What is Hijama?
Hijama is the Arabic word for cupping, which is derived from the word “Al Hajm,” meaning “sucking.” It is the practice of drawing blood to the surface to improve blood flow and help remove toxins by creating a vacuum inside cups placed on the skin. This vacuum can be created using heat (fire cupping) or mechanical devices (suction cupping). Hijama also typically refers to “wet cupping,” which additionally uses small lacerations on the skin to directly draw out blood, lymph fluid, pus, interstitial fluid, etc.
Historical Significance
Hijama is an ancient medical modality that has been practiced across the globe including North Africa, Europe, Asia, and Latin America since at least the 16th century BCE. The earliest records of hijama were documented in Egyptian Ebers Papyrus, a medical text thought to be recorded around 1550 BCE. In Greece, Hippocrates is said to have used cupping for internal diseases and structural problems between 460-370 BC. In China, the second earliest primary documentation for cupping was recorded by Ge Hong around 281-341 BCE in his text, A Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies. Hijama was also noted in the Hadiths, a compilation of the news and stories that were recorded of the Prophet Muhammad, around the 700s ADE.
During the Abbasid Empire, the Caliph Mansur founded the House of Wisdom, the “Grand Library of Baghdad,” in 825 A.D. where ancient texts were being translated into Arabic and in 825 AD. During this period, famous physician and philosopher, Ibn Sina (Avicenna), wrote the Canon of Medicine, which featured hijama. This text was later brought to Europe and revolutionized European medicine and thought.
Benefits include but are not limited to:
Increased Red Blood Cells (RBCs): Hijama stimulates RBC production, enhancing oxygen transport and overall vitality.
Detoxification: By drawing toxins and excess fluids to the surface, hijama promotes purification and rejuvenation.
Improved Blood Flow: The negative pressure application boosts circulation, benefiting muscles and tissues.
Cholesterol Regulation: Regular hijama sessions contribute to balanced cholesterol levels.
Blood Pressure Control: It helps manage high blood pressure.
Nervous System Stimulation: Hijama activates the nervous system, promoting overall well-being.
Diabetes Support: Diabetic patients may benefit from hijama due to its blood sugar-reducing effects.
Reduced pain: cupping helps reduce inflammation and relax muscle tissues that contribute to pain.
Best Time for Cupping
The moon holds profound significance in various healing traditions including Islam, and Daoism. According to the Chinese Daoist medicinal texts and Islamic medical texts and Hadiths, cupping is best done as the full moon wanes. Just as the moon affects tides, it also influences our body’s fluids. During the full moon, blood flow and energy circulation are heightened, enhancing the effects of hijama as pathogens, etc. are already pushed towards the surface of the body.
The Hadiths go even further to note specific dates that are best for cupping during each lunar month.
Check out the upcoming recommended hijama dates and reach out for availability.
Conclusion
Hijama is more than just a therapeutic practice; it is a holistic approach to health that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re seeking relief from physical ailments or looking to improve your overall well-being, hijama offers a unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern benefits.
Have you ever tried hijama or are you considering it? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
References
Benli, A.R., & Sunay, D. (2017). Changing Efficacy of Wet Cupping Therapy in Migraine with Lunar Phase: A Self-Controlled Interventional Study. Medical Science Monitor : International Medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research, 23, 6162 - 6167.
Bisio, T. (2009). A Tooth from the Tiger’s Mouth: How to Treat Your Injuries with Powerful Healing Secrets of the Great Chinese Warrior. Simon and Schuster.
Cao, H., Han, M., Li, X., Dong, S., Shang, Y., Wang, Q., Xu, S., & Liu, J. (2010). Clinical research evidence of cupping therapy in China: a systematic literature review. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 10, 70. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-10-70
Chirali, I. Z. (2014). Traditional Chinese Medicine Cupping Therapy - E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.
El-Wakil, A. (2011). Observations of the popularity and religious significance of blood-cupping (al-ḥijāma) as an Islamic medicine. Contemporary Islamic Studies, 2011(1). https://doi.org/10.5339/cis.2011.2
Unschuld, P. U., & Tessenow, H. (2011). Huang Di Nei Jing Su wen: An Annotated Translation of Huang Di’s Inner Classic – Basic Questions: 2 volumes. Univ of California Press.
Syahruramdhani, Syahruramdhani & Risdiana, Nurvita & Setyawan, Aris. (2021). Efficacy of Islamic Wet Cupping Therapy on Vital Sign in Lunar Phase: A Comparative Study Between Sunnah and Non-sunnah Dates. 10.2991/ahsr.k.210115.105.
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