Why Hijama (Cupping)

 

Despite cupping being around for over one thousand years it is only now being seen as alternative therapy treatment for many health conditions. People who having cupping done find that they don’t need to rely on pain killer medication and in some cases they reduce the risk of invasive surgery.

 

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Sporting and gym enthusiasts use cupping as part of their recovery process and some people even use cupping as part of a beauty treatment. Whatever the reasoning cupping has proven to be a source of good health and vitality for mind body and soul. Above all cupping is also a Sunnah.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is Hijama (Cupping)

The word ‘hijama’ means ‘drawing out’ in Arabic. In this non-surgical procedure, toxic blood is drawn out from the body. Certain hijama points on the body are addressed to do so.

On such selected points, blood is encouraged to accumulate and then sucked out by using a little vacuum system. The blood is made to accumulate on the surface of the skin where minute incisions are introduced on the skin; the blood comes out from the incisions and is collected in a cup from where it is removed.

Cupping has been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissue causing tissues to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages, help activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries, activate the skin, clear stretch marks and improve varicose veins.

The history of Hijama (Cupping)

The practice has been around for thousands of years and was used by almost every civilization in the world as a medicinal intervention since the beginning of recorded history. The fact that the therapy exists (or has existed) and is known in almost every spoken language including French, English, Polish, Russian, Kiswahili, Somali, Chinese, Korean, Arabic, Malay, Japanese, Thai, Greek, Urdu, Persian, Bengali etc. etc is a huge testimony to its significance as a therapeutic intervention on a global scale.
There was also specific mention of hijama in the Jewish Talmudic writings which describe rules for its practice and similar outlines are mentioned in early Christian writings also.
In the East, hijama was always an integral part of the medical practices and remains so to this day. The ancient Chinese medical text which is widely regarded as the oldest medical text in existence, the Nei Jing, or Inner Classic says that: “If there is stagnation it must be first be resolved through hijama before the application of acupuncture or moxibustion.”

Hijama/Wet Cupping existed before the time of the prophet Muhammad.  Ancient Egyptians were the first to document the process of Wet Cupping/Hijama describing it as a useful way of removing pathogenic matter from the body. The ancient Greek were also advocates of Wet Cupping/Hijama, some believe the Greeks were introduced to Wet Cupping/Hijama by the ancient Egyptians. It is also believed by some that Cupping originates from China and ancient Chinese medical scriptures, which are regarded as the oldest medical scripture, referring to the removal of blood from the body to resolve stagnation. Although Hijama existed even before the time of the prophet Muhammad  (S.A.W), it has now become a part of Islamic tradition and teachings because the treatment has been recommended and its importance has been stressed by the prophet Muhammad  (S.A.W) as he himself had it performed on him on many occasions. Hence this is why Hijama/Wet Cupping is Sunnah and should be done in accordance with Islamic teachings and principals making it an important treatment, therapy and procedure in its own right with its own merits.

Today, Hijama (cupping) has gained immense attention from celebrities as well as attention bought to the therapy by sports athletes too.

For further information on the history of Hijama please click the link below:

Types of Hijama (Cupping)

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Dry cupping

Dry cupping is performed by applying a plastic cup to the surface of the skin and using a pump, air is removed by suction. This method draws blood and fluid away from any inflamed area to the surface of the skin. Cupping is not performed on areas of skin that have open wounds. Dry cupping can be performed at any time, on any day, and can be left for 10-15 minutes.

Areas of pain and inflammation greatly benefit from cupping as it relieves congestion and allows blood to flow easier. Dry cupping can be repeated daily and can be self-administered on body parts which are accessible to the patient. Tensions can be made light, medium or strong.

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Hijama (Wet Cupping)

For Wet Cupping, small scratches are made to the surface of the skin with a sterile blade after dry cupping has been performed. The cup is then re-applied to the skin using suction and the pressure difference extracts the blood that has accumulated.

Hijama is best performed on an empty stomach and so it is advised that you do not eat for a minimum of 2-3 hours before treatment. After treatment, strenuous physical exercise should be restricted for 24 hours. This includes swimming, cycling, running etc. Normal activities should not be affected. You should also avoid showering for 24 hours.

If itching is experienced, oil, (preferably black seed or olive), can be applied to the surface of the skin. This will aid the natural healing of the skin as well as relieve itchiness.

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Moving Cupping

Moving cupping is performed using oil, (black seed, olive, etc), applied to the area to be massaged, (usually the back). The cup is placed onto the skin using a light tension and can then be moved over the skin with a sliding motion, in circular/long movements. Moving cupping can be performed at any time, on any day and for however long the patient desires.

Massage cupping does not require the patient to have an empty stomach.

Conditions Treated

At Hijama Specialist we have many people walk through our doors with a range of health issues. From joint pain to diabetes to fertility problems. Modern life has its advantages but it also places a burden on our health.

Back pain and Joint pain

Back pain can be anything from a pulled muscle to sciatica. Over time our bodies go through a lot and the back is always one of the worst hit areas. Cupping relives back pain by removing toxins and congealed blood and also aids in reducing inflammation which can cause most back pain related issues. Many of our patients after visiting us often find that the need to take strong pain killers is reduced and in some cases not needed at all. Joint pain such as arthritis and gout are very common. Cupping helps reduce inflammation and also reduces uric acid levels for those who suffer from gout.

Skin Conditions

Skin conditions such as Acne and Psoriasis can often be very embarrassing for those that suffer from it and also can affect day to day life. Cupping helps by stimulating lymph fluids that help improve the skin and also the subcutaneous glands that focus on the skin expelling responses such as sweating. Along with removing any harmful toxic substances cupping also promotes healthy blood blow that can aid in reducing skin condition symptoms.

Headaches and Migraines

There are many people that suffer from chronic headaches and migraines and this can be very debilitating. It stops you from getting on with your day and even carry out simple tasks. One of the best and most natural cures for this conditions is to regulate your sleep patterns.  Cupping can help by not only regulating your sleep patterns which in turn can help reduce migraines and headaches and their side effects but also help regulate any hormonal imbalances that can also be cause for headaches and migraines.

Blood Circulation

There are many blood circulatory issues and they are made worse by diabetes, cholesterol and blood pressure. Having a healthy circulatory system is critical to overall good health. Cupping helps remove congealed blood and toxins whilst helping promote the circulation of freshly oxygenated blood which in turn helps rejuvenate to a degree the vital organs.

Weight Loss

With a fast food diet and little to no exercise weight gain and weight-related health issues are on the rise in the UK. At Hijama Specialist our cupping techniques can help with weight-related issues by cleansing the body of toxins that are prevalent in our everyday foods and also help stimulate a healthy metabolism and appetite. Combined with healthy eating and regular exercise cupping can become part of your health regimen.

Fertility

Fertility issues are becoming more common in both men and women. It is a sensitive subject and often has an emotional significance for those involved. There are numerous treatments available that can help with this sensitive issue however it has been proven that cupping can help regulate hormonal imbalances and also help with regulating the menstrual cycle and help increase energy levels in both men and women.

Sports injuries and sports training

In recent times (2016 Olympics) athletes such as Michael Phelps were seen with cupping marks across their body’s. It has been proven that cupping helps to reduce toxicity that builds up during training which leads to cramps and also aids in helping the body recover quicker from intense physical training. During training you are more prone to injuries and cupping has been proven to help inflammation and aid in the bodies healing.

Benefits of Hijama Cupping Therapy

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Eliminates any weaknesses in body

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Cures fevers

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Fights against dermatological diseases

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Helps prevent liver diseases

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Improves blood circulation

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Treats gastrointestinal diseases

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Heals rheumatic diseases organically

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Pain alleviation

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Detoxification purposes

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Maintaining the balance of physiology and homeostasis

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Stimulates the body’s own innate healing mechanisms

Watch the video for further benefits

Scientifically proven results

Watch the video:

Hijama in Islam

The act of performing Hijama is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad صل الله عليه و سلم and it is extensively reported in a wide collection of authentic hadith. Its practice is strongly recommended and emphasised in a number of narrations. The practice of Hijama forms an integral part of Islamic Prophetic Medicine. 

When should one do Hijama Therapy? 

It is recommended that Hijama be practised on the ‘odd’ days of the Lunar Calendar. Further to this, the specifically prescribed days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. The optimum Sunnah days to perform Hijama Therapy are the 17th, 19th and 21st days of the Lunar Calendar providing these days coincide with Monday, Tuesday or Thursday. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) advised against practicing Hijama on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and very strongly advised against practicing Hijama on Wednesdays.

Get in touch

Hijama Specialist. Office 6, Space Station, 149 Pauls Avenue, Slough, SL2 5EN

  • Monday 09.00 AM - 18.00 PM
  • Tuesday 09.00 AM - 18.00 PM
  • Wednesday 09.00 AM - 18.00 PM
  • Thursday 09.00 AM - 18.00 PM
  • Friday 09.00 AM - 18.00 PM
  • Saturday 09.00 AM - 18.00 PM
  • Sunday 09.00 AM - 18.00 PM
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