| When medicine is unable to cure, and the end becomes imminent, or when the patient is tired of the side effects associated with chronic use of drugs, the search for alternative and new ways of healing is begun. Coincidentally, sometimes the alternative is the origin, as is the case for traditional Arab medicine. In this thesis, I present the sources and elements of traditional Arab medicine; I browsed through the charming treasures of the East, seeking wisdom as well as old and new ways of healing. I found that Arabic medicine is a career combining both elements of science and philosophy based on religion and traditions, and includes a diversity of healing approaches: spiritual, physical, and using natural products. These approaches were discussed with emphasis on wet cupping (Alhijamah), a practice that is undergoing a revival nowadays in Arab countries. Then I compare Arabic healing approaches with American Indian healing approaches. In addition, tables of medicinal plants and their traditional uses are included. |
