An unusual cause of iron deficiency anemia in a healthy man: Hijamah

Abstract

Bloodletting with cupping is used by numerous populations throughout the world. There is an Islamic basis for this type of therapy, which is known as hijamah. Hijamah is a process of removing blood from the skin, and is thought to enhance health, detoxify the body, and enhance immunity; however, blood loss from the skin may occur with voluntary incisions and bloodletting with cupping.