Clinical efficacy of Wet Cupping therapy in the management of Raktavrtha Vata WSR Tennis elbow– A Case Report

Abstract

Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis is a painful condition of the elbow caused by overuse. Tennis elbow can be correlated to Raktavrtha Vata described under Vatashonita Adhyaya. Cupping is a modified Raktamokshana procedure. Limited studies have been published on the efficacy of wet cupping therapy in the management of tennis elbow. A 42-year-old female presented complaints of pain, swelling and burning sensation in the lateral aspect of both elbows since past one year. She was unable to hold heavy objects and do household activities like kneading dough, holding vessels, do the dishes, wash clothes etc. There was no history of trauma. She had consulted an orthopaedician and had taken analgesics but got only mild relief. Six sittings of wet cupping therapy were done every fourth day and no oral medications were given alongside. Internal medication (Capsule Ksheerabala 101) was given after the procedure for one month and follow up was done every month for six months. Complete relief from symptoms were achieved after six sittings of wet cupping therapy. No recurrence of symptoms was observed in monthly follow up for six months. Cupping therapy is a cost effective, time saving procedure effective in the management of Tennis elbow with special reference to Raktavrtha Vata.