Iran Journal of Nursing

  Abstract

  Background and Aim: cupping as a branch of complementary medicine for treatment and prevention of disease is accounted as pillars of Islamic and traditional medicine. This study aimed to determine the status of cupping in the city of Qom and the community knowledge of its rules in 2011.

  Material & Methods: It was a descriptive, cross-sectional study. The sample- individuals referred to the cupping centers of Qom city in 2011 (n=400) - was recruited by cluster - systematic sampling . Data was collected using a researcher - made questionnaire and analyzed by descriptive statistics using S PSS-PC (v. 18).

  Results: Age at first visit for most part of the sample (31.5%) was 30-20 year old and 31% of them have been using herbal therapy along with cupping. The most common reason to perform cupping was for health (43.3%) and 61% of them suffered from chronic diseases. Among the sample, 38.5% had an annual visit for cupping and were very satisfied with the effects of cupping (49.75%). For 71.75% of the sample, easy access to cupping was the most important reason for its selection and for 58 % of participates others’ recommendations was the most common reason. The most common site of cupping was in scapular area (59.5%). Most of sample had no accurate information about the principles of cupping. Of the sample, 42.25% had correct information about bathing after cupping. No complications were seen after cupping for 97/5% of them.

 Conclusion: Regarding the corroborated religious recommendations about cupping, high satisfaction of people and its ease of access, educating people by professionals about the rules and mores of cupping and its advantages in the prevention and treatment of diseases is recommended. Future studies about the effect of cupping for various diseases, such as muscle pain, asthma and allergies are also recommended.

  Received: 6 Jul 2013

  Accepted: 7 Oct 2013