Lymphedema Following Cupping Therapy "Hijama" Post Breast Cancer Surgery and Axillary Clearance

Cupping therapy or medicinal bleeding is a form of traditional therapy that has been described in ancient Greek medicine and is still commonly practiced by Muslims around the world following the teachings of Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). We describe a case of upper limb lymphedema occurring in a 49-year-old lady with breast cancer following surgery and axillary node clearance. This occurred immediately after she had wet cupping therapy on the affected upper arm. We postulate that wet cupping therapy has contributed to the formation of lymphedema in this patient. To the best of our knowledge this is the first case reported in literature.