Hijamah: An Ancient Cupping Therapy

What if I told you that you could get rid of your aches, pains and even some skin conditions through the simple act of suction? Well, you can, but you’ll need to travel back in time about three thousand years to do so.
Hijamah, also called Cupping Therapy, has been used since the earliest days of Arabic history as an effective treatment for all kinds of maladies, including pain relief and disease prevention.

What is Cupping?

Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine. It involves a therapist placing a cup or glass over an injured part of your body, creating suction on your skin by either using heat or simply allowing air to expand in the cup, and then releasing it. The pressure helps move blood and fluids throughout your body, which increases your circulation while loosening tight muscles, leading to pain relief and improved healing.

Where did cupping come from?

The practice of cupping originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. It has since been used to treat a number of ailments, from arthritis and back pain to menstrual cramps and chickenpox. Today, it is used by acupuncturists and other alternative medical professionals. While there is no concrete evidence that cupping helps relieve any specific conditions, some people do report feeling benefits after undergoing treatment.

 In cupping therapy, a cup is placed on your skin and then heated with a flame. As it cools, the air pressure inside causes it to stick to your skin. When removed, suction is created that pulls blood to that area and can relieve muscle pain, stiffness or inflammation. While you might associate cupping with torture from seeing it portrayed in films or TV shows like Game of Thrones and House of Cards, practitioners say there's a lot more to it than meets the eye.

How does cupping work as a treatment?

The effects of cupping are believed to occur through numerous mechanisms of action. In traditional Chinese medicine, cupping practitioners believe that cups work by stimulating blood flow and promoting Qi movement in meridians as well as reopening congested energy pathways. To achieve these purported benefits, cuppers make small incisions at certain points on a patient’s body in order to drain excess fluids and other substances believed to cause illness or pain.

What conditions can be treated with cupping massage?

Hijama (cupping therapy) is used to treat many different conditions, from constipation and back pain to psoriasis. It’s been practiced for thousands of years, making it one of medicine’s oldest forms of therapy. Some doctors recommend cupping massage for patients with chronic diseases, as well as people recovering from surgeries or injuries. In addition to being a holistic treatment, hijama also benefits from being safe and natural because no drugs are involved.

When should I use this type of treatment instead of other therapies?

Are you interested in ancient therapies, but you’re not sure where to begin? One therapy that is gaining popularity due to its benefits is hijama, or cupping therapy.

 The purpose of any therapy is to stimulate blood flow, remove toxins, and relax muscles. It’s important that before you begin a treatment or therapy, your healthcare provider approves it for your specific condition or ailment. 

In ancient times, cupping was used as a form of Chinese medicine by acupuncturists to reduce pain in patients. It involves attaching small glass cups to various areas of the body and creating suction on each cup using heat or water.

 The healing power of hijama dates back to Prophet Muhammad, who used it to heal many sick people. According to Islamic tradition, he said that hijama is a good treatment for forty types of diseases.

Are there any side effects associated with this type of treatment?

There are no reported side effects associated with hijamah. However, there is a possibility that a few people could experience swelling or bruising at certain points of application. When carried out by a skilled practitioner, hijamah is safe for most people to try. Of course, it’s best to check with your physician before trying any new treatment or medication to ensure that you won’t suffer from any adverse reactions.

Sunnah Days of Hijamah Cupping

Hijamah may be performed on any day of the year, not just on Islamic holy days. There are certain days in a man’s life that certain forms of hijamah are highly recommended: Newborn babies are to be cupped on their first seven days after birth. During menstruation, it is recommended to undergo cupping in order to relieve painful cramps and help restore normal menstrual flow. Women who suffer from severe uterine or ovarian disease should go through hijamah at least once a month.

 All sick people are strongly recommended to undergo hijamah at least once a month. The sick can be divided into two groups according to their condition: those with one condition and those with more than one sickness.

Conclusion

Given all of its amazing health benefits, hijamah is a relatively inexpensive and easy way to maintain your health. If you’re looking for an ancient method that’s backed by modern medicine, choose hijamah as part of your wellness routine. Just be sure to work with a qualified practitioner.