Page 60 - EJMO-9-1

Eurasian Journal of Medicine and
Oncology
Integrative prophetic medicine

the importance of mastering thoughts and emotions as a way Recent developments in spiritual therapy have seen an
to overcome mental health challenges. This holistic approach increasing integration of religious ideas and faith-based
underscores the interconnectedness of mind, body, and soul, principles. This approach focuses on transforming
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highlighting the paramount importance of attaining both negative self-perceptions, interpersonal relationships, and
spiritual and psychological equilibrium. 5 worldviews into more positive ones grounded in religious
beliefs. Empirical evidence supports the efficacy of this
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Furthermore, PM advocates for detachment from
worldly desires, emphasizing the transient nature of material approach across diverse patient populations. A significant
number of patients have expressed a strong desire to
possessions and asserting that true fulfillment arises from incorporate their religious and spiritual convictions
spiritual growth. Individuals foster resilience and find into their therapeutic journey, viewing these facets of
solace during life’s adversities by prioritizing inner peace. their identity as invaluable resources for navigating life’s
In essence, PM offers profound wisdom for enhancing challenges and fostering overall well-being. 113
mental health and resilience. It champions mindfulness,
prayer, and self-reflection as pathways to inner peace. By 4.3. Applied therapy
adhering to the principles of PM, individuals can discover
purpose, contentment, and tranquility, even amidst the PM frequently incorporates applied therapies,
pressures of contemporary life. 4 encompassing a range of physical and manual interventions
for both preventative and therapeutic purposes. Practices
Scholarly research indicates that spiritual and religious such as cupping, cauterization, bloodletting (venesection
practices possess the potential to confer a range of health and leeching), prayer, and bone setting were either
benefits. These may include reductions in blood pressure employed, endorsed, or observed by the Prophet. While
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and heart rate, enhancements in immune function, and scientific evidence for many of these therapies is limited,
improvements in mood characterized by decreased cupping stands out as the most widely practiced and
anxiety, pain, and increased self-esteem. These positive extensively researched within this domain. Consequently,
outcomes may be attributed to physiological changes, this section will focus exclusively on the historical and
such as alterations in hormone levels, including serotonin clinical significance of cupping therapy.
and melatonin. Furthermore, an overall improvement in
quality of life appears to be associated with these practices. 4.3.1. Cupping therapy
Intriguingly, evidence suggests that these practices Cupping is an ancient healing method with roots dating
may exhibit greater efficacy than secular meditation in back to at least 1550 BC in Egypt. It is a part of many
managing anxiety, deepening spiritual experiences, and traditional medicines worldwide, including Chinese,
increasing pain tolerance. Islamic prayers, particularly Greek, Islamic, and Arabic practices. Today, cupping is
those performed in congregation, possess a distinctive practiced globally. The method involves placing special
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structure and profound spiritual essence. It is postulated cups on the skin to create a suction using heat or a pump.
that these prayers offer a multifaceted array of benefits This suction can be performed with or without scarification
encompassing spiritual, psychological, physical, and moral (breaking the skin) and can be classified as either dry or
dimensions. 107 wet cupping. 116
PM emphasizes piety, a core concept that guides proper In PM, wet cupping is emphasized, which involves
behavior and interactions. Deviations from this virtue can making small scarification on the skin before applying the
lead to unhealthy thought patterns, irrational beliefs, and suction cups. Ideally, this practice should be conducted
mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, phobias, in the second half of the lunar month, particularly on the
addictions, and sexual problems. This concept of piety has 17 , 19 , or 21 days. While some studies suggest that this
th
th
st
proven valuable in healthcare, promoting a psychospiritual timing may increase effectiveness in treating migraines,
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approach to therapy. For example, a study involving PM larger well-designed clinical studies are needed to confirm
therapy for individuals with drug addiction showed an this finding. The PM also identifies specific cupping points
impressive recovery rate of 83.9%. Researchers suggest that traditionally used by practitioners in various Arab-Islamic
strong spiritual and religious therapy can not only prevent clinical trials. These points include areas between the
addiction but also offer effective treatment. 108,109 Similarly, shoulder blades, near the jugular veins, on the head, neck,
research suggests that integrating PM therapy into cancer hips, and feet. In modern practice, cupping sites are often
care can enhance the mental and spiritual well-being of chosen based on the specific health issue being addressed;
Muslim patients. In essence, PM offers a framework for the back is the most common site, followed by the chest,
virtuous living that can prevent mental health problems abdomen, and legs. Even areas facial areas can be treated
and aid recovery. 110 with cupping. 118

Volume 9 Issue 1 (2025) 52 doi: 10.36922/ejmo.6765