Hijama is an ancient bloodletting technique utilised in many parts of the Middle East, China and Europe. To be more specific this traditional technique is utilised within the Middles East off the advice given by the Greatest Prophet of Islam.
“Indeed, the best of remedies you have is hijama (cupping)” – Saheeh Al Bukhari.
Hijama traditionally has been used by many within the management of a broad range of conditions; blood diseases such as hypertension, rheumatic conditions such as arthritis, physical conditions such as Sciatica, Neck & Back pain, Headaches & Migraine and also Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.
Who is not suitable for Hijama?
Children below the age of 10 years old
Adults above the age of 70 years old
People using blood thinning or Anti-Clotting medication such as Aspirin, Rivaroxaban (Xarelto), Dabigatran (Pradaxa), Apixaban (Eliquis), Heparin (various), Warfarin (Coumadin) etc
Pregnant women & women Breast feeding (during and 6 months after feeding ceased)
People recovering from surgery
People suffering from a lack of red blood cells (Anemia)
People with a history of Cancer, Diabetes, Heart attacks and Asthma attacks.
Are there any side effects?
One should understand that Hijama will lead to circular bruises or discolourations for a few days (on avg 4-5 days) where the cups were applied, which are, in effect, large ‘hickies’. Other possible minor side effects are slight light-headedness post cupping therapy; this is similar to the sensation one feels after having had blood taken by a doctor, as cupping therapy encourages blood flow to the cupped region (hyperaemia); one may therefore feel warmer and hotter as a result of vasodilatation (widening of blood vessel) taking place and slight sweating may occur. There is a sound scientific rationale for this and there is no cause for concern.
How does Hijama (Wet Cupping) work?
Hijama involves the application of cups through vacuum to certain points on your body. Once cups are in position blood is drawn into the cups through small skin incisions made prior. The aim of Hijama is to extract stagnated or congested blood from certain points around your body. The theory is that such blood could slow down the delivery of much needed oxygen, mineral electrolytes, vitamins, enzymes, immune system cells & antibodies to your cells, tissues and organs. With stagnated or congested blood present in your body; your cells, tissues and organs may not function at the best and so latter become progressively weak, inefficient or easily overcome by Bacteria, Infection etc.
Does it hurt?
Pain tolerance differs from person to person though you can be reassured that with the hundreds of people we have serviced to date that we have had no client unable to tolerate the procedure. Some patients say it tickles and others compare it to the flick of an elastic rubber band.
How many Treatments are needed?
This is a difficult question to answer as no literature has been published with regards to treatment frequency and diseases. We can only suggest you base treatments on subjective outcomes i.e how you feel the days/weeks following your Hijama treatment. Most people will return once per month and others every 3 months, 6 months or 12 months routinely.