Volume 5, Issue 3, July 2015, Pages 127–134
Open Access
Review article
- Open Access funded by Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University
- Under a Creative Commons license
Abstract
Since
ancient times, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM; 補充與替代醫學 bǔ
chōng yǔ tì dài yī xué) have played an important role in human health
and welfare. Many therapeutic approaches in healthcare outside the realm
of conventional medicine persist in various parts of the world. There
is considerable scientific and commercial potential in CAM, which needs
to be explored precisely. Cupping therapy (拔罐療法 bá guàn liáo fǎ), one of
the CAM, is practiced across the world. This therapy is believed to act
by correcting imbalances in the internal bio field, such as by
restoring the flow of “Qi (氣qì)”. Cupping involves applying a heated cup
to generate a partial vacuum that mobilizes the blood flow and promotes
effective healing. This review outlines various tools and techniques of
cupping therapy.
Graphical abstract
Keywords
- Al-Hijama;
- dry cupping;
- Raktamokshana;
- ‘S’ techniques;
- wet cupping
1. Introduction
Complementary
and alternative medicine (CAM; 補充與替代醫學 bǔ chōng yǔ tì dài yī xué) is
well recognized across the world and within every culture. CAM is an
umbrella term that encompasses a vast array of treatment options
supplementing conventional therapies, to help ease symptoms. CAM
therapies address a very large pool of diseased conditions. They provide
a platform which plays a paramount role in human health and welfare. As
these are frequently used in people to improve health, it is essential
to explore their scientific and biomedical scope. Cupping therapy (拔罐療法
bá guàn liáo fǎ) constitutes one of the CAM therapies, known to carry a
remarkable potential in various maladies. A detailed picture of cupping
therapy is portrayed in this review so as to understand its existing
mechanisms and pharmacological actions and rejuvenate its relevance in
current medical scenarios. Cupping therapy is a part of CAM and an
ancient form of alternative medicine. It is practiced with round glass
cups that are shaped like glass balls, which have an opening at one end.
This treatment involves placing glass suction cups on painful body
parts for vacuum creation which would restore the flow of “Qi (氣qì)”.
Cupping is a simple application of quick, vigorous, rhythmical strokes
to stimulate muscles and is particularly helpful in treatment of aches
and pains of limbs, head, neck, shoulders and back. Thus, cupping
carries the potential to enhance the quality of life.
2. Cupping, an old medical therapy
There
are numerous reports mentioned in the history including Herodotus (a
Greek historian, 400 BC) prescription related to wet and dry Cupping
therapy (拔罐療法 bá guàn liáo fǎ) for treatment of headaches, lack of
appetite, maldigestion, fainting, abscess evacuation, narcolepsy, and
others.1 It also finds a mention in the famous Egyptian Papyrus Ebers
(1550 BC) in the west and ancient Greek medicine. Hippocrates (Greece)
preached the cupping based treatments related with musculoskeletal
diseases of the back and extremities, gynecological complaints,
pharyngitis, ear ailments, and lung diseases. Cupping therapy is popular
as ʻAl-Hijamaʼ in Egypt and Arabic countries. It is an
intervention of Asian medicinal systems such as Unani, Ayurveda,
Chinese, Tibetan, and Oriental Medicine in Asia, the Middle East, and
European countries. In Europe, cupping therapy was customarily used by
monastery practitioners and folk healers up to the 19th century. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Scientist Celsus advised local cupping for abscesses and as a means of
extracting poisons from bites made by man, apes, dogs, wild animals or
snakes. In the early 2nd century, scientist Aretaeus used
both wet and dry cupping, but preferred the former to treat prolapse of
the uterus and cholera ileus and epilepsy. Galen was a great proponent
of the method and described various cups of glass, horn, and brass. 8 Horn cupping and bamboo jar therapy were derived from cupping therapy principles. 9 Dry and wet cupping are commonly practiced in the Far East, Middle East, and Eastern Europe as well. 10 Thus, cupping therapy maintains a strong historical account that needs to be rejuvenated in modern times.
