Therapeutic potentials of hijama-bila-shart (dry cupping therapy): A review

Abstract

Unani medicine is also called as Greco-Arabic medicine there are three modes of treatment in USM, in which Ilaj-bit-tadbeer is one of the mode where treatment is done through several regimes in which Hijama (cupping) therapy is most famous among them. Hijama (Cupping therapy) is one of the oldest methods of treatment which was used by Unani physician since ancient time. It is used for diversion of morbid matter from diseased part by creating negative pressure through vacuum pump, it is indicated in various condition like arthritis, backache, migraine, hemorrhoids etc. the paper discusses the method and therapeutic potentials of Hijama-bila-Shart. Introduction Unani medicine is also called as Greco-Arabic medicine or Islamic medicine. USM is based on the wisdom and tradition of great Greek physician and father of medicine Buqrat (460-377BC), Roman physician Jalinoos (129-200AD) medical system is also elaborate by Arab and Persian physician such as Ibne-Sina, Al-Razi, Ibne-Nafis, Al-Zahrawi [1]. Treatment strategy in Unani system of medicine there are three methods of treatment:-Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer (Regimenal therapy), Ilaj-bid-Dawa (Pharmacotherapy) and Ilaj-bil-Yad (Surgery) Ilaj-bit-Tadbeer is defined as therapeutic modification in Asbab-e-Sitta Zaruriyah. Asbab-e-Sitta Zaruriyah are six essentials factors those play a customary role in life and humans health and any alteration in these factors causes disease. These factors are: (1) Hawa-e-Muheet (Atmospheric air) (2) Makul-wa-Mashroob (Food and beverage) (3) Harkat-wa-sukoon-e-Badni (Physical activity and relaxation) (4) Harkat-wa-sukoon-e-Nafsani (Mental activity and relaxation) (5) Naum-wa-Yaqzah (Sleep and awake fullness) and (6) Ehtibas-wa-Istifrag (Retention and evacuation) [2, 3, 4]. Regimenal therapy is one of the most popular practicing method practiced by ancient Unani physicians based on simple physical means to cure a disease, usually used along with pharmacotherapy and dietotherapy. There are several regimens used such as Hammam, Dalk, Takmeed, Cupping, Leeches, Fasd, Ishaal, Riyazat, Qai, Idrare-Baul. Hijamat is an Arabic word derived from "Hajm" which stands for "Sucking". Hijamat is a method used for Imala-e-Mavad (diversion of morbid material) or Tanqiya-e-Mavad (evacuation of morbid matter).In Ancient time, Hollowed out animals horns (Singhi) were used for the procedure of Hijamat. Wide opening of horn is placed on the skin of the required area and vacuum is created by sucking the air with mouth via narrow opening now days, these animal horns are replaced by sophisticated plastic and glass cups in which vacuum is created by vacuum pump [5] .