Abdullah M Nasrat, Salah M El-Sayed and Salwa A Nasrat
The study aimed at demonstration of the effect of cupping therapy in ischemic myocardial conditions. Despite advances in treatment of myocardial infarction, the mortality rate is still high. In spite of the efficacy and safety of coronary stenting, the overall adverse cardiac events after stent insertion is also high; 8.1%. Accumulation of toxic mediators in the body is a documented fact. These substances can induce vascular spasm and other effects on vascular endothelium. Impairment of the vascular endothelial function is involved in the pathogenesis of wide variety of cardiovascular diseases and hence is considered a therapeutic target. Production of ischemic metabolites within the myocardium due to lack of proper perfusion constitutes a toxic element which can contribute to progression of the coronary heart disease. Elimination of these toxic elements from the targeted tissues and circulation is a challenge that would definitely help to correct an underlying micro-circulatory error. Withdrawal of these ischemic tissue metabolites, being interstitial, is only feasible via superficial scratching on the skin and suction by the traditional therapeutic cups; a maneuver which could lead to correction of an associated spastic ischemic situation at the micro-capillary level.
Three male patients aged between 61-65 years with history of two coronary stents insertion, have developed chest tightness few months after coronary stenting. They hesitated towards undergoing further coronary procedures. They were scheduled for basic cupping therapy on the upper back and front of the chest.
All patients demonstrated dramatic symptomatic relief and documented clinical recovery. Cupping therapy is promising in relieving ischemic myocardial conditions via elimination of inflammatory mediators that compromise the microcirculation.