Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine

Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine

The medical perspective of cupping therapy: Effects and mechanisms of activity

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Abstruse

Cupping Therapy (CT) is an ancient method and currently used in the treatment of a broad range of medical conditions. Nonetheless the mechanism of action of (CT) is not fully understood. This review aimed to place possible mechanisms of activity of (CT) from modernistic medicine perspective and offering possible explanations of its effects. English literature in PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar was searched using fundamental words. Just 223 articles identified, 149 records screened, and 74 manufactures excluded for irrelevancy. Simply 75 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility, included studies in this review were 64. Six theories have been suggested to explain the furnishings produced by cupping therapy. Pain reduction and changes in biomechanical backdrop of the skin could be explained by "Hurting-Gate Theory", "Lengthened Noxious Inhibitory Controls" and "Reflex zone theory". Musculus relaxation, changes in local tissue structures and increase in blood circulation might be explained by "Nitric Oxide theory". Immunological effects and hormonal adjustments might be attributed to "Activation of allowed system theory". Releasing of toxins and removal of wastes and heavy metals might exist explained by "Blood Detoxification Theory". These theories may overlap or work interchangeably to produce various therapeutic furnishings in specific ailments and diseases. Plainly, no single theory exists to explain the whole effects of cupping. Further researches are needed to support or refute the aforesaid theories, and besides develop innovative conceptualizations of (CT) in future.

Keywords

Cupping

Hijama

Mechanisms of activeness

Furnishings

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