaukavcharana is exceptionally powerful old strategy for Panchakarma ignored by Physicians. There are many results of present day medication. So it is the need to spread mindfulness about Jalaukavcharana and its adequacy. In this manner Jalaukavcharana is the elective treatment promising more powerful and more secure results for the general public. Keywords: Raktamokshana, Jaloukavacharan, Pitta-Kapha Dosha, Rakta Dosha, Hirudin, Oshtha Roga .

ROLE OF PARASURGICAL PROCEDURES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SARPA VISHA

Agadatantra is one of the eight branches of Ayurveda. It is a branch in which treatment of various Sthavara(~plant origin) and Jangama(~animal origin)Visha(~poisons) are described with signs and symptoms. A general principle for the treatment of poisoning is explained in AyurvedicSamhithas like Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata. Snakebite is one among JangamaVisha(~animal origin poison), its mortality in India is approximately 1300annually.The snakebite management protocol is elaborately prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO). AcharyaCharaka has explained ChathurvimshathiUpakrama(~24 treatment procedures) for the management of all types of poison including snake bite.Agnikarma(~Cauterization), and Raktamokshana(~Blood letting), are the only two Para surgical procedures among 24 treatment modalities.Para surgical procedures help to get rid-off localized poison immediately thus preventing the spread and further complications.This article is an extensive review mainly focussed on the role of Para surgical procedures in the management of SarpaVisha(~Snakebite poison). KEYWORDS:Agnikarma,Ayurveda,Chaturvimshatiupakrama,Parasurgicalprocedures,Raktamokshana,Snakebite management.

Pseudohyperkalaemia in essential thrombocytosis: an important clinical reminder.

SummaryAn 82-year-old female was admitted to a general hospital due to progressive bilateral lower limb weakness. A T8–T9 extramedullary meningioma was diagnosed by MRI, and the patient was referred for excision of the tumour. During the patient’s admission, she was noted to have persistent hyperkalaemia which was refractory to treatment. Following a review by an endocrinology team, a diagnosis of pseudohyperkalaemia secondary to thrombocytosis was made. This case demonstrates the importance of promptly identifying patients who are susceptible to pseudohyperkalaemia, in order to prevent its potentially serious consequences.Learning pointsPseudohyperkalaemia should be considered in patients with unexplained or asymptomatic hyperkalaemia. It should also be considered in those patients who are resistant to the classical treatment of hyperkalaemia.A diagnosis of pseudohyperkalaemia is considered when there is a difference of >0.4 mmol/L of potassium between serum and plasma potassium in the absence of symptoms and ECG changes.In patients who are presenting with consistently elevated serum potassium levels, it may be beneficial to take venous blood gas and/ or plasma potassium levels to rule out pseudohyperkalaemia.Pseudohyperkalaemia may subject patients to iatrogenic hypokalaemia which can be potentially fatal.Pseudohyperkalaemia can occur secondary to thrombocytosis, red cell haemolysis due to improper blood letting techniques, leukaemia and lymphoma.

Bloodletting at EX-HN6 as an adjunctive therapy to eye drops for stye: A meta-analysis.

Background:This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of bloodletting (BL) at ear-apex (EX-HN6) as an adjunctive therapy to eye drops for stye.Methods:This study systematically searched electronic databases from inception to March 1, 2020 in PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journals Full-text Database, and WanFang Database. All potential randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effectiveness and safety of BL at EX-HN6 as an adjunctive therapy to eye drops for stye were included in this study. Study quality of all included studies was assessed by Cochrane Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. RevMan 5.3 software was used for statistical analysis and meta-analysis performance.Results:A total of 11 RCTs, involving 1718 subjects, were included in this study. Results showed that BL at EX-HN6 as an adjunctive therapy to eye drops was superior to the eye drops alone in enhancing total effectiveness rate (risk ratio [RR] 1.21, 95% confidence intervals [CIs] [1.11, 1.32], I2 = 79%), and total cure rate (RR 1.28, 95% CIs [1.14, 1.43], I2 = 69%). After removing two studies, results of subgroup analysis still showed significant improvements in total effectiveness rate (RR 1.13, 95% CIs [1.08, 1.18], I2 = 0%), and total cure rate (RR 1.16, 95% CIs [1.08, 1.24], I2 = 0%). No data of adverse reactions was reported in primary trials, thus, this study did not analyze adverse reactions of BL at EX-HN6 as an adjunctive therapy to eye drops for stye.Conclusion:BL at EX-HN6 as an adjunctive therapy to eye drops may benefit stye. However, high-quality RCTs addressing on this issue is still needed to warrant the findings of this study.

The death of Raphael: a reflection on bloodletting in the Renaissance.

The death of Raphael: a reflection on bloodletting in the Renaissance.

Clinical research progress of electroacupuncture treatment as the main method treating dysphagia after stroke

This paper reviews the clinical research of electroacupuncture in the treatment of dysphagia after stroke. It is found that electroacupuncture is widely used in the treatment of this disease, either alone, or in combination with rehabilitation training, dysphagia therapeutic apparatus, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, transcranial direct current electrical stimulation, transcranial repeated magnetic stimulation, pricking and bloodletting, auricular point sticking, etc. At present, many methods are used to evaluate the clinical effect, such as water swallow test, video fluoroscopic swallowing study, standard swallowing function evaluation, swallowing disorder evaluation, etc. And electroacupuncture based therapy can effectively improve the swallowing ability of stroke patients. Key words: Stroke; Dysphagia; Electroacupuncture; Acupuncture moxibustion therapy; Review

The Effects of Text Messaging for Promoting the Retention of the First-Time Blood Donors, a Randomized Controlled Study (TEXT study)

Introduction Recruiting blood donors remains a challenging process to ensure sufficient blood product supplies. There were several interventions implemented in order to promote the retention of first-time donors, including short messaging service (SMS). However, the efficacy of SMS for promoting the retention of blood donation has never been demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial. Here, we report the interim analysis of the TEXT study. Methods This is a single center, randomized- controlled trial. We enrolled participants 18 years of age or older who were first-time blood donors and who were able to read and understand text messages. Participants were excluded if the purposes of blood donation were as follows, autologous donation, apheresis or blood letting. Participants were also excluded if they had no cell phone number or lived temporarily in the area. Participants were randomized within 24 hours followed the blood donation in a 1:1 ratio (text group vs control group). Only participants who were allocated in the "text group'' would receive a computer-generated text message once his/her blood product was dispatched from the transfusion service. The content of text message was "We would like to inform you that your blood has been used for patients on DD.MM.YYYY. Because of your blood donation, patients' lives will be saved." The primary outcome of the study was the rate of returning for the second donation at 6 months. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for retention rate was calculated based-on a modified intention-to-treat analysis. Results In a modified intention-to-treat analysis, there were 867 participants allocated to the text group and 864 participants to the control group (Figure 1). Mean age was 26.1 (standard deviation, SD 9.2) and 26.2 (SD 9.4) years, respectively. The primary outcome occurred in 120 of 867 (13.8%) in the text group and 89 of 864 (10.3%) in the control group, OR 1.40 (95%CI 1.04 to 1.87, P-value=0.02). Number needed to treat was 29. Figure 2 demonstrates the Kaplan-Meier curves of participants who returned for the second blood donation comparing between text and control groups. The median time for returning was 119 days (interquartile range, 95.5-150.5) in text group and 119 days (interquartile range, 98-148) in control group. Subgroup analysis does not show significant interactions between participants' characteristics and outcome. Conclusion Among first-time blood donors, text messaging after blood product being dispatched is a simple, inexpensive and effective intervention to increase the retention rate for second donation at 6 months duration. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Effect of pyruvate peritoneal resuscitation on JAK/STAT signaling pathway in intestinal tissues of rats with hemorrhagic shock

Objective To evaluate the effect of pyruvate peritoneal resuscitation on Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway in intestinal tissues of rats with hemorrhagic shock. Methods Twenty-four healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats, weighing 200-300 g, were divided into 3 groups (n=8 each) using a random number table method: sham operation group (S group), intravenous resuscitation group (VR group), and peritoneal resuscitation with pyruvate group (PY group). Hemorrhagic shock was induced by blood-letting and infusing blood withdrawn with mean arterial pressure reduced to 30-40 mmHg for 60 min in pentobarbital-anesthetized rats.Hemorrhagic shock was resuscitated with autologous blood and normal saline 2 times the volume of blood withdrawn at the end of hemorrhagic shock in group VR.Pyruvate was intraperitoneally infused for 30 min using a micro-perfusion pump simultaneously with the intravenous resuscitation in group PY.The animals were sacrificed at 2 h after resuscitation, and intestinal tissues were obtained for determination of malondialdehyde (MDA) content (by thiobarbituric acid method), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (using xanthine oxidase method), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity (using chemical colorimetry), and expression of phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2) and caspase-3 expression (by Western blot). Results Compared with group S, the MDA content and MPO activity were significantly increased, the SOD activity was decreased, and the expression of p-STAT3, p-JAK2 and caspase-3 was up-regulated in the other two groups (P<0.05). Compared with group VR, the MDA content and MPO activity were significantly decreased, the SOD activity was increased, and the expression of p-STAT3, p-JAK2 and caspase-3 was down-regulated in group PY (P<0.05). Conclusion The mechanism by which peritoneal resuscitation with pyruvate mitigates intestinal damage may be related to inhibiting activation of JAK/STAT signaling pathway in the rats with hemorrhagic shock. Key words: Pyruvic acid; Resuscitation; Shock, hemorrhagic; Intestines; Janus kinases; STAT transcription factors

Nursing intervention based on Ramsay sedation score in continuous renal replacement therapy of children

Objective To investigate the effects of Ramsay sedation score on the nursing intervention for children undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) . Methods By retrospective non-random sampling, a total of 30 children treated with CRRT in Anhui Children's Hospital from January 2016 to May 2017 were assigned into the control group and nursed according to the standard operating procedures of CRRT for children. Another 30 children treated with CRRT from June 2017 to September 2018 were put into the observation group and the Ramsay sedation score was applied to adjust the sedation administration plan according to the results and doctors' prescriptions, and nursing intervention was given at the early stage of agitation. Machine alarm, complications and adverse events were compared between the two groups. Results After nursing intervention with Ramsay sedation score, the incidence of complications including machine alarm (1 time) , failed bloodletting (1 time) , bleeding at catheter puncture point (4 cases) and unplanned accidental termination of treatment (1 time) in the observation group were lower than those in the control group with statistical significance (P<0.05) . Conclusions Ramsay sedation score is simple and practical to apply and it is convenient for pediatric blood purification specialized nurses to evaluate its function. It can effectively reduce incidences of CRRT machine alarm, complications and adverse events. Key words: Nursing care; Child; Intervention studies; Ramsay sedation score; Continuous renal replacement therapy

Ksharavarti Prayoga (Alkali thread) in Puyalasa (Acute Dacryocystitis) : A Case Report

Puyalasa, one among the Sandhigataroga can be correlated to dacryocystitis based on the symptomatology which includes swelling in inner canthus, which later undergoes suppuration causing thick purulent discharge. Dacryocystitis is the inflammation of the lacrimal sac. Management of acute dacryocystitis differs based on the stage. Puyalasa treatment includes Raktamokshana (blood letting), Upanaha (poultice) and other Vranashotha (inflammatory swelling) treatment. A 28 year old female patient diagnosed as Puyalasa (acute dacryocystitis) was treated with blood letting, Ksharavarti (alkali thread) insertion and Bidalaka (applying medicines in paste form over eyelids) and the results proved to be significant on the basis of clinical assessment.

Changes in the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in Adult Male Rats Poisoned with Proteus and Biscaya Insecticides.

Insecticides may have negative effects on reproductive organs. Given the interaction between leptin and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, we sought to investigate the changes in leptin and the HPG axis in adult male rats poisoned with Proteus and Biscaya insecticides. Our experimental subjects were 110 adult male Wistar rats (80-90 days of age; average weight=200-210 g). They were randomly split into 11 groups of 10 rats: control, sham, and 9 experimental groups namely treatment with 2.75, 5.5, and 11 mg/kg/BW of Proteus, treatment with 1.5, 3, and 6 mg/kg/BW of Biscaya, treatment with 2.75 mg/kg/BW of Proteus+1.5 mg/kg/BW of Biscaya, treatment with 5.5 mg/kg/BW of Proteus+3 mg/kg/BW of Biscaya, and treatment with 11 mg/kg/BW of Proteus+6 mg/kg/BW of Biscaya. Intraperitoneal injections were performed over a 14-day period. For bloodletting at the end of the experiment, blood samples were withdrawn from the rats in order to investigate the serum concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), gonadotropin- releasing hormone (GnRH), testosterone, and leptin. The data were analyzed using SPSS, version 16, via ANOVA and the Duncan test. A P value equal to or less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Our comparisons between the experimental groups (average and maximum compound concentrations of Proteus and Biscaya) and the control group showed a significant decrease in the mean serum levels of FSH (P=0.001), LH (P=0.001), GnRH (P=0.001), testosterone (P=0.005), and leptin (P=0.001) in all the experimental groups in a dose-dependent manner. Proteus and Biscaya decreased GnRH, LH, FSH, and testosterone by reducing the serum level of leptin in the hypothalamus in a dose-dependent manner.

Effect of comprehensive nursing on psychology, quality of life and pain of herpes zoster patients treated by ear acupuncture combined with bloodletting puncture and cupping

Objective To observe the effect of comprehensive nursing on psychology, quality of life and pain of herpes zoster patients treated by ear acupuncture combined with bloodletting puncture and cupping. Methods A total of 130 cases of shingles patients who were diagnosed and treated in the Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of Taizhou City Hospital from May 2015 to February 2018 were selected by convenience sampling method. According to the random number table method, all the research subjects were divided into observation group and control group, with 65 cases in each group. The patients were treated with auricular acupuncture combined with puncture and cupping. The control group was given routine nursing, and the observation group was given comprehensive nursing on the basis of the control group. Patients' psychological status, quality of life and pain were compared between the two groups, by Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) , Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) , Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) , NRS score and Wisconsin Brief Pain Inventory (WBPI) . Results There was no statistical significance in the difference in SAS, SDS, DLQI, NRS and WBPI before intervention (P>0.05) . After the intervention, the scores of SAS, SDS, DLQI NRS and WBPI of the observation group were all lower than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . Conclusions Comprehensive acupuncture combined with auricular acupuncture and cupping in the treatment for patients with herpes zoster can effectively correct the patient's bad mood, help improve the patient's quality of life and reduce pain levels in patients, which is worthy of clinical application. Key words: Nursing care; Quality of life; Pain; Auricular acupuncture; Puncture and cupping; Herpes zoster

Clinical application of replantation of Yamano I zone fingertip with anastomosis of central artery

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and the application experience of replantation of Yamano I zone fingertip with anastomosis of one artery. Methods From January 2012 to February 2017, 21 cases of Yamano I zone fingertip amputation without available vein for anastomosis were treated by replantation with only one central artery anastomosis. The nails were removed and blood-letting therapy was not used postoperatively. The survival rate, pulp fullness, finger appearance, sensory recovery and complications were observed. Results All the cases survived uneventfully. The follow-up period ranged from 10 to 36 months with an average of 15. 9 months. The patients were satisfied with the appearance of fingers, full pulp and no hyperalgesia. The two-pointuneventfullydiscrimination was 3 to 6 mm, averaging 4 mm. The wounds and fractures achieved primary healing. The appearance of nail was good. The mild finger atrophy occurred in 3 cases. The movements of the injured finger joints recovered well. Conclusion The replantation of Yamano I zone fingertip with only anastomosis of central artery can achieve satisfactory survival rate, full pulp and good recovery of sensation after the operation. The operation time is short. It is worthy of clinical promotion. Key words: Replantation; Microsurgery; Fingertip amputation; Vascular anastomosis

Pengaruh Wet Cupping terhadap Kadar Hemoglobin Darah Vena Orang Sehat

Wet cupping known as blood letting in western countries has long been done since the Hippocrates. Hijamah or cupping (other languages, coke, cupping, cupping) is a therapy that aims to cleanse the body of blood which contains toxic with thin slices or small punctures on the surface of the skin, Wet Cupping is developed as an alternative and complementary treatment, the purpose of the study is to determine the effect of wet cupping against healthy blood vein hemoglobin levels. This research method with experimental clinical test with pre and post intervention design without control group. The implementation of wet cupping is carried out at Puskesmas Palembang Campus and blood collection and blood tests at the Health Laboratory Center (BBLK) of South Sumatra Province. The sample of this study was 30 respondents with an age range of 18-22 years, the parameters seen were the value of hemoglobin levels, the treatment was carried out after 8 hours of intervention. To control confounding factors in this study, respondents before getting treatment were not allowed to exercise and heavy activities and still consume daily food without additional food. The results of the study showed a significant increase in hemoglobin levels, 8 hours after wet cupping was performed on healthy venous blood, the mean hemoglobin level was 15.08 ± 0.63, increasing to 15.45 ± 0.76. The conclusion that wet cupping affects healthy people's venous blood hemoglobin levels, it is hoped that wet cupping can be used in alternative and complementary therapies.

Should acupuncture, biofeedback, massage, Qi gong, relaxation therapy, device-guided breathing, yoga and tai chi be used to reduce blood pressure?: Recommendations based on high-quality systematic reviews

BackgroundThis review aims to rate the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations in high-quality systematic reviews of non-drug therapies. Hypertensive patients who are resistant or non-adherent to antihypertensive drugs may be easier to manage if they choose alternative non-drug therapies for hypertension, based on this review. MethodsP: Adults (>18 years), except pregnant women, with essential hypertension. I: Cupping, moxibustion, acupuncture, acupoint stimulation, yoga, meditation, tai chi, Qi gong, Chinese massage, massage, spinal manipulation, biofeedback, device-guided breathing therapy, aromatherapy, music therapy, and relaxation approaches. C: 1. No treatment. 2. Sham therapy. 3. Conventional treatment, including antihypertensive drugs and lifestyle modification (e.g., exercise). O: 1. Change in the incidence of cardiovascular death. 2. Change in the incidence of myocardial infarction. 3. Change in the incidence of stroke. 4. Change in blood pressure (BP). 5. Efficacy rate of BP lowering. 6. Adverse effects (review specific). S: Systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials, including meta-analyses and assessments of the methodological quality/risk of bias. Information sourcesCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, Cochrane library, PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database were searched. The bibliographies of the included articles were also searched for relevant systematic reviews. GRADE criteria were used to rate the quality of evidence in systematic reviews considering 6 factors, including risk of bias. ResultsThis review ultimately included 13 systematic reviews of 14 non-drug therapies (acupuncture, wet cupping, Baduanjin, blood letting, auricular acupuncture, music, massage, Qi gong, moxibustion, relaxation therapies, biofeedback, device-guided breathing, yoga and tai chi) based on the inclusion criteria. The quality of evidence was generally low, and weak recommendations were given for most therapies except massage and acupuncture plus antihypertensive drug. Based on the analyzed evidence, massage and acupuncture plus antihypertensive drug could benefit people who want to lower their BP and do not have contraindications for massage and acupuncture plus antihypertensive drug. Discussion/StrengthThe GRADE approach makes this review a unique reference for people who are considering the grade of quality of evidence in systematic reviews, the balance of desirable and undesirable consequences and the strength of recommendations to decide which intervention should be used to reduce BP. LimitationsMany non-drug therapies were excluded due to the low methodological quality of their systematic reviews, and only 14 therapies were evaluated in this review. As no patient-important outcomes were reviewed, surrogate outcomes were used to rate the strength of recommendations. This approach may cause a decrease in evidence quality according to GRADE, but we argue that this is appropriate in the context of this review.