The Efficacy of Wet Cupping Therapy on Cerebral Oxygenation

Last updated: March 3, 2025
Sponsor: Karabuk University
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Stroke

Cerebral Ischemia

Treatment

wet cupping therapy

Clinical Study ID

NCT06540781
WCT-11
  • Ages 18-65
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

The aim of this clinical trial is to investigate the efficacy of wet cupping therapy (WCT) on cerebral oxygenation using the NIRS device. With the demonstration of the positive effect of the WCT on cerebral oxygenation, it was aimed to use it effectively in stroke rehabilitation.

In the outpatient clinic setting, firstly the sensor pads of the NIRS device will be attached to the arcus superciliaris (GB14) under the tuber frontalis on both sides. After the measurement is initiated, WCT will be applied to the planum occipitale (DU 20) and to the pars squamosa (GB6-8) of the temporal bone on the sides. Measurement will continue for 10 minutes during and after the WCT application. NIRS and oxygenation measurement data will be compared before, during, and after the WCT application.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Healthy individual

  • Age 18-65 years

  • Consent to participate

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Having received cupping therapy in the past 3 months

  • Contraindications for WCT (such as hemoglobin level below 9.5 g/dL, bleedingdisorders, receiving antithrombotic or antiplatelet therapy, INR value above 1.5),

  • Coexisting chronic conditions and using any medication

Study Design

Total Participants: 40
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: wet cupping therapy
Phase:
Study Start date:
August 01, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
December 01, 2025

Study Description

The importance of NIRS is that it can detect differences in tissue oxygen uptake that cannot be routinely identified by existing methods (24). The ability of near-infrared (NIR; near infrared; wavelength 650 - 1100nm) light to penetrate tissues and to be absorbed by some chromophores (such as haemoglobin, cytochrome oxidase, bilirubin, urobilin) has formed the basis of regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO2) measurement (15). NIRS is a technique in which the amount of absorption of NIR light by chromophore molecules [such as oxyhaemoglobin (O2Hb) and deoxyhaemoglobin (HHb), cytochrome-c oxidase (CCO), myoglobin] is measured while passing through tissues (16). rScO2 values less than 40% or changes greater than 25% from baseline values may be a harbinger of cerebral ischaemia (17). Cerebral oximetry has attracted attention because it is easy to use and uncomplicated. NIRS should be used as a trend monitor.

In the current study, it is aimed to investigate the efficacy of wet cupping therapy (WCT) on cerebral oxygenation using the NIRS device. Following the enrollment of the healthy individuals, they will all receive one session of WCT. During the WCT application, the cerebral oxygenation levels will be measured with an NIRS device.

In the outpatient clinic setting, the NIRS device's sensor pads will be attached to the arcus superciliaris (GB14) under the tuber frontalis on both sides. After the measurement is initiated, WCT will be applied to the planum occipitale (DU 20) and the pars squamosa (GB6-8) of the temporal bone on the sides. Measurement will continue for 10 minutes during and after the WCT application. The data obtained by NIRS will be compared before, during, and after the WCT application so that we will be able to find out any possible effects of WCT on cerebral oxygenation.

Connect with a study center

  • Kayseri City Hospital

    Kayseri,
    Turkey

    Active - Recruiting

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