Culture is an abstract term that refers to the values, ideals and beliefs shared by a group of individuals and which evolve over time^{[3, 5]}.

Culture is influenced by a variety of personal, physical and social issues. Some of the commonly accepted dimensions to consider about one’s own as well as others’ cultures include:

Cupping: A common practice in many cultures. Cupping involves heating a glass and placing it on the body. This leaves raised, circular marks on the body as a result of the vacuum produced when the heated glass is placed on the skin. Many cultures believe this practice helps remove the source of illnesses (cold air in the body, the presence of an evil spirit, etc.)

Coining/Coin rubbing: A traditional Asian form of healing, coining involves heating a coin or putting oil on it and vigorously rubbing the affected area. The result is raised welts or red areas on the kin where rubbing has occurred. It is believed that the skin will turn red if illness is present and that the red area represents the sickness coming to the surface and leaving the body.

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