DOHA: Several Qataris have urged the health authorities to regulate cupping therapy (Hijama) in the country as an increasing number of people are seeking the traditional treatment.
Many women, in particular, seek treatment by cupping therapy although the practitioners are not recognised by the health authorities, Al Sharq reported yesterday.
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a low-pressure area is created on the skin; practitioners believe this mobilises blood flow. promoting healing.
According to people who seek cupping therapy here, one session costs between QR300 and QR500. Also, they claim that some practitioners have different fees for Qataris and expatriates.
They said more and more patients are turning to the therapy in the hope of curing a variety of ailments, such as chronic pain, lifestyle diseases and neurological problems.
“There are many women who practise cupping therapy at home. And they have people on long waiting lists for the treatment. But the practitioners charge different people different amounts. They are not licensed to practice the therapy here, and this type of treatment could lead to health-related complications,” said women who seek cupping therapy.
Some suggest that health authorities should take steps to issue licences and regularise practice of cupping therapy for the safety of people seeking the treatment.
Dr Ameena Al Emadi, a Qatari columnist, said that she was keen about cupping therapy, like other women in Qatar.
“I like receiving the cupping therapy because it has many health benefits. It can help neurological problems, migraine, chronic headache, laziness, high blood pressure and knee pain,” she said
According to Dr Al Emadi, each session of cupping therapy costs between QR300 and QR500.
“In Qatar, many are practising cupping therapy and they have a good reputation. They are clean, but it will be safe for people who seek treatment if it’s licensed. There should be standard guidelines for the instruments they use and there should be some monitoring by the health authorities,” said Dr Al Emadi.
Aysha Al Thamimii, another Qatari woman who receives cupping therapy, said that she was happy with the treatment.
“I’m satisfied because of the long practice and the benefits. But the practitioners must be qualified and they should be approved by the health authorities,” she said.
Practitioners of cupping therapy claim that they are receiving increasing numbers of people seeking the treatment.
Um Mohamed, who has been practising cupping therapy for many years, claimed that she was qualified to provide alternative medication.
“Many people know me in Qatar. I keep all my equipments used for the treatment clean and the customers are women. One sitting might cost them between QR150 and QR400. There are two methods of treatment one is to increase immunity, and the other is treatment for some illnesses,” she said.
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