Fire Cupping Research Articles

The Benefits of Removing Dirty Blood with Traditional Cupping Treatment

In daily life, Muslims are ordered to behave by the teachings in the Al-Quran and the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad, including regarding health. In the world of health, it is known that alternative medicine in the style of Rasulullah SAW is known as At-Thibb Al-Nabawi; one example is cupping therapy. The purpose of preparing this paper is to master the meaning of cupping, the procedures for carrying out cupping, and knowing the urgency and virtues of cupping. The research method used is a literature study. Cupping is the oldest traditional medicine method in the world, believed to have existed since 3000 BC. It aims to remove blood contaminated with toxins resulting from metabolism through the skin's surface by using a tube or glass placed on the skin's surface as a place to collect the dirty blood. There are five types of cupping: dry cupping, wet cupping, sliding cupping, fire cupping, and synergy cupping. Cupping features include pain relief, increasing blood circulation, lowering blood pressure, overcoming cardiovascular disease, lowering cholesterol, treating diabetes mellitus, and many more.

The Medical Perspective of Dry Cupping and Wet Cupping: Effects and mechanisms of action

This therapy is a method of cleaning the blood and wind by sucking. remove residual toxins in the body through the skin surface by sucking. Cupping is divided into two types, that’s wet cupping and dry cupping. Dry cupping includes slide cupping, fire cupping, and pull cupping. The difference between wet cupping and dry cupping is the presence or absence of blood. Cupping is an alternative method that involves placing a cup on the skin using heat or suction for a few minutes. This will pull the tissue under the skin and form a blood pool so that a localized healing process occurs. Cupping is very beneficial for these patients although the benefits may not be felt in the short term. The side effects caused by cupping are not severe, only cause discomfort due to cupped and incision on the skin. Cupping plays a role in reducing inflammatory mediators formed due to cell inflammation. This substance serves to send pain signals to the brain. Cupping can be used for diseases that are local or systemic. Cupping can be used to reduce pain such as headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome and some other local disease.

Comparative Clinical Study of Hijama bil shart (Wet Cupping) and Hijama bil nar (Fire Cupping) in Irq al- nasa’ (Sciatica)

Background: ‘Irq al nasa’ an Arabic term to which we call ‘Sciatica’ is clinically defined as the pain along with Sciatic nerve and its component nerve roots. Pain may vary from mild ache to severe burning or shooting, or tingling in nature. According to Unani literature, sciatica (Irq al-nasa') may be caused by accumulation of morbid matter or phlegm (Khilt balgham galeez) in the affected area. “Hijama” means “to suck” is a Unani regimental method of treatment, which helps to evacuate the morbid materials from the body and reassure the blood flow to the site of Hijama.
 Objective: This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of hijama bil-shart (wet cupping) and hijama bil-nar (fire cupping) in the management of sciatica.
 Methods: In an open, randomized, controlled study out of 70 sciatica patients, 60 were randomly allocated in test and control group, 30 in each. The test group received wet cupping and control group were applied with fire cupping at 0th, 15th, 30th and 45th day.
 Results: While observation of visual analogue scale for pain, limb movement, straight leg raising test, deep tendon reflexes at ankle and knee joint, and stiffness along with Bragard’s sign, the intergroup comparison of pre and post treatment results showed wet cupping is more effective than fire cupping (p<0.001).
 Conclusion: Hijama bil-shart (wet cupping) is more effective than hijama bil-nar (fire cupping) in managing sciatica. Both the therapies were generally well tolerated.
 Keywords: Cupping, Hijama, Sciatica, Unani.

An Experimental Study on the Pressure Range of Fire Cupping Method

Background: Standardized procedures for the clinical application of fire cupping methods have not been established. In particular, the pressure parameters have not been fully characterized and described. Therefore, using various materials, this study investigated the pressure range exerted during fire cupping therapy. Methods: In this study, 3 differently sized (small, medium, large) glass and bamboo cups were used in the cotton ball fire cupping procedure to measure the pressure inside the cup applied to a human skin model. The pressure in each cup was measured 15 times for a total of 90 measurements. Results: A small bamboo cup had the minimum overall pressure (-305.4 mmHg), whereas the large glass cup exerted the maximum pressure (-401.3 mmHg), followed by the medium glass cup, large bamboo cup, small glass cup, and medium bamboo cup. The average pressure exerted by the cotton ball method for all cups ranged from -348.715 mmHg to -358.694 mmHg (95% confidence interval). Overall, the glass cups had a greater pressure than the bamboo cups in all groups (p < 0.001). Among the glass cups used, the larger the size of the cup, the higher the average pressure detected (-381.947 mmHg to -391.973 mmHg; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Large glass cups which are widely used in clinical practice, when used in the fire cupping method exerted pressure ranging from -381.947 mmHg to -391.973 mmHg (95% CI).

Rolling needle pricking-cupping therapy and traditional pricking-cupping therapy for cervical spondylosis of neck type: a randomized controlled trial

To compare the clinical efficacy between rolling needle pricking-cupping (RNP-C) and traditional pricking-cupping (TP-C) for cervical spondylosis of neck type. A total of 96 patients with cervical spondylosis of neck type were randomly divided into an RNP-C group, a TP-C group and an electroacupuncture (EA) group, 32 cases in each group. Each group was treated with EA at Jingbailao (EX-HN 15), Fengchi (GB 20), Dazhui (GV 14), Jianjing (GB 21) and ashi points with continuous wave and 2 Hz of frequency; each EA treatment lasted for 20 min, once every 3 to 5 days, totaling 6 treatments. On the basis of EA treatment, the patients in the TP-C group were treated with bloodletting by seven-star needle, followed by fire cupping; the patients in the RNP-C group were treated with bloodletting by rolling needle, followed by fire cupping. The treatment was given once a week for 4 weeks. The follow-up was 1 month. Before treatment, 2 and 4 weeks into treatment and follow-up, the Northwick Park neck-pain questionnaire (NPQ) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were evaluated. The acupuncture pain degree was recorded at the first treatment and 2 and 4 weeks into treatment. The efficacy was evaluated after 4 weeks of treatment. Compared before treatment, the scores of NPQ and VAS in each group were all reduced at 2 and 4 weeks into treatment and follow-up (P<0.05). The scores of NPQ in the TP-C group and the RNP-C group were lower than those in the EA group at 2 and 4 weeks into treatment (P<0.05). The scores of VAS in the TP-C group and the RNP-C group were lower than those in the EA group at 2 and 4 weeks into treatment and follow-up (P<0.05). The differences of NPQ and VAS scores between the TP-C group and the RNP-C group at each time point after treatment were not significant (P>0.05). The acupuncture pain degree in the RNP-C group was lower than that in the TP-C group (P<0.05). The total effective rates were 79.3% (23/29) in the TP-C group and 75.0% (24/32) in the RNP-C group, which was superior to 63.3% (19/30) in the EA group (P<0.05), but there was no statistical significance between the TP-C group and the RNP-C group (P>0.05). TP-C and RNP-C could both improve the cervical pain symptoms in patients with cervical spondylosis of neck type, and improve the overall function of the cervical spine, and the curative effect is similar.

THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF CUPPING ON NON-SPECIFIC NECK AND LOW BACK PAIN - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND &amp; AIMS Neck and low back pain are the major musculoskeletal problems effecting people around the globe. Increasing number of researches underpin the effects of cupping in neck and low back pain. However, empirical studies are required to confirm the efficiency of cupping therapy. Therefore, the aim of this review was to examine the efficacy of cupping treatment in non-specific neck and low back pain. STUDY SELECTION &amp; ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA This systematic review included Randomized Controlled Trials focused on cupping therapy and its effects on neck and low back pain. Extensive search was performed on Google Scholar, PubMed, MEDLINE and Pedro databases. Studies published from 2009 to 2017 were included. RESULTS Eight RCT’s with a 659 sample size were selected for review. Compared to other cupping methods ‘wet cupping’, ‘fire cupping’ and ‘cupping massage’ were superior in reducing pain in neck and low back pain P&lt;0.001. However, a few cupping techniques showed relatively less significant P&lt;0.133, P&lt;0.05, and P&lt;0.037 in comparison to previously mentioned methods. CONCLUSION Cupping therapy can be beneficial in alleviation of non-specific cervicalgia and lumbago in short-term. However, due to weak evidence and a small sample size, the study was restricted from drawing a definite conclusion. Future high-level evidence and research work is required for confirmative and conclusive recommendation of cupping in clinical settings for musculoskeletal pain.

Effectiveness of Fire Cupping (Hijamah Nariya) versus dry warm Fomentation (Takmeed Yabis) in Chronic Neck Pain - A Randomized Control Trial

Objectives: The primary objective was to compare the effectiveness of fire cupping versus dry warm fomentation in reducing pain and tenderness in patients with Chronic Neck Pain (CNP) and the secondary objective was to compare the effectiveness of both interventions in improving Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) and Quality of Life (QoL). Methods: In this randomized controlled trial 70 patients with CNP were block randomized into two groups; fire Cupping Group (CG) or dry warm Fomentation Group (FG). Response to treatment was assessed using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), CROM and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Impact of disease on patient’s QoL was assessed using Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Result: On intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis, the maximum reduction in pain was achieved in CG than in FG, the mean VAS scores in CG leads to much earlier reduction of pain as compared to FG (p=0.001). The mean CROM in both the groups increased from baseline, though the increase was higher in the CG. A low NDI score signifies less disability, the median percentage NDI score in CG was 12 (0-24) which is lower than FG 18 (0-46.7) and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.0012). In the SF-36, subscale bodily pain, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.0452). Conclusion: Both the regimens are effective in reducing pain and increasing CROM while, earlier reduction in pain occur significantly greater extent with CG. How to cite this article: Raheem A, Nazli T, Saeed A, Alvi R, Kalaivani M. Effectiveness of Fire Cupping (Hijamah Nariya) versus dry warm Fomentation (Takmeed Yabis) in Chronic Neck Pain - A Randomized Control Trial. J Integ Comm Health 2019; 8(1): 21-32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2319.9113.201904

Cupping, the Past and Present Application

Cupping is a therapy in which a cup is applied to the skin surface to cause local congestion through negative pressure. It has a long history in many places such as China, Greece, Egypt, and the Middle East. The ancient Chinese used animal horns as their cupping instrument, whereas in modern days there are a wide variety of choices ranging from bamboo cup to glass cup. Cupping is simple, inexpensive and yet has wide indications. Research has shown that it can promote blood circulation, stimulate nerve and muscle functions. In terms of application methods, fire cupping, liquid cupping and vaccum cupping were discussed. The five application techniques (flashing, retaining, moving, needle retention and bleeding) and precautions of cupping are also discussed in detail. Lastly, pathological reactions observed during the cupping process can be used to support Chinese Medicine diagnosis.

Horn and cupping

Cupping, with an ancient name of horn method, possessed other different names and operational approaches through the history. There was wrong information about cupping which was passed on due to unawareness of predecessors. Through probing into the literature and history, this article summarizes and studies warming cupping, cupping over needles, water boiled cupping and fire cupping.

A Comparative Clinical Study on the Effects of Mehjama Nariya and Hijamat Bila Shart in Irqunnasa (Sciatica)

Aim: Irqunnasa (Sciatica) is one of the commonest neuralgic pains in lower limbs. The overall incidence of this condition is approximately between 13% and 40 % with the malady has the potential to become chronic and intractable with major socioeconomic implications. Several Unani medical regimens are claimed to be effective in its treatment, but are not corroborated. In order to validate scientifically, two different regimens viz; Mehjama Nariya (Fire cupping) and Hijamat Bila Shurt (Dry cupping) were selected to evaluate their effects comparatively in Irqunnasa by an open label, prospective, simple randomized, observational study. Methods: Diagnosed cases of Irqunnasa aged between 18 to 65 years of either gender fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected and randomly allocated after obtaining voluntary informed consent into two groups of 20 patients each viz; Group A Mehjama Nariya and Group B Hijamat Bila Shurt. Treatment protocol was followed for 15 days in both groups. Results: Mean visual analogue scale (VAS) scores before treatment in Group A was 10 and Group B was 9.4, while after treatment it declined to 6 in Group A and 6.6 in Group B. This reduction was found statistically significant in both groups (p< 0.01). The Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores in both groups revealed significant difference (p