The medical perspective of cupping therapy: Effects and mechanisms of action.

Cupping Therapy (CT) is an ancient method and currently used in the treatment of a broad range of medical conditions. Nonetheless the mechanism of action of (CT) is not fully understood. This review aimed to identify possible mechanisms of action of (CT) from modern medicine perspective and offer possible explanations of its effects.

History of cupping (Hijama): a narrative review of literature.

Cupping (Hijama in Arabic) is an ancient, holistic method for the treatment of a variety of diseases. Though the exact origin of cupping therapy is a matter of controversy, its use has been documented in early Egyptian and Chinese medical practices. Diverse human civilizations have contributed to the historical development and continuation of cupping therapy.

Complementary and alternative medicine for lowering blood lipid levels: A systematic review of systematic reviews.

Background: The aim of this article is to summarize and critically evaluate the evidence from systematic reviews (SRs) of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for lowering blood lipid levels (BLL).

Methods: Eight electronic databases were searched until March 2016. Additionally, all the retrieved references were inspected manually for further relevant papers.

Evaluation of Wet Cupping Therapy: Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials.

Background: Wet cupping is a widely used traditional therapy in many countries, which justifies a continuous scientific evaluation of its efficacy and safety.

Objectives: To perform a systematic review to critically evaluate and update the available evidence of wet cupping in traditional and complementary medicine.

Methods: Ten electronic databases were searched from their inceptions to February 2016.

Ozone therapy in postgraduate theses in Egypt: systematic review.

Background: Systematic reviews of the studies published in the major medical data bases have not shown solid support for the use of ozone therapy. Unpublished or grey literature, including postgraduate theses, may solve this controversy.

Objectives: To review the postgraduate theses published in Egypt in order to assess the clinical safety and effectiveness of ozone therapy in specific medical conditions.

The use of and out-of-pocket spending on complementary and alternative medicine in Qassim province, Saudi Arabia.

Background And Objectives: The current picture of the Saudis' use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has not yet been developed. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of using the international questionnaire to measure use of complementary and alternative medicine (I-CAM-Q) in Saudi Arabia to evaluate the use of and out-of-pocket spending on CAM.

Design And Settings: It was a cross-sectional study, conducted in 2011, in primary health care centers in Qassim.

The economic costs of tobacco consumption in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Objective: Pending a comprehensive study of tobacco economics in Saudi Arabia, our aim was to estimate the economic costs of tobacco consumption in Saudi Arabia over a period of 10 years (2001-2010).

Methods: Pertinent data on imported tobacco were obtained from the Saudi Customs Authority through the Central Department of Statistics and Information. Mortality was calculated using the following parameters: 1 ton of tobacco consumed causes an average of 0.

Status of complementary and alternative medicine in the curricula of health colleges in Saudi Arabia.

Objectives: To assess the status of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) education in health colleges in Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted including all medical, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, allied medical science, and health colleges in Saudi Arabia. A semi- structured questionnaire was designed to collect information covering CAM tracks, courses and contents in the college's curricula, available postgraduates programs, continuing medical education activities, number of colleges staff members specialized or interested in CAM.

Knowledge and attitudes of primary health care physicians towards complementary and alternative medicine in the Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) of primary health care (PHC) physicians in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Material And Methods: A crosssectional study including all physicians working at PHC centers in the Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia, was carried out from the beginning of April 2010 to the end of June 2010. Using a self-administered questionnaire, 1,113 physicians answered questions regarding their socio-demographic data, and knowledge, attitudes and utilization of CAM.