Test mandatory for cupping therapists in UAE

Many people in the UAE have resorted to cupping therapy in the UAE for various ailments such as blood disorders, rheumatic problems, skin issues, high blood pressure, migraines, bronchial congestion, varicose veins and even anxiety and depression.

Dubai - Strict action will be taken against any such practitioners found operating outside health centres.

By Asma Ali Zain

Published: Sun 25 Mar 2018, 8:00 PM

Last updated: Mon 26 Mar 2018, 8:55 PM

All 'hijama' or cupping practitioners have to take oral and written exams before working at health centres, a senior health ministry official said, as the UAE cracks down on illegal 'home' operators.
Dr Amin Hussein Al Amiri, assistant undersecretary for Public Health Policy and Licensing at the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP), said the ministry would take action against any such practitioners found working from homes. The practice is to be carried out only in proper, medically-controlled settings and supervised by the right practitioners. "Strict action will be taken against any such practitioners found operating outside health centres or visiting residents' homes to do the treatment," Dr Amiri told Khaleej Times.
Dr Amiri said that 42 practitioners had been given licences since the end of 2017, while the ministry also kept a watch for illegal operators. "Residents should not opt for doing cupping therapy at their homes," he said. Relevant authorities will be informed and action taken accordingly, he warned.
He added: "Cupping therapy is useful for the treatment of simple health issues, but it does not treat diseases like cancer, Aids and hepatitis." Dr Amiri said diseases could be transmitted through contaminated blood, if the tools are not sterilised, which is why it's important to carry out the treatment in authorised centres only.

What is cupping?

A therapeutic cupping treatment involves warming and placing cups, usually made of glass, on the skin. By warming the air within the cup, a vacuum is created; when it is pressed to the skin, the tissue is drawn up into the cup.
This increases blood flow, loosens the fascia or connective tissue and is thought to facilitate healing. The cups are often placed on the back, neck and shoulders or the site of pain. Cupping may cause temporary bruising and soreness, depending on the degree of suction created by the vacuum and the level of internal stagnation. The cups are removed by lifting one edge, which allows air in and breaks the seal and vacuum.
Various cupping methods and cup sizes suit the treatment goals. They are applied anywhere between five to 20 minutes. A general course of treatment involves four to six sessions, in intervals of three to 10 days.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com