Public Perceptions of Wet Cupping (Hijama) Therapy in Saudi Arabia: A Study Summary

Introduction
Wet cupping, also known as Hijama, is a popular therapeutic practice deeply rooted in traditional medicine, particularly in the Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia. Hijama, derived from the Unani system, combines negative pressure from dry cupping with bloodletting to alleviate various ailments. Historical evidence links this practice to ancient Egyptian and Chinese medicine, though its exact origins remain unclear.

In Saudi Arabia, wet cupping is widely accepted as a complementary therapy, with practitioners using sterile surgical blades or lancets to incise acupoints and release blood. Despite its popularity, concerns about safety and efficacy have arisen, prompting this study to explore public perceptions of the practice.

Study Objectives and Methodology
The study aimed to evaluate public attitudes towards the safety, effectiveness, and standards of wet cupping therapy. It was conducted using a cross-sectional approach, collecting data from 909 participants via an online questionnaire distributed through social media. The demographic profile of the participants included Saudi adults, mostly in their early adulthood (mean age of 30.43 years), with a greater proportion of females (57.9%).

The questionnaire assessed participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and concerns about wet cupping. Participants were asked if they believed Hijama was beneficial, safe, suitable for all diseases, and whether proper hygiene and qualifications of practitioners were essential.

Key Findings

1. Widespread Acceptance of Hijama
   The majority of respondents (84.6%) considered wet cupping beneficial, affirming its value in treating specific health conditions. Interestingly, older participants exhibited more positive perceptions of its usefulness, consistent with other studies indicating that older adults are more inclined to trust traditional medicine.
2. Safety Concerns
   Despite the widespread belief in the benefits of wet cupping, 63.9% of the participants were not concerned about potential side effects. However, older participants were more likely to believe that cupping is harmless, while females expressed more caution, citing the risk of minor side effects such as scarring or dizziness.
3. Hijama for Specific Conditions
   While most respondents supported the use of wet cupping, they also recognized its limitations. Over 70% of participants disagreed that wet cupping could treat every disease, with most agreeing that it should be used selectively for particular conditions like migraines or hypertension.
4. Preference for Professional and Sterile Practices
   A significant proportion of participants (88.6%) emphasized the need for wet cupping to be performed by qualified practitioners in specialized centers using sterile equipment. This preference reflects growing awareness of the risks associated with poor hygiene, particularly given reports of infections linked to unsafe cupping practices.
5. Cultural Influence and Recommendations
   While wet cupping has deep cultural roots in the region, participants were cautious about recommending it to everyone. Only 33% of respondents said they would recommend it to anyone, reinforcing the belief that it is not a universal remedy and should be recommended based on individual circumstances.

Conclusion
The study highlights a generally positive public perception of wet cupping in Saudi Arabia, with a strong belief in its benefits for certain conditions. However, there is also a clear awareness of the importance of safety measures, such as ensuring the qualifications of practitioners and the use of sterile instruments. Age, gender, and education level were significant factors in shaping attitudes, with older, more educated individuals and women expressing more cautious views.

These findings suggest a need for continued public education on the limitations and risks of wet cupping therapy, as well as the importance of adhering to national safety standards. With proper regulation and practice, wet cupping can remain a valuable therapeutic option within the broader framework of alternative medicine.