Practitioners Call For Hijama Therapy Regulation

APP

Islamabad: Concerned about the rising number of unqualified practitioners (quacks), Hijama therapists have called on the government to establish an exclusive regulatory body to monitor the practise of cupping therapy.

Hijama Therapist Dr Sohail Qureshi stressed that 80 percent of patients have successful outcomes following Hijama therapy, proving that the effects are not merely attributable to the placebo effect or belief healing.

Hijama is used to treat a wide range of conditions including migraines and hay fever and involves cutting the skin and drawing blood with suction cups.

Dr Qureshi provided further insights into the therapy, dispelling a common misconception that “cupping therapy is suitable for everyone”.

He cautioned that individuals with diabetes, anemia, or who are pregnant should refrain from undergoing the treatment.

Dr Sohail underscored the significance of therapists having medical backgrounds in order to comprehend the nuances of the technique and recognise the proper Hijama points. “Mishandling or neglecting necessary precautions can result in health hazards,” he warned.

According to Dr Qureshi, cupping therapy has been practiced for centuries and comes in two forms: wet cupping and dry cupping. Dry cupping involves solely creating a vacuum on the Hijama points, while wet therapy entails making incisions after creating the vacuum suction, he added.

He highlighted the greater effectiveness of wet therapy in eliminating toxic materials from the body. He also mentioned that leech therapy, which is similar to wet cupping, has been employed in several developed countries.

Dr Qureshi noted that many unqualified practitioners fail to adhere to proper hygiene, a practice that leads to infections.

He underlined the value of employing paper cuts as opposed to deeper wounds, which heal more slowly. He claimed that using alcohol swabs or other antiseptics to completely clean the patient’s body was crucial.

Additionally, Therapist Qureshi emphasised the importance of using sterile tools and surgical blades rather than razor blades. He recommended patients watch out for Hijama therapists who might be reusing cups or pumps in order to prevent the spread of HIV and hepatitis.

Dr Sohail advised clients to inquire about their therapists’ certification and always seek consultation from individuals with a solid medical background. These precautions will contribute to the safe and effective practice of Hijama therapy, he further stated.

Hijama Therapists also emphasised the success of Hijama therapy in parapsychology-related cases.