Hossein Kheirandish: Traditional Medicine Controversies, Cupping Research Institute, University Dispute and Arrest
3. COVID-19 Controversies and Medical Claims
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased Kheirandish’s media visibility.
During the public health crisis, he appeared in videos and media programs discussing methods of preventing and treating coronavirus infections.
Some of his statements attracted criticism from medical experts and were examined by Factnameh, an Iranian fact-checking organization.
The controversy concerned claims about face masks, salt consumption, indoor heating and cooling systems, COVID-19 vaccination, and the supposed ability of traditional treatments to prevent complications.
These issues became particularly sensitive because public health recommendations during the pandemic were based on rapidly developing scientific evidence.
The Claim That Eating Salt Could Replace Face Masks
One of Kheirandish’s most controversial statements concerned the use of salt as an alternative to face masks.
During the early stages of the pandemic in 2020, he suggested consuming salt instead of wearing a protective mask.
The statement circulated through online videos and media discussions.
However, no credible scientific evidence supports the idea that eating salt can replace face masks or provide equivalent protection against respiratory viruses.
Factnameh examined the claim in August 2020 and classified it as false or unsupported.
Public health guidance emphasizes that respiratory infections spread through particles released when infected individuals breathe, speak, cough, or sneeze.
Protective measures such as appropriate masks, ventilation, vaccination, and other evidence-based interventions have been studied in this context.
Consuming salt does not provide the same protective function.
Statements About Air Conditioners, Heaters and Coronavirus
Kheirandish also made statements about the relationship between indoor climate-control systems and COVID-19 transmission.
The discussion included claims about air conditioners and heaters and their potential effects on infection risk.
These statements were also examined by Factnameh.
Indoor ventilation and air circulation can influence the concentration and movement of infectious respiratory particles. However, the relationship is more complicated than suggesting that ordinary heating or cooling systems automatically cause infection.
The scientific discussion concerns ventilation rates, air filtration, room occupancy, air exchange, and the movement of contaminated aerosols.
Factnameh found the specific claims it examined to be unsupported.
COVID-19 Vaccine Warnings and Hijama Recommendations
Another major controversy emerged in 2021, when Kheirandish discussed possible complications associated with COVID-19 vaccines.
He warned that vaccination could produce dangerous side effects and suggested that individuals undergo hijama afterward to prevent or address these complications.
The recommendation attracted criticism because it was not supported by reliable scientific evidence.
Factnameh examined the claim in October 2021 and rejected the suggestion that cupping therapy could prevent vaccine-related complications.
COVID-19 vaccines, like other medical interventions, can cause side effects. Most commonly reported reactions include temporary pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, and fever.
Rare adverse events have also been investigated and documented by health authorities.
However, there is no established medical evidence that wet cupping prevents vaccine-related complications or neutralizes vaccine effects.
Medical professionals generally advise people experiencing serious or unusual symptoms after vaccination to seek appropriate medical assessment rather than rely on unproven treatments.
The controversy contributed to the growing debate about the role of traditional medicine advocates in communicating public health information during emergencies.
November 8, 2026 | 5:18 pm
