Hijama, or cupping therapy, is a traditional medicinal practice used for centuries in various cultures, including Islamic, Chinese, and Egyptian medicine.
It involves the application of cups to the skin to create a vacuum. Which draws blood and other fluids to the skin’s surface, promoting healing and relieving various ailments. The word “hijama” is derived from the Arabic word “hajm,” which means “sucking.”
Hijama is often used to treat various health problems, such as pain, inflammation, stress, anxiety, and even some chronic diseases. The practice improves blood circulation, removes toxins, and stimulates the immune system.
It is also thought to positively affect the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
History and cultural significance of Hijama.
The origins of hijama can be traced back to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who is said to have recommended it as a cure for various illnesses. The Greek physician Hippocrates also used the practice, who believed it to be an effective treatment for a range of ailments.
Hijama is considered the standard medicine in Islamic culture. It is frequently used as a therapeutic approach along with other types of treatment.
It is believed to have numerous benefits, including improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and boosting the immune system. Hijama is also used in Chinese traditional medicine and is known as “ba guan.” In this practice, cups are placed on specific acupuncture points to stimulate blood flow and promote healing.
Types of Hijama: wet cupping vs. dry cupping.
Hijama, also known as cupping therapy, is an ancient healing practice that involves placing cups on the skin to create a vacuum that draws blood to the skin’s surface. Hijama is classified into two types: wet cupping and dry cupping.
Wet Cupping:
Wet cupping, also known as “bleeding cupping,” involves making small incisions on the skin with a sterilized blade or needle before applying the cup. The cups are left in place for several minutes, and as the vacuum is created, blood and other fluids are drawn out of the incisions.
After removing the cups, the therapist cleans the area and applies a dressing. Wet cupping is commonly used to address a variety of scenarios, including joint injuries, headaches, digestive issues, and lung problems.
Dry Cupping:
Dry cupping, also known as “non-invasive cupping,” does not involve making any incisions on the skin. Instead, the cups are placed on the skin, and the vacuum is created by suction. The cups are left in place for a few minutes before being removed. Dry cupping is frequently used to treat many ailments, including muscle contractions, backache, and nervousness.
Traditional and modern perspectives on the benefits of hijama.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in hijama from both traditional and modern medical perspectives. With many claiming it has numerous health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of hijama from both views:
Traditional perspective:
Relieves pain: Cupping reduces pain and inflammation by promoting blood flow to the affected area.
Boosts the immune system: Hijama is thought to strengthen the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells and improving the body’s ability to fight off infections.
Reduces stress and anxiety: Cupping therapy is believed to help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and improving the energy flow through the body.
Improves digestion: Hijama is thought to help improve digestion by promoting the production of digestive enzymes and increasing blood flow to the digestive system.
Enhances physical performance: Cupping therapy is believed to help increase athletic performance by promoting blood flow to the muscles, reducing muscle fatigue, and improving recovery time.
Modern perspective:
Pain relief: Some studies suggest that cupping therapy may effectively reduce chronic pain, including back pain, neck pain, and migraines.
Boosts the immune system: Research has shown that cupping therapy may help improve the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells and reducing inflammation.
Reduces inflammation: Cupping therapy has been shown to help reduce inflammation in various conditions, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Improves skin health: Cupping therapy may help improve skin health by promoting blood flow and collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improving the texture and tone of the skin.
Enhances athletic performance: Some studies suggest that cupping therapy may help improve athletic performance by reducing muscle soreness and fatigue and improving recovery time.
Hijama in modern medical practice.
Cupping or hijama is getting popular with time, and nowadays, numerous people are taking therapy to cure countless diseases. Many athletes and models take cupping or hijama to stay fit and healthy. And to remove toxins from their blood, and it aids in removing dirt from their skin.
Cupping therapy aid athletes in recovering their tissues and muscles. It helps athletes recover fast and strengthen their strengths to perform well in their sport.
Many doctors suggest cupping therapy to cure issues such as neck pain, back pain, lower back pain, margarine, etc. These issues are getting normal daily because people are not taking proper diets. And most people use to sit in the wrong posture.
For instance, people working in offices and on a computer or laptop suffer from back pain. Hijama aid in reducing their pain, and they feel relaxed after therapy. Most people prefer to take cupping therapy to cure these types of problems.
