Abstract:
Cupping is an olden method that is at this time used as an alternative treatment for a wide variety of medical conditions. It has traditionally been used in various cultures and popular treatment in Arab and Islamic countries to relieve pain, removing toxins, and improving blood circulation. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of wet cupping and to confirm its role in positively affecting patients with hypertension in some of their blood parameters. 18 samples of patients with hypertension, aged between 21-62 years (10 males and 8 females) who visited the Modern Medical Cupping Center in Sirte were used in this study. Samples were collected from December 23, 2023, to January 25, 2024. Blood samples were collected from the veins of patients before and after cupping (10 days after the cupping). Two blood samples were collected from each patient, and serum samples were tested for blood parameters and biochemical indicators, including hemoglobin (HGB), red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), platelets (PLT), creatinine (CREA), urea (BU), triglycerides (TG), blood glucose (BG) and cholesterol (CHOL). Additionally, blood pressure measurements were also taken before and after cupping.
The results presented a decrease in both blood systolic and diastolic pressure after cupping in both males and females, with statistical significance observed in males. There was a significant decrease in urea, cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood sugar levels in male patients after cupping (P>0.05), but an increase in platelet count after cupping. In female patients, cholesterol and blood sugar levels also decreased compared to pre-cupping values, with a higher MID% observed after cupping. In brief, cupping can be considered an alternative treatment method to medications through its role in regulating blood pressure and glucose levels, thus reducing the risk of heart and arterial diseases..
