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Kaiy as traditional therapy for pain: is it helpful or a myth?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 May 2008

K-E A Abou-Elhamd
K-E A Abou-Elhamd*
Affiliation:
ENT Sector, Department of Surgery, Al-Ahsa College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
*
Address for correspondence: Kamal-Eldin A Abou-Elhamd, ENT Professor, ENT Sector, Department of Surgery, Al-Ahsa College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, PO Box 400, Saudi Arabia. Fax: 00966 35801243 E-mail: Kamal375@yahoo.com
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Abstract

Objectives:

Two cases of traditional kaiy (Arabic for cauterisation) therapy for pain are reported. This technique is unknown in western countries and should be banned following a review of the topic.

Case reports:

Many patients in developing countries use alternative, complementary or traditional therapies before seeking medical advice. This may be due to social or religious beliefs. Kaiy is one such traditional therapy which should be discouraged. Two cases are reported, the first with aural pain and the second with thyroid pain (with malignancy later diagnosed).

Conclusion:

In these days of modern health care, the practice of kaiy is not science-based and is associated with considerable health risks. Health authorities in the relevant societies should move towards banning this undesirable practice; they should also use multi-media health education to advise of its dangerous outcomes, and enlist the help of community religious leaders to change public opinion and belief.

Keywords

CauteryComplementary Therapies
Type
Clinical Records
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 123 , Issue 5 , May 2009 , pp. 566 - 568
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2008

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