An Ethnomedical Perspective of Arabic Traditional Cauterization; Al-Kaiy

Tamer Aboushanab; Saud AlSanad

doi:10.21467/ajss.4.1.18-23

Authors

Tamer Aboushanab National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Saud AlSanad National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Post Code: 11662, P. Box 88300. And, College of Medicine, Al Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, 13317-4233, Saudi Arabia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21467/ajss.4.1.18-23

Abstract

Cauterization (al-kaiy in Arabic) includes using a heated metal instrument (nail or metal rod) for skin application. This article describes the Arabic traditional cauterization from an ethnomedical view. The aims of this article are to document Arabic traditional cauterization practice, to address the beliefs and pattern of use about cauterization in various Arabic countries, and to identify adverse events and raise the safety concerns about this practice. The definition, history, historical indications, related knowledge, beliefs, the available information about the pattern of use in various Arabic countries and safety concerns are discussed. A new classification of identified complications related to cauterization is developed and described. Encouraging the reporting of complications due to cauterization and other traditional therapies by healthcare professionals, further field research and documentation of the knowledge related to the practice and raising the healthcare community and the public awareness towards the safety concerns and the complications related to cauterization are advised.

Keywords:

Cauterization, Adverse events, Ethnomedicine, al-kaiy, traditional

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