Code of Ethics of the International Cupping Therapy Society

A comment by Anas on a recent post highlighted a very important point: "Do you need to be certified or approved by a professional body to practice cupping therapy (hijama) in this country?" The answer to that, as explained by a couple of therapists in subsequent comments, is that so far there is no governing body for its certification (if anyone knows any different please leave a comment*), but it goes without saying that you obviously need to be qualified and trained to practice!

Well, the good news is that it seems that Cupping or Hijama Therapy is gaining wider acceptance in recent years and has even been accepted as a complementary therapy with the Complementary Medical Association (CMA) by the efforts of Natural Health Nature's Finest (NHNF). NHNF are currently running courses approved by the CMA and providing certification for the therapy.

Apart from that, on an international scale, The International Cupping Therapy Society has recently been set up by Dr Munir Ravalia of www.zhijama.co.uk in conjunction with Dr Shaban Tamer, the author of The Complete Guide To Cupping Therapy, inviting therapists to join and be affiliated.

Among it's stated aims are to "Support, Make and publish well designed trials to gain the support of medical professionals" as well as "Develop well structured and recognized training programs". All good stuff!

So if you are next in the market for a cupping therapist in the UK, make sure you find one certified by Natural Health Nature's Finest, as well as a member of The International Cupping Therapy Society, just to be doubly sure that you are in a safe pair of hands!

At the very least you can then rest assured that they subscribe to the high standard and Code of Ethics of The International Cupping Therapy Society (see the current version (March, 2009) as reproduced below from their website):

Code of Ethics of the International Cupping Therapy Society

The International Cupping Therapy Society has the right to expect that all of its members conduct their professional activities in accordance with the Code of Ethics of the Society.

All practitioners and therapists must have appropriate Training and follow appropriate cross infection control procedures, to ensure a safe and hygienic environment for themselves, their colleagues and their clients.

The following are some of the basic standards required and are considered the minimum standards expected by the Society for all its members:

-First Aid kit is required.

- Suitable and sufficient lighting, heating and ventilation provided and maintained as appropriate.

- Clean and hygienic condition.

- Waste Disposal Procedures are provided and maintained, including sharps disposal and clinical waste.

- All work materials such as chairs surfaces, and tables are thoroughly cleaned using a suitable disinfectant between patients and at the end of each working day and after any spillage on the surface.

- The skin in the area of the cupping site must be appropriately cleansed.

- Before conducting the cupping procedure, the practitioner will wash their hands and forearms with soap and hot water, drying with clean disposable towels.

- Gowns and towels must be changed and cleaned after each use and free from stains as appropriate.

- Cups and other disposable instruments must be prepackaged and pre-sterilized and only applied once after which appropriate disposal in a puncture- and leak-proof box, and its contents must be disposed of in a manner authorized for clinical waste.

- Hands must be cleaned with antibacterial soaps between each patient.

- Use of disposable gloves during cupping.

- Therapists must not overcharge, mislead or continue to treat patients for prolonged treatment courses without beneficial treatment results.

- Controlled infectious disease which require hospitalization, cancer treatment and other serious diseases should not be offered as a replacement to conventional medical treatment.

- Patients must be advised to fast for a minimum of three hours before treatment.

- Therapists must be trustworthy to their patients, not misguide, nor give unqualified advice.

- Therapists must not advise patients to stop medication or other medical treatments without first consulting with their physician.

- Therapists must give their complete attention when treating a patient and provide safe and suitable treatments to the best of their ability.

- Attention must be taken by members not to give incorrect results about the success of treatments or to say that any treatment is a total cure in every case without a clear evidence.

- Members will be asked occasionally to attend additional optional education seminars and lectures appropriate to maintain with current professional standards.

- Membership to be renewed on an annual basis subject to compliance with the Society's Code of Ethics

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On the same note, if you are a qualified hijama therapist or even a trainee therapist, and are happy to subscribe to their Code of Ethics, you may be pleased to learn that you can now apply for a FREE membership of the International Cupping Therapy Society. Download and complete their Application Form and email it to Dr Munir Ravalia on: admin@internationalcuppingsociety.com or Dr Shaban Tamer on: info@cuppingtherapy.info

Shuaib Suria
AHEALTH

PS: If you have any questions about Hijama or the International Cupping Therapy Society, then please leave a comment* below (by clicking the comments link) and we will try to get them answered by Dr Ravalia or Dr Tamer.

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*Comments are moderated to prevent spamming so may take some time to appear.


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