@2024 Afarand., IRAN

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ISSN: 2252-0805    The Horizon of Medical Sciences 2014;20(1):43-48

Background
Being a method with low risks and limited side effects, complementary therapy has been used by one-third of peoples to heal headaches [9, 10]. It has been estimated that about one-half of peoples in Tehran have used at least one kind of complementary therapy kinds [11]. According to Avicenna, modification of activity mode of whole body or parts of it, i. e. temperament modification, is one of the effective methods in diseases treatment [12]. One of the traditional treatments is cupping [15]. Avicenna has administrated cupping for nearly all the diseases [16].
Previous Studies
There are some studies concerning impacts of cupping on blood pressure [19], shoulder pain and fatigue [21], and pain intensity in patients with migraine [22].
Aim(s)
The aim of the study was to compare the impacts of cupping and temperament modification on pain intensity in patients with migraine headache.
Research type
This is a clinical trial study with control group.
Research society, place and time
The research society was the population of patients with migraine headache referring to Ghoochan traditional medicine official Center in 2012.
Sampling method and number
Noticing previous studies and average pain numbers of the patients at first and third sessions of primary study, the needed sample volume was estimated 153 persons. Noticing exit probability of the samples, 198 patients were selected by Convenience Sampling method and were studied. The samples were randomly divided into “cupping”, “temperament modification”, and “control” groups. Samples, who were experiencing stressful events during the study or using other complement methods, were excluded from the study.
Used devices&materials
To collect data, two-part questionnaire, containing demographic characteristics (age, sex, marital status, education level, and kind of medications and their dose) and characteristics of headache was used, as well as a pain intensity record form based on the visual analogue scale (VAS). To confirm validity, the newest scientific sources were considered, and finally, its content was confirmed by some experts.‏ The tool’s reliability was confirmed by test-retest method with an interval of 14 days. Validity and reliability of the visual scale have been evaluated and confirmed through various studies [24]. In “temperament modification” group, the researcher via interview, observation, and examination, at first, completed temperament questionnaire, and then, a traditional physician performed an examination, and type of basic temperament and kind of phlegm predominance were determined. Based on kind of phlegm predominance, dietary program with explanations was offered to the samples. This complement treatment was continued up to 6 weeks under supervision and guidance and alongside consuming the anti-migraine medications offered by a physician. In “cupping” group, after completing the questionnaire via examination and interview method, three general cupping stages were performed with 14-days intervals. In “control” group, there was only medication consuming, and no intervention was performed for them. Their questionnaire was completed via examination and interview method. After 6 weeks, pain intensity was measured and recorded in the three groups. Paired T test (in order to determine relation between pain intensity and personal characteristics), Kruskal-Wallis test (in order to compare pain intensities before interventions between the groups), Mann-Whitney test (in order to compare mean difference of pain intensities before and after interventions), and SPSS 19 software were used.
Findings by Text
88 persons (53.3%) were female. 86 persons (52.1%) were in the age range 31-45 years. Mean age of all the samples was 34.7±10.2years. 60 samples (36.3%) were illiterate, which showed the highest frequency among the samples. 48 persons (29.1%) had a higher education. 112 samples (67.9%) had bilateral pain model; and 115 persons (69.7%) had a prickle pain. In 112 samples (67.9%), there was a pain with high intensity (5-7) before interventions. No sample was without pain or with mild pain; and 3 persons (0.2%) had moderate pain (3-4) and 65 persons (31.9%) had intolerable pain (8-10). 94% of the samples were using chemical painkillers as the main treatment or selected method for relieving headaches. (During study, the amount and frequency of the use of medications had no change.) 73.6% of the samples used to consume painkillers only while having pain and for one time a day. Before interventions, pain intensity had no significant relation with sex, marital status, education level, and occupation. Before interventions, there was no difference in average pain intensity between “temperament modification” (7.5±1.2), “cupping” (7.6±1.3), and “control” (7.2±1.2) groups. There was a significant statistical difference between averages of pain intensity differences before and after interventions in “temperament modification” (6.6±1.2), “cupping” (2.4±1.9), and “control” (0.6±0.8) groups. Pair comparison between averages of pain intensity differences before and after interventions in the groups showed significant difference at the three cases.
Main comparison to the similar studies
The results of the present study, showing no statistical significant relation between decrease in pain intensity and sex, education level, and marital variables, are consistent with the results of some other studies [21, 22, 27]. According to the results of the present study, there was a statistical significant difference between average pain intensity at the beginning and at the end of the study in “cupping” group, as well as between “cupping” and “control” groups at the beginning and at the end of the study. These results are consistent with the results of a conducted study [28].
Suggestions
It is suggested that a broader study with more time to conduct and in various diseases to be conducted. In addition, it is suggested that further controlled random studies to be conducted to confirm these results and to compare treatment impact of cupping and temperament modification with the impacts of placebo or other standard treatments.
Limitations
Non-declared
Conclusions
Cupping and temperament modification are very effective tools to treat migraine headaches.
Acknowledgments
Researchers feel grateful to University Research Council and all the participants.
Conflict of interest
Non-declared
Ethical Permissions
University Medical Ethics Committee confirmed the proposal of the study. Patients participated in the study with full consent.
Funding Sources
Islamic Azad University, Quchan Branch, funded the study.