Hijaama (Cupping)?
The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said,
“Indeed the best of remedies you have is cupping (hijaama)…”
[Sahih al-Bukhari 5371]
Prophet Muhammad (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, “I did not pass by any group of Angels on the night of Al Isra, except that they said to me, ‘O Muhammad, tell your Ummah to use cupping (Hijaama).” [Ibn Majah, 3477]
Ibn Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said,
“Cupping (hijaama) on an empty stomach is best. In it is a cure and a blessing. It improves the intellect and the memory…”
The Messenger (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said,
“Indeed in cupping (hijaama) there is a cure.”
[Sahih Muslim 5706].
He also (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said,
“Whoever performs cupping (hijama) on the 17th, 19th or 21st day (of the Islamic, lunar month) then it is a cure for every disease.”
[Sahih Sunan abi Dawud 3861].
1. What is Cupping Therapy ?
Cupping therapy is a method of relieving local congestion by applying a partial vacuum which is created in cup(s) either by heat or by suction, it is used to prevent and treat diseases.
Hijama (cupping) is of 3 types:
Wet Hijaama/Cupping: this is from the Sunnah of the Prophet (SallAllaahu alayhi wasallam). It involves the removal of harmful blood from just below the surface of the skin and it is recommended that it is administered by a hijaama therapist. It should be administered at certain times of the day and days of the week (the Sunnah days)
Dry Hijaama/Cupping: the blood is gathered in the treated area, but no incisions are made, so the blood is not released.
Dry Massage Hijaama/Cupping: as with dry hijaama, the blood is not released, but in addition, olive oil is applied to the skin to allow the hijaama cups to be easily moved over the treated area, thus massaging the skin. They are not a Sunnah remedy but fall under the treatment for disease.
2. How does Cupping Therapy work?
Cupping Therapy gets rid of acidic toxic waste which accumulates in our bodies (blood stasis) as we grow older. Sources of toxic waste include the polluted air we breathe; toxic chemicals found in your food, water, drinks, household chemicals & toiletries; environmental waste in your neighbourhood; intoxicating drinks, narcotic drugs, junk food and smoking; waste products of normal body metabolism; products of medicinal drugs metabolism; impact of trauma and accidents on our body; and toxins from mental stress, anger, anxiety and depression. The blood stasis (stagnated or congested blood) slow down or block supply of blood via blood capillaries which deliver much needed oxygen, nutrients, water, mineral electrolyte, vitamins, enzymes, hormones and immune system cells & antibodies to your cells, tissues and organ. The blockages also prevent the removal of carbon dioxide, metabolic waste products and toxic substance which are excreted via our urine, lungs and skin. As a result your cells, tissues, and organs cannot function at its normal healthy level and become progressively weak, inefficient, and easily overcome by germs. This would cause tissue or organ to malfunction and infection to take place. Therefore you will experience symptoms of diseases such as aches and pain, numbness, fever, cough, stomach ache, constipation, diarrhoea and headaches. If left untreated further accumulation of toxic waste may lead to serious chronic diseases including hypertension, ulcers, diabetes, arthritis, alzheimer disease, migraine, heart disease, stroke and cancer
3. Some diseases treated by Cupping Therapy
• Common cold and cough
• Headaches including migraine
• Breathing difficulties (asthma)
• Diarrhea and constipation
• Tonsillitis and sore throat
• Stomach ache and heart burn
• Hand, leg, neck and back pain
• Neuralgia (nerve pain)
• Athletes foot
• Skin problems including pimples, oily skin, itch, dermatitis, liver spots
• Chills at fingers and toes
• Alopecia (losing hair)
• Allergy
• Menstrual pain (endometriosis)
• Leucorrhoea (whitish/yellowish discharge due to infection)
• Infertility
• Urinary incontinence
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Angina pectoris (heart pain)
• Periodontal (gum) disease
• Hemorrhoid (piles)
• Osteoarthritis and gout
• Diabetes
• Liver problem
• Losing memory and dementia (Alzheimer)
• Stroke
• Cancer
4. What diseases cannot be treated Cupping Therapy?
Diseases that cannot be treated by Cupping Therapy include- Congenital (present at birth) and genetic diseases like down syndrome, cerebral palsy, cleft lip, hole-in-heart, congenital dislocation of the hip.- Trauma and accidents for example broken bones and joints, open wound, torn muscles, tissue and organ damage, internal bleeding, and excessive bleeding. However Cupping Therapy can promote quicker recovery or healing of these conditions due to improved blood circulation.
5. Who are not suitable for cupping?
Children below 10 years old, adults above 65 years old cannot have wet cupping however can have dry cupping, pregnant women, people recovering from surgery, weak & thin people suffering from lack of blood and people with threatening conditions e.g. heart attack, asthmatic attack, trauma and accidents cannot have any type of cupping
6. What does a person feel during or after cupping?
Cupping can be mildly or moderately uncomfortable. This will vary from person to person and the location of cupped areas on the same body. The sensation of pricking with needle (lancet) during cupping is quite similarly to insect bites. Post cupping symptoms varies between persons, which include feeling relieved after cupping, feeling tired or not much sensation.
7. Is Cupping Therapy safe and free from side effects?
Cupping is a safe therapy provided hygienic conditions are maintained before, during and after cupping.
8. What preparation to do before starting Cupping Therapy?
The patient should have cupping therapy done on an empty stomach however if the appointment is in the late afternoon or evening then a minimum fast should be kept for at least 3 hours before being cupped, or the night before if the patient is having the treatment in the morning. On a full stomach, Hijaama causes vomiting and it is not a cure, it is a disease.