Ancient blood sucking therapy triggers angry debate on Facebook

Facebook removed a post on Hijama therapy after complaints that it is a spam The article was posted on the wall of 'Infoclinic', an FB page run by a group of doctors It read that the method is solely based on faith and is unscientific and irrational Some FB users complained that the article is harmful as it hurts religious sentiments

An article criticising Hijama, a muscle therapy technique also known as cupping, is making news after Facebook took down the post following complaints that it was 'spam' and misleading. However, the article reappeared soon after. The article was posted on the wall of 'Infoclinic', an FB page run by a group of doctors, with a disclaimer the second time around. 

In the article, Hijama or wet cupping is described as an unscientific method, despite being practised for many years. As the article points out, the practitioners are unable to provide rational, scientific explanations about how exactly the removal of blood from the body would cure diseases or make the body tougher. There is no scientific study proving the effectiveness of the method, the article says. 

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The article adds that, incidentally, there is no such thing as 'pure' or 'impure' blood - only oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. Even if practitioners meant deoxygenated blood when they spoke about impure blood, the article makes it clear that there is not such thing as 'impure blood' and does need to be removed from the body. 

The article warns that though some practitioners claim the method drains out 'excess fluid', such acts will lead to pulmonary edema, which is a very dangerous. In any case, the article clarifies that such fluids cannot be removed by this method.

Calling Hijama an outdated practice solely based on faith, the article states that using it might even lead to further, more complex health issues. Further, there are high chances of anaemia as the person undergoing treatment is losing blood and it might also cause infection if the wounds are not taken care of properly.

The doctors, who have written the post ask people to donate their blood - rather than going for such unscientific practices. 

The Facebook post was removed after allegations that it hurts religious sentiments. However, the medical practitioners, including Dr Nelson Joseph, managed to repost it within hours along with a Ad4

Cupping gained popularity after many Olympians - including Michael Phelps - were spotted with deep purple circles on their skin. Most gymnasts and swimmers from team USA were spotted with the large red dots. It turned out that they were practising cupping.  It was reported that the athletes are using it to ease pains and aches and help recover from the physical toil of constant competitions and training.