Study cupping therapy effects on acute and chronic low back pain.
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: To study the effect of cupping therapy (alabu karma and prachchhana karma in shrung) in the management of low back pain (acute and chronic)
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Vd. Madhuri S. Jadhav and Vd. Sunil A. Bhaskare
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: To study the effect of cupping therapy (alabu karma and prachchhana karma in shrung) in the management of low back pain (acute and chronic)
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr201714-9907
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Cupping therapy, an ancient treatment technique, is increasingly recognized for its effectiveness in managing various health conditions, particularly low back pain (LBP), both acute and chronic. This therapy is classified into two types: wet and dry cupping, with wet cupping being particularly beneficial for LBP. The methods draw from traditional practices and are explained within the context of Ayurvedic principles. The focus of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of two specific forms of cupping therapy—Alabu Karma and Prachchhana Karma—on the management of low back pain.
Mechanisms of Cupping Therapy
Cupping therapy primarily targets pain caused by inflammatory changes resulting from the secretion of inflammatory mediators like cytokines and prostaglandins. Unlike conventional treatments such as steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can have adverse side effects and are often cost-prohibitive, cupping therapy presents a more economic solution with fewer complications, such as mild skin discolouration. The therapy aims to improve blood circulation, alleviate blood stasis, and eliminate waste products from the body, thereby alleviating pain effectively.
Raktamokshana and Its Relevance
In Ayurveda, Raktamokshana therapy is highlighted as a crucial method for managing various ailments through bloodletting practices. The methods under this umbrella—such as Siravedha, Alabu, Jalaukavaacharana, and Prachchhana—share similarities with cupping procedures. Both therapies involve the creation of a negative pressure through suction, which facilitates the removal of stagnant blood and promotes microcirculation. This confluence of methodologies emphasizes the historical and cultural significance of such treatments, rooting them within a recognized medical framework.
Clinical Applications and Techniques
The clinical application of cupping therapy, particularly in the context of low back pain, involves careful consideration of cup placement. Ideal areas for cupping include the spinal cord regions just below the neck and the points of maximum tenderness along the spinal or paraspinal area. Through these targeted applications, practitioners aim to invoke local changes in tissue structure and enhance pain relief through increased blood flow and the activation of pain modulation pathways in the nervous system.
Conclusion
Cupping therapy emerges as a promising and economically feasible option for pain relief, particularly for those suffering from low back pain. By leveraging both traditional techniques and modern understandings of pain physiology, cupping serves as a viable alternative or complement to conventional treatments. The integration of Raktamokshana principles within today's therapeutic practices highlights the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom in contemporary medical approaches, providing a holistic avenue for managing pain effectively. Continued research and clinical studies are warranted to further validate the efficacy and safety of cupping therapy in broader medical settings.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is cupping therapy and how does it relate to low back pain?
Cupping therapy is an economic treatment for managing pain, particularly low back pain. It involves either wet or dry cupping, with wet cupping often used for conditions like low back pain by facilitating blood circulation and removing waste.
What types of cupping therapy are there and their purposes?
There are two main types of cupping therapy: wet cupping and dry cupping. Wet cupping is utilized to treat low back pain and other inflammatory diseases, while dry cupping focuses on improving blood circulation without bloodletting.
How does cupping therapy work to relieve pain?
Cupping therapy works by creating negative pressure in cups that stretches tissue and increases blood circulation. This also leads to bloodletting, helping to remove toxins and inflammatory mediators associated with pain.
What are the side effects of cupping therapy?
Cupping therapy is generally safe with mild side effects, including skin discoloration. Unlike conventional medication, it has fewer harmful side effects, making it an attractive alternative for pain management.
What is Raktamokshana therapy in Ayurveda?
Raktamokshana, part of Panchkarma in Ayurveda, aims to relieve pain by promoting bloodletting and increasing microcirculation. It shares similarities with cupping therapy in enhancing blood flow and treating various ailments.
Where should cups be placed for low back pain treatment?
For low back pain treatment, cups should be applied below the neck on the spinal cord or at identified points of maximum tenderness in the spinal or paraspinal region to maximize therapeutic effects.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Study cupping therapy effects on acute and chronic low back pain.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Pain:
Pain is the primary concern addressed in this study, particularly low back pain, which can be acute or chronic. The text suggests that pain results from inflammatory changes in the body. Understanding pain and its treatment is vital for developing effective therapies, like cupping, to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life.
2) Blood:
Blood plays a crucial role in the cupping therapy described in the text. The therapy involves procedures aimed at enhancing blood circulation and removing stagnant blood, which may help in alleviating pain. The significance of blood is intertwined with the mechanisms of cupping and the Ayurvedic concept of Raktamokshana.
3) Karma (Karman):
Karma is significant in the context of the study as it relates to the therapeutic interventions used in Ayurvedic medicine. Specifically, 'Alabu Karma' and 'Prachchhana Karma' represent forms of blood-letting procedures incorporated in cupping therapy. The notion of Karma emphasizes action, which is central to the therapeutic efficacy being evaluated.
4) Raktamokshana (Raktamoksana, Rakta-mokshana):
Raktamokshana is an Ayurvedic therapeutic technique involving blood-letting. The study highlights its relevance to cupping therapy, linking traditional practices with modern treatment approaches. This therapy aims to remove doshas or toxins from the body, thereby reducing inflammation and pain associated with various conditions, including low back pain.
5) Disease:
The study references disease in the context of various conditions that can cause low back pain. Cupping therapy is said to be effective for treating numerous ailments. Understanding disease mechanisms helps to justify the utilization of alternative therapies like cupping in managing symptoms and improving patient outcomes.
6) Blood letting:
Blood letting refers to the intentional removal of blood from the body as a therapeutic approach. This procedure is integral to the study of cupping therapy, where it is employed to alleviate pain by improving blood circulation and reducing inflammation. The practice ties back to classical Ayurvedic treatments.
7) Blood-letting:
Blood-letting is synonymous with the concept of Raktamokshana in Ayurveda. It involves techniques designed to relieve various conditions by expelling excess blood or impurities. The text emphasizes its importance in cupping therapy, drawing parallels between traditional practices and contemporary medical insights into pain management.
8) Science (Scientific):
The study aims for a scientific validation of cupping therapy, an otherwise traditional treatment. The relevance lies in interpreting the mechanisms by which cupping may relieve pain, moving beyond anecdotal evidence to establish a firmer understanding of its efficacy through research and clinical outcomes.
9) Siravedha (Sira-vedha):
Siravedha is a type of Raktamokshana procedure that involves superficial blood-letting. It is mentioned in the study to illustrate the various methods used within Ayurveda to treat conditions such as low back pain. Its relevance lies in its connection to enhancing therapeutic outcomes through controlled blood extraction.
10) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that provides the foundation for the cupping techniques discussed in the study. The relevance of Ayurveda lies in its holistic approach towards health, advocating for methods like Raktamokshana and creating a framework for integrating these practices into modern medical therapies.
11) Alabu:
Alabu refers to a specific method of blood-letting using cups and is integral to the study’s focus on cupping therapy. This technique exemplifies how traditional practices can be effectively employed in managing pain and other ailments, showcasing the potential for complementary therapeutic approaches.
12) Drug:
The study contrasts cupping therapy with conventional pharmaceutical treatments, emphasizing that many drugs used for pain management come with side effects. This highlights the significance of exploring alternative treatments like cupping for alleviating pain, which may provide a safer and more cost-effective option for patients.
13) Rheumatoid arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is mentioned as one of the conditions that can benefit from cupping therapy. Its inclusion demonstrates the therapy's broad applicability in managing chronic inflammatory conditions, making it a point of interest for both clinical practice and further research in the realm of alternative medicine.
14) Inflammation:
Inflammation is presented as the underlying cause of pain in various medical conditions. The study explains how cupping therapy aims to address inflammation by improving circulation and removing stagnant blood, thus positioning it as a potentially effective alternative to pharmacological interventions.
15) Similarity:
The concept of similarity is relevant in comparing traditional healing practices, like cupping, with modern medical treatments. The study seeks to establish parallels between Ayurvedic therapy and contemporary understanding of pain management, fostering a dialogue between different medical paradigms for holistic patient care.
16) Substance:
Substance refers to the pathological materials or toxins that cupping therapy aims to remove from the body. The therapy is theorized to filter these substances as part of its mechanism in alleviating pain, indicating an effort to purify the body through the principles of blood-letting.
17) Field:
Field relates to the specific domain of knowledge or practice being discussed. In this context, it reflects the broader field of alternative medicine, particularly the integration of Ayurvedic methods like cupping therapy into contemporary medical practices for pain management, inviting further exploration and research.
18) Study (Studying):
The study represents a systematic investigation into the effects of cupping therapy on low back pain. It emphasizes research-based exploration of traditional practices, aiming to provide empirical evidence to support the efficacy of alternative treatments in the context of modern healthcare.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Study cupping therapy effects on acute and chronic low back pain.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Siravedha, Blood-letting, Pain relief, Therapeutic use, Acharya Sushruta, Inflammatory changes, Low Back Pain, Cupping therapy, Microcirculation, Panchkarma, Raktamokshana therapy, Dry cupping, Wet cupping, Fibromyalgia, Scoliosis, Acute and chronic pain, Carpel tunnel syndrome.