Introduction
Cupping is a traditional medical practice that can be found in various cultures worldwide. This technique uses cups containing low-pressure air (vacuum) to be applied to specific parts of the body [1]. Cupping also known as berbekam in malay culture. The vacuum is created either by using the heating method (fire) or mechanical suction. As the cups are placed on the skin, it slowly draws the underlying skin into the cup. Cupping is believed to improve blood circulation and promotes the body’s recovery.
This practice helps to
- Removes excess fluid and toxin from the body
- Increase the blood flow in fascia and muscle
- Stimulates the peripheral nervous system
Two forms of cupping:
Dry cupping: In this method, the vacuum cup is placed on specific areas of the body, and each cup remains on the skin for 10-15 minutes or until the skin site appears reddish. No dry cupping will be performed on areas with open cuts or wounds.
Wet cupping: Involves making a small, superficial skin incision using a sterile scalpel before applying the cup to the skin. The combination of pressure and suction from the cup causes the skin and blood to be slowly drawn into the cup. Each cup is left on the skin for 10-15 minutes or until a certain amount of blood is collected in the cup. the limit of blood extracted should not exceed 10 ml/kg of blood (e.g., for a person weighing 45 kg, blood loss should be 450 ml or less). A maximum of 450 ml of blood loss is allowed per procedure, and the collected blood is disposes of as clinical waste.
Traditional Malay medicine practitioners do not combine cupping therapy with other forms of practice like herbal prescriptions during or after the cupping session.
References
[1] National Health Morbidity Survey 2015: Traditional & Complementary Medicine Edition [Internet]. Kuala Lumpur (MY): Institute of Public Health; 2015 [cited on 5 July 2023]. Available from: https://iku.gov.my/images/IKU/Document/REPORT/NHMS2015-VolumeIV.pdf
[2]Farah AI, Syafinaz AW, Nurasyikin Z, Fazlin S. Peralatan Dalam Perubatan Tradisional Melayu: Khazanah Ilmu Dan Peradaban Warisan Bangsa.
