Wet cupping (Hijama) positively and significantly impacted multiple hematological parameters

Abstract

Background and Aim: Wet cupping, known as Hijama, is considered one of the main types of traditional (alternative) medicine around the world. The practice of cupping helps in treating many health problems and many studies have shown its effectiveness. The study target is to figure out if the hematological parameters are affected by wet cupping or not, and to determine the risk of anemia caused by wet cupping. Methods: The data were collected from 17 participants who participate in the study. The cupping was performed at cupping centers in Madinah, and the samples were processed in the research laboratory at Taibah University. The analysis of hematological parameters was done by comparing the samples of each participant before wet cupping, one week and two weeks after it. Results: The results of the study show that the wet cupping causes an increase, that were statistically significant, in many hematological parameters such as white blood cells count and hemoglobin level after performing wet cupping. Conclusions: Several hematological parameters were influenced after performing wet cupping while others did not. Wet cupping is generally safe, as it does not cause anemia, and it is recommended to be performed appropriately due to its health benefits.

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