Page 61 - EJMO-9-1

Eurasian Journal of Medicine and
Oncology
Integrative prophetic medicine

Scientists continue to investigate how cupping therapy qualified complementary practitioners into the healthcare
works. Recent theories suggest that suction increases system. 130
blood flow to the treated area, improves circulation, and Several countries, including China, Korea, Vietnam,
boosts the immune system. Studies indicate that cupping and Australia, are successfully integrating CAM practices,
may enhance blood flow to the skin, alter skin properties, such as TCM, into their healthcare systems. This
131
increase pain tolerance, and reduce inflammation. 119,120 integration often involves offering both conventional
Other theories propose that cupping may release nitric treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy, and CAM
oxide, stimulate reflex zones, or affect genes and meridians therapies, such as acupuncture and herbal remedies,
(energy pathways in TCM). However, further research is simultaneously, as exemplified by China’s approach to
needed to confirm these findings. 121 cancer care. In some countries, like Korea, traditional
Cupping therapy is used for various health reasons, practitioners are permitted to work within mainstream
including prevention, treatment, and overall well-being. healthcare settings. 132
Studies suggest that it may be effective for pain management More precisely, the integration of CAM into healthcare
in individuals with conditions such as shingles, facial systems is a global trend, with diverse examples across
paralysis, and neck pain. Some research shows promise Europe, North America, Asia, and South America. 133-135
for wet cupping in treating lower back pain and carpal This integration encompasses a range of CAM therapies,
tunnel syndrome. In addition to pain, cupping has been reflecting the growing recognition of their potential role
explored for headaches, allergies, skin issues such as acne, in patient care. It is noteworthy that while no universal
and chronic diseases such as diabetes and arthritis. Studies consensus exists on the optimal CAM therapies for
on headaches have reported significant reductions in both integration, commonly explored modalities include
the severity and frequency of headaches. While research herbal remedies, dietary supplements, homeopathy,
is ongoing, cupping therapy appears to offer potential aromatherapy, and relaxation techniques. 136,137
benefits for a wide range of conditions. 122-126
In summary, studies indicate that both dry and wet 5.2. Challenges in implementing IM
cupping can help individuals manage pain; however, they Although there is growing evidence and real-world
may be more effective for different types of pain. Dry examples supporting IM and its potential benefits, there
cupping seems beneficial for general pain relief, while wet is currently no consensus about which CAM treatments
cupping may be more effective for pain associated with should be integrated into healthcare systems. For example,
inflammation. More high-quality research is needed there is considerable disagreement among healthcare
127
to understand the efficacy of cupping therapy, its safety professionals regarding the use of acupuncture for pain
profile, and its mechanism of action in pain relief. management. Finding a model that satisfies the diverse
needs of different regulatory systems presents significant
5. IM challenges. Integrating CAM services into conventional
5.1. Acceptance and prevalence healthcare faces several hurdles, including: 138
(i) Limited scientific evidence: There is often a lack of
Modern medicine is increasingly embracing a holistic robust scientific data on the effectiveness of CAM
approach known as IM, which considers a patient’s mind, therapies.
spirit, and community alongside their physical health. IM (ii) Standardization of practices: There is a lack of
is gaining popularity in primary care settings, specialty standardization in the practices and terminologies
clinics such as those focused on cancer treatment, and used in CAM, making it difficult to compare results
among some doctors incorporating complementary across different studies and to develop evidence-based
therapies into their practices. In addition, insurance guidelines for clinical practice.
coverage for these therapies is expanding. This trend is (iii) Healthcare provider attitudes: Many conventional
reflected by the growth of IM institutes and clinics, often healthcare professionals may be skeptical of CAM
affiliated with major medical institutions. 128,129
therapies.
The World Health Organization has encouraged (iv) The CAM expertise gap: The conventional healthcare
countries to include safe and effective complementary system may have insufficient qualified CAM
therapies in their healthcare systems to promote overall well- practitioners.
being and patient-centered care. The WHO emphasizes the (v) Practical challenges: Integrating CAM services can be
importance of improving safety and effectiveness through difficult logistically and financially within the existing
regulations, education, and research, as well as integrating healthcare structure.

Volume 9 Issue 1 (2025) 53 doi: 10.36922/ejmo.6765