Anxiety and sleep disorders are closely interrelated conditions that frequently coexist and exacerbate one another. Anxiety induces prolonged activation of the nervous system and elevates stress hormone levels, leading to impaired relaxation and disrupted sleep.
Conversely, chronic sleep disturbances negatively affect emotional regulation and cognitive function, thereby increasing vulnerability to stress and anxiety.
This bidirectional relationship forms a vicious cycle that significantly reduces quality of life and mental well-being.
This article reviews complementary and holistic therapeutic approaches, including wet cupping therapy and ruqyah, and discusses their potential physiological, psychological, and spiritual effects in managing anxiety, sleep disorders, pain, and cardiovascular health.
Anxiety and Sleep Disorders: A Bidirectional Relationship
Anxiety and sleep disorders frequently occur simultaneously and mutually influence each other.
Anxiety maintains the nervous system in a state of heightened arousal and increases the secretion of stress hormones such as cortisol, which interferes with the body’s ability to relax and initiate sleep.
Consequently, individuals with anxiety commonly experience insomnia, fragmented sleep, and frequent nocturnal awakenings.
Conversely, persistent sleep deprivation disrupts emotional regulation and cognitive processing, resulting in increased stress sensitivity and anxiety symptoms.
This bidirectional interaction contributes to a self-perpetuating cycle that adversely affects mental health and overall quality of life.
Wet Cupping Therapy in Complementary Medicine
Wet cupping therapy is widely used in complementary and traditional medicine to restore physiological balance.
From a biomedical perspective, cupping therapy is believed to enhance blood circulation, reduce inflammatory processes, and stimulate neural pathways.
These physiological responses may promote relaxation and contribute to reduced stress and anxiety levels.
Several studies suggest that cupping therapy may increase parasympathetic nervous system activity, which plays a central role in relaxation and sleep regulation.
Enhanced parasympathetic dominance may therefore improve sleep quality and overall autonomic balance.
Ruqyah as a Psychospiritual Intervention
Ruqyah is an Islamic spiritual practice involving the recitation of Qur’anic verses, supplications, and remembrance (dhikr).
Psychologically, spiritual practices such as ruqyah may induce a calming effect, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional resilience and hope.
Improved psychological stability is associated with better sleep initiation and deeper, more restorative sleep.
From a holistic health perspective, ruqyah addresses the spiritual dimension of well-being, which is increasingly recognized as an important component of comprehensive health care.
Neurophysiological Effects of Wet Cupping
Blood removal during wet cupping may influence the central nervous system and activate endogenous pain-modulating mechanisms.
Mild nociceptive stimulation during the procedure triggers the release of β-endorphins, endogenous opioids that inhibit pain transmission in the spinal cord and brain.
Additionally, strong cutaneous stimulation resulting from skin incisions and suction elicits sensory responses that may temporarily reduce pain perception.
This process is accompanied by the release of hormones and mediators that suppress inflammatory responses, including those involved in conditions such as arthritis.
Clinical Benefits and Integration with Conventional Medicine
Clinical observations indicate that wet cupping may reduce pain intensity and disease activity in various conditions.
Furthermore, this therapy can be integrated with conventional medical treatments in chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, and other long-term conditions.
During therapy, stimulation of peripheral cutaneous nerves is transmitted to the central nervous system, promoting endorphin release.
Endorphins contribute to mood stabilization, mental relaxation, and autonomic regulation, leading to reductions in heart rate, cardiac output, and blood pressure.
Effects on Blood Viscosity and Blood Pressure Regulation
Blood extracted during oxidant releasing therapy is often characterized by higher viscosity, attributed to elevated levels of lipoproteins.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known to accumulate within blood vessels and impair vascular flow.
The removal of such substances may improve blood rheology, reduce blood viscosity, and contribute to blood pressure reduction.
Blood pressure regulation is also influenced by dietary salt intake. High sodium concentrations increase plasma viscosity and vascular resistance, thereby elevating blood pressure.
In hypertension associated with oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction occurs, resulting in reduced production of vasodilators such as nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin, along with increased vasoconstrictor activity. This imbalance contributes to sustained elevations in blood pressure.
Therapeutic Technique and Safety Considerations
Oxidant releasing therapy is performed by extracting blood from superficial skin capillaries, which are extremely thin and are believed to store residual toxins and long-deposited substances.
Due to the technical nature of the procedure, it requires specialized skills to ensure safety and therapeutic effectiveness.
Through controlled incisions in cupping or hijamah, blood is obtained in accordance with practices recommended in the medical tradition of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Opening Hours (By Appointment Only)
Monday – Sunday 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
For those who wish to undergo cupping therapy (bekam) or ruqyah, please kindly complete the registration form below clearly and accurately.
Bekam Batam Ruqyah Batam Bengkel Manusia Indonesia Town House Anggrek Sari Blok G2 Batam, Kepulauan Riau, Indonesia.
Registration and patient reservations are handled via WhatsApp at (+62) 813-2871-2147.
