Physiological effect of cupping: Case series

Abstract

Background: Cupping therapy is widely recognized for its effects on various health conditions. However, the physiological mechanisms underlying its benefits remain speculative and unproven.

Objective: To propose a hypothesis that explains the physiological mechanisms of dry cupping therapy based on clinical evidence, addressing gaps in existing hypotheses.

Methods: A case study was conducted involving five patients subjected to dry cupping on different body parts for varying durations. The serum extracted from incidental blisters formed during the procedure was analyzed biochemically and microscopically.

Results: Biochemical analysis revealed that the creatinine levels in the blister serum were double those in sweat, indicating muscular involvement even when venous level was normal. These findings suggest that dry cupping primarily affects the skin through processes such as transduction, conduction, and transmission, with secondary effects on muscles.

Hypothesis: The muscular response to dry cupping induces the release of myokines, which initiate an inflammatory response that contributes to the systemic effects of the therapy.

Conclusion: This hypothesis offers a plausible explanation for the physiological mechanisms of dry cupping therapy, emphasizing the interplay between skin and muscle responses and their systemic implications. Further research is needed to validate this hypothesis and explore its clinical relevance.

Keywords: Creatinine; Dry cupping; Hypothesis; Mechanism; Myokines; Unani Medicine.