Dr. Bilquis Shaikh demonstrated Hijama, or cupping therapy, as a treatment for acne during a recent broadcast on Samaa TV in Pakistan.
The promotion of traditional therapies on mainstream media highlights the ongoing tension between cultural health practices and evidence-based medicine. While cupping is widely practiced in various regions, its clinical efficacy for specific skin conditions remains a subject of debate among medical professionals.
During the segment hosted by Madeha Naqvi, Dr. Shaikh said the therapy is a method to improve skin health. Cupping involves creating a vacuum on the skin to draw blood to the surface, a practice that has been a key element of Chinese medicine for hundreds of years [1]. This traditional approach is often used to promote blood flow, and reduce inflammation.
Public awareness of the practice increased globally in 2016 when athletes used the therapy during the Olympics in Rio [2]. Despite this visibility, the medical community remains divided on the results. Some reports suggest that cupping has been recognized for its health benefits for centuries and remains widely used.
However, other health resources state that scientific evidence supporting the benefits of cupping therapy is limited. These sources indicate that more research is needed to verify the claims made by practitioners regarding the treatment of specific ailments.
Dr. Shaikh said the application of Hijama specifically for acne helps clear the skin. The demonstration on Samaa TV aimed to educate viewers on the benefits of the procedure for general health maintenance.
“Cupping therapy has been a key element of Chinese medicine for hundreds of years.”
The promotion of Hijama on a major network like Samaa TV underscores the influence of traditional and complementary medicine in South Asia. Because scientific consensus on the efficacy of cupping for acne is limited, the gap between traditional practice and clinical validation persists, leaving patients to choose between cultural heritage and evidence-based dermatology.
