Pharmakoökonomie: Open Access

Hijama practices and the perceived health benefits among the people of Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Khawla Al-luhaidan *, Prarthana M S

Statement of the Problem: Hijama the traditional Arabic name for wet cupping therapy means “to return to the normal size”, is a form of alternative medicine that
has been in practice for thousands of years and was adopted by many different cultures. Hijama being a bloodletting technique involves cupping, puncturing and
cupping (CPC) method. Cups are applied through vacuum, skin is lacerated, the cups are repositioned and the blood is drawn so that the morbid substances are
evacuated. Arabic medical literature has reported Hijama being effective in treating many diseases differing in etiology and pathogenesis. The purpose of this study
is to determine the knowledge, attitude, practices and effectiveness of Hijama among the population practicing Hijama, in Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: 201 participants practicing Hijama were enrolled in the study. Data was collected using a self-administered online questionnaire in Arabic and
analyzed using statistical software EpiInfo7.
Findings: Most of the study participants were female 70%. 33.8% were in the age group of 21 to 30 years. About 39% of them have a bachelor’s degree. Hijama as
modality of treatment was used for: back or shoulder or neck pain 46.7% (p=.014), headache and migraine 29.3%, joint pain 22.9% (p=.02), hypersomnia 16.4%.
Hijama was performed by traditional healers in 14% of the participants and at Hijama centers in 64% of the participants. About 72% of the participants notice
effectiveness. The effectiveness increased with increase in frequency of Hijama (p=.009). 7% of them had suffered complications.
Conclusion and Significance: The study reveals Hijama as a simple, effective, economic alternative medicine to treat chronic aches and pains with minimal side effects
and can be more beneficial when compared to the present use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with relatively higher side-effects. Future research is needed to
support its therapeutic benefits.