Traditional Medicines: Detoxification methods of old

Dubai: Last week we introduced the concept of Traditional Emirati medicine and the role of the Bedouin medicine woman in society.

This week we will speak about the third branch of traditional medicine, involving cupping, cauterisation, splinting and hulool. These are some of the oldest methods used by UAE inhabitants to treat disease and infection.

Cupping "Hijamah", and cauterisation are effective techniques for dealing with a variety of ailments, particularly back pain. The theory behind these techniques is that cleansing blood and toxins from the body will allow good blood to circulate, encouraging healing and stimulating the body's immune system.

Cupping is an ancient tradition which dates back to the time of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). This ancient tradition is referred to in several Hadiths.

Hijamah was one of two healing practices that received the seal of approval of the Prophet, with the other being the use of honey to heal.

A practitioner orders a patient to turn on his stomach. He then heats the cups before applying them to specific parts of the patient's back, where they stick like leaches. Gradually, the hot cups begin to draw the bad blood from the patient's back and to stimulate his circulation.

The main difference between cauterisation and cupping is that cauterisation targets veins whilst cupping focuses on the muscles.

Cupping was regarded as a less extreme technique and therefore was more commonly used.

It was used to treat various ailments including gum disease, tooth pain and conjunctivitis. It is still commonly practiced today, particularly in the Far East.

Another ancient medical technique which is still practiced in the UAE is Arabian splinting "Tajbeer".

This practice is used in the treatment of fractures and misplaced joints. The orthopaedist would apply a special pomade on to the fracture and join the bones tightly together with a splint.

Nature's cure