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People warned against treatment by quacks

ABU DHABI — Health authorities have warned people against imposters who claim to cure serious health conditions using traditional treatments as Hijama.

Some people who are not licensed by the health authorities claim they can treat diseases like HIV/Aids, hepatitis, cancer and other ailments by using the traditional method of Hijama or 'cupping', which endangers the lives of patients," said a senior health official at the Ministry of Health (MoH).

The word Hijama means getting rid of impure blood which causes diseases.

It is a complementary medicine which has proved to be effective and safe to treat some ailments if applied in certain conditions and by specialised people. "These days many people practice Hijama as a means of alternative treatment without getting the approval of health authorities. There is a risk of infection during the process of cupping," cautioned the official.

Hijama is known to cure several diseases and health problems such as migraine, rheumatism, sinus, irregular periods and cholesterol irregularities which do not respond to certain therapy. Patients are ususally advised to do extensive laboratory tests and medical consultation before opting for Hijama. This complementary medicine is a branch of medical science derived from the Islamic and Chinese civilisations. It relies on a theory of energy by which the human body is made up of a meridian that conducts energy to the whole system.

"The MoH realises that this traditional and complementary medicine plays a big role in improving human health.

''However, this kind of alternative medicine being practised by imposters remains the main concern of the health authorities," stressed the official. He said there has been no medical evidence to support claims that Hijama cures HIV/Aids or hepatitis.