The Efficacy of Wet Cupping Therapy on Cerebral Oxygenation

NCT06540781 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: WCT-11
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 40
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief 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.

Conditions

Cerebral Hypoxia

Keywords

Cerebral oxygenation; Wet cupping therapy; NIRS

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Oxygen levels

  Cerebral oxygenation levels measured by NIRS device

  Just before WCT application and 10 minutes after the application

Study Arms (1)

Intervention Group

EXPERIMENTAL

The intervention group will receive one session of WCT. Before, during and after the WCT application cerebral oxygenation levels will be measured by NIRS device.

Procedure: wet cupping therapy

Interventions

wet cupping therapy PROCEDURE

The cupping (WCT) procedure consists of five phases: Primary suction: Using a manual suction pump, air was drawn from glass cups that were positioned on the chosen locations. The skin and subcutaneous tissue swelled as a result of the cups' five minutes of skin contact. Area disinfection: After disinfecting the cupped areas with povidone-iodine, they were wiped with sterile gauze. Scarification: Using a sterile number 11 surgical blade, superficial incisions measuring 20-30 gauge in length and 1-2 mm in depth were made on the skin. Bloodletting and secondary suction: Once again applied to the scarified areas, the previously removed cups created suction using the manual pump which was previously mentioned. In order to fill the cups, blood was drawn from the skin's and subcutaneous tissue's capillaries. Removing and dressing: After 10 minutes, the cups filled with blood were removed. The application areas were wiped with sterile gauze, and dressings were applied.

Intervention Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Healthy individual
• Age 18-65 years
• Consent to participate

You may not qualify if:

• Having received cupping therapy in the past 3 months
• Contraindications for WCT (such as hemoglobin level below 9.5 g/dL, bleeding disorders, receiving antithrombotic or antiplatelet therapy, INR value above 1.5),
• Coexisting chronic conditions and using any medication

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Karabuk University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Kayseri City Hospital

Kayseri, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Hypoxia, Brain

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Hypoxia; Signs and Symptoms, Respiratory; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• Ali R Benli

  Kayseri research hospital

  STUDY CHAIR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NA
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: SINGLE GROUP
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Head of Family Medicine Department

Model Details: Single arm pretest-posttest interventional study

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 2, 2024
• First Posted: August 6, 2024
• Study Start: June 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: December 1, 2025
• Study Completion: January 1, 2026
• Last Updated: February 24, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Locations

TU (1)