INTRODUCTION
People have been practicing Hijama in multiple countries since ancient times. Hijama is one of the world’s oldest traditional types of holistic folk therapy.
Although controversies cover the origins of Hijama, the practice has provided help in curing medical and surgical ailments. It was also a significant component of effective therapeutic methods of ancient times. Practitioners passed traditional methodologies of Hijama from generation to generation.
This article describes the history of cupping therapy, its definition, and its benefits. Learn more at MISK SHOP LTD
WHAT IS HIJAMA (CUPPING THERAPY)
Hijama (in Arabic) or what also known as cupping therapy is using special cups on specific areas of the body, local suction takes place initially. The cup is removed after several minutes and minor cuts are then created on the skin with a sterile scalpel. A second suction is then carried out using cups to gently draw out a small amount of blood to eliminate toxins.
THE HISTORY OF HIJAMA
Cupping therapy remained in one way or another an important part of ancient medicine. There are varying viewpoints on the pioneers of this ancient art. Some belief the Chinese to be inventors of cupping. In fact, the oldest documents show that ancient Egyptians invented this procedure in 1500 B.C.
One of the oldest medical textbooks called the Ebers Papyrus. This textbook discusses the use of cupping by ancient Egyptians for the treatment of various disorders like menstrual imbalances, appetite loss, fever, vertigo, and discomfort.
In fact, archeologists discovered drawings of cupping on the temple of Kom Ombo near Luxor. Kom Ombo is one of Egypt’s most ancient cities.
The evidence of the use of cupping therapy can be traced back to the early Han dynasty in the Chinese tradition. During the Jin dynasty, Ge Hong, a prominent herbalist, and alchemist was considered the first to use this technique in China. He firmly assumed that “more than half the ills could be treated with cupping and acupuncture”.
In ancient Greece, Hippocrates used cupping therapy to cure internal sickness. In his guide to psychiatric care, Hippocrates suggested the use of cupping in the treatment of illnesses such as angina, menstrual disturbances, and other conditions.
Between the 14th and 17th centuries, especially during the Renaissance period, the practice of cupping expanded to many European countries. In Italy, it was the most common treatment for arthritis and gout. A vast number of European doctors practiced cupping therapy to cure common cold and chest infections in the 18th century.
HIJAMA (CUPPING THERAPY) IN ISLAM
Hijama is one of the remedies from the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Not only did he practice Hijama on himself, he even prescribed it for multiple illnesses as a therapy.
The Prophet (PBUH) listed several benefits of Hijama therapy. He not only used it for specific illnesses, but he also recommended it for better wellbeing. He said:
“I did not pass by an angel from the angels on the night journey except that they all said to me: Upon you is cupping (hijama), O Muhammad”. [Sahih Ibn Majah]
The prophet (PBUH) used to have himself cupped between his shoulders and on top of his head, and used to say:
“If anyone pours out any of his blood, he will not suffer if he applies no medical treatment for anything”. [Sunan Abi Dawud]
THE BEST TIME FOR HIJAMA
The Prophet (PBUH) also suggested precise timings for the cupping process. According to the Sunnah, you can do it on specific days. On the other hand, you have to avoid doing it on other days. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Cupping on an empty stomach is better, and it increases intellect and memory. And it increases the memory of one who has a good memory. So whoever wants to be cupped, (let him do it) on a Thursday, in the Name of Allah. Avoid cupping on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Have yourselves cupped on Mondays and Tuesdays and avoid cupping on Wednesdays. That is the day on which the calamity befell Ayyub. And Leprosy and Leucoderma only appear on Wednesday or the night of Wednesday”. [Sahih Ibn Majah]
Moreover, the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“How excellent is the slave who cups, letting the blood, relieving the back, and clearing the vision”. And he said: “Indeed the best days for you to cup on are the 17th, 19th, and 21st”.
CUPPING THERAPY PROCEDURE
We may do cupping therapy on the body almost anywhere. Often on the site of an ache or discomfort to reduce or relieve it. A more conservative approach alerts against the overuse of cupping and suggests that all we need to “clean and detox” are ideal points on the body. To ensure a strong seal with the cup, we shave the area is first, if necessary. On the chosen area for cupping, we place the mouth of a cup of glass or plastic on the skin. Using a pump, a strong seal is then formed, we leave the cup for a few minutes to cling to the skin. We then take it off and we make some very tiny superficial incisions on the skin.
Although cupping and bloodletting are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not identical techniques. Bloodletting opens veins and bleeds patients, whereas cupping pulls blood to a certain spot by suction and removes it by cutting open the skin.
THE BENEFITS OF CUPPING
1. Faster pain relief
Cupping can ease pains caused by arthritis, pain in the lower back, etc. Headache, nausea, toothaches, muscle pain, and sciatica are other types of pain that can be successfully treated with cupping. For arthritis, cupping is performed on the concerned joints. Cupping increases blood circulation and mobility. Therefore it is an effective treatment for conditions like rheumatism, Lumbago, stiff neck and shoulders.
2. Healthy skin
The health of your skin reflects what is happening inside your body. Cupping improves the blood flow, therefore increasing the supply of Oxygen and essential elements required for a healthy skin. It also helps reducing the recurrence of acne and other skin conditions like eczema and cellulite.
3. Healing urinary diseases
Cupping therapy can be used to treat urinary conditions such as kidney stones, urine retention, and abscess. Urine retention is treated by applying the cups on the lumbar region.
4. Relieving digestive problems
Cupping helps relieve digestive problems caused by chronic stress, or malnutrition.
