Journal of - International Society for the History of Islamic Medicine

Arshiya SULTANA, Khaleeq ur RAHMAN
Hijamat (Cupping therapy) and Gynaecological Diseases- a Review
is often effective in relieving pain. It probably explains why
liniments are often useful for relief of pain. This mechanism
psychogenic excitation of the central analgesia system
probably also forms the basis of pain relief by acupuncture.
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The same effect can be suggested while applying and creating
suction by vacuum in dry cupping
Ehtebas Tams (Amenorrhoea): Ismail Jurjani writes that
in Ehtebas Tams, wet cupping is applied laterally on calf
approximately 4 inch from the Shataaling. Before applying
cups the patient is advised to enter in hammam (bath)
and pour warm water on legs then be asked to walk. Then
dry cupping is to be applied for three times followed by wet
cupping. (Fig 3) At the time of wet cupping the patient is
advised to keep the legs firm on the floor, when blood start
to flow. This type of cupping is not only useful in amenorrhea
but can be used in epilepsy, melancholia, skin diseases
and sciatica. He was also of the view that if Ehtebas Tams
is caused by Farbahi (obesity) or Ifraat wa Ghilzat Khoon
(increase in viscosity of blood) or Mizaj Barid (cold temperament),
wet cupping is to be applied on ventral part of
the leg. (Fig 3) It should be applied two days before menses
so that both type of Istafragh (eliminating methods) will
not be mixed. On first day, cups are to be applied on the one
leg and on next day it is applied on the other leg. Sometime
Fasd (venesection) of saphenous vein is also useful. Legs
are to be tied strongly with bandage till Shataaling. To induce
menstruation, Lateef and Garam (hot) drugs are given
near expected date of menstruation. 19 Ibn Sina and Akbar
Arzani had the same view. 7, 22 Ibn Sina advised Hijamat bil
Shurt on Kaab (calf muscle) especially in obese women. 7
Figure 3, 4 and 5 shows the procedure of wet cupping.
Razi mentioned that to induce menstruation, Fasd of
saphenous vein and blood letting should be applied on one
leg before expected day of menses and repeated the same
procedure on other leg on next day. Since, it expels less
quantity of blood, Mudir Tams (emmenagogue) drugs are
also used. In his opinion, Abhal (Juniperus communis Linn)
and Mishktaramasee (Mentha arvensis) are very powerful
Mudir Tams drugs. 20
Hijamat bila Shurt in Kasrate Tams (Menorrhagia): Hippocrates
in his aphorism writes that menorrhagia treatment
consists of applying cupping to the breasts. 1 Ibn Sina
mentioned that in Kasrate Tams, cups are to be applied
below the breasts along the line of vessel that runs to the
uterus and then sucks. Cups should be big. This will stop
the menstrual bleeding immediately. Menstrual bleeding
will be stopped by this treatment and if it does not work
then cups can be applied between the buttocks. 7
Razi was of the opinion that to stop excessive menstrual
flow, cups should be applied below the breasts as the vessel
from the uterus reaches here. He also said that big cups are
to be applied as the uterus is having Musharikat (especial
connection) with the breasts. 20 Majoosi, Ibn Rushd, Akbar
Arzani and Ismail Jurjani also had the same conviction
as Razi. 19, 20, 22, 23, 24 Ismail jurjani also advised Fasd Baseleq
Hijamat bil shurt (wet cupping) in amenorrhoea
Fig. 3: Application of dry cupping; (b) Multiple small incisions on area were dry cupping on calf
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ISHIM 2011-2012