Spiritual Benefits:

From a religious perspective Hijama is a practice that has more benefits than we can logically comprehend. It was extensively recommended by the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and also has strong recommendations in Jewish Talmudic writings.

By following a method of health care that the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) himself performed and regarded as the best form of medical treatment, we benefit not only physically but spiritually also. On a religious level hijama is blessed in every aspect and is also an act of worship when performed with this intention.

Physiological benefits:

It is a logical fact that hijama can and has been an effective aid at draining abscesses, boils and infected pustules, as well as sucking out poisons venom from the site of a snake bite or bee sting. This vital life saving or at lease pain saving property of hijama was recognized by the simplest minded people in almost every nation that has ever existed on earth including throughout the pre Islamic eras.

So why is it, that hijama is able to give pain relief, reduce swellings, regain function and restore health in so many cases that conventional treatment methods cant?

If we look at some of the most common processes that cause pain and dysfunction in the human body we don’t have to go far to realize that inflammation often has something to do with it.

Inflammation is a natural process in which your body sends extra blood to an area to help it repair and fight off illness and disease. It allows it a good supply of nutrients and oxygen and encourages it to remove or break down old and damaged tissues, making room to build and repair new cells for recovery.

Many conditions and ailments that we suffer with are related to an over reaction by the body resulting in unwanted inflammation. This includes all conditions that end with the word “itis” such as arthritis, tendonitis, gastritis, meningitis, appendicitis etc. The common factor in all these conditions is that there is too much unwanted blood as a result of inflammation in that area.

This is why anti-inflammatory medication is regularly prescribed by doctors to try and reduce down the amount of this inflammation.

Unwanted inflammation results in extra blood causing tissues to dilate and swell often causing pressure which stretches the tissues and nerve fibers which cause pain. If the cause of the original problem does not stop, the inflammation can increase. This pressure and swelling within the tissues can increase to the extent that it itself damages the tissues, preventing efficient movement of blood to remove waste and supply nutrients. This can lead to a buildup of carbon dioxide causing acidity, toxic waste (made up of cell debris and metabolites) all of which perpetuate the problem and the inflammation.

Inflammation can be simplified as a state in which there is too much blood in an area causing pressure and stagnation preventing the regular flow of nutrient and waste exchange, resulting in pain and compromised natural healing abilities.

Although medications are often necessary, they are not always the answer to all our problems. Most medications work globally on our bodies and not just in the desired areas. These medications also rely on the body’s own transport mechanisms to get the medication to the desired site (unless injected) which can often be hindered if the inflammation is severe (eg, a severely swollen ankle does not have the same rate of flow as a normal ankle), not to mention the potentially serious side effects that compound medications can have in the long term.

Hijama (cupping) therapy has the unique ability of drawing out inflammation, stagnant blood, cell debris and toxins from deep within the body to the surface of the skin.

By utilizing wet Hijama (cupping) therapy this built up pressure can be released through tiny pin pricks or light scratches on the skin. This often gives instantaneous relief and allows fresh blood, nutrients and oxygen to penetrate the area breaking the cycle of pain and discomfort.

Traditionally it has been understood that wet cupping also allows a process of purifying the blood and removing unwanted materials from the system. Many times there are unwanted or high levels of harmful elements in the blood such as cholesterol, uric acid, calcium deposits, rheumatoid factors and chemical messengers that modulate inflammation. By removing these elements you can reduce the problems that they cause and reduce pain, discomfort and inevitably disease.

For this reason wet cupping therapy has been used throughout history to treat a wide range of conditions and even as a preventative medicine. The feeling of well being, looseness in the body and higher levels of energy are common reports of patients undergoing this form of treatment.

Other theories that explaining the mechanism in which Hijama works include the pain gait theory, the secondary site of inflammation theory, the traditional humors concept and the various meridian and energy channel philosophies.

Hijama can also have positive effects on areas that are not inflamed but are “stagnant” due to inactivity or poor blood flow. This can be the case in chronically tense musculature where blood flow becomes reduced and lactic acid builds up causing pain and tension. The negative pressure can help dilate the tissues encouraging blood flow and flushing the area of stagnant fluids, allowing the nourishment of fresh blood.

Similar benefits can be obtained in areas where poor blood return can cause congestion such as cases of venous insufficiency or congestion both clinically and sub clinically. This can often be the case in areas of anatomical disadvantage such as in the sinuses of the head and face, as well as the venous drainage of the spinal cord in which the lack of a valve system can make this more likely.

Lymph drainage and flow can also physically be influenced by Hijama creating an opportunity to help the immunological function of the bodily portions as well as aid in dysfunctional states such as lymphedema and the management of similar diseases.

The benefits and applications of Hijama are endless and there is much that we do not and may not ever be able to comprehend about the process. The important factor to note is that Hijama is effective at helping people and its abandonment in the west is an injustice to the people chronically suffering with disease and illness due to a health care system restricted to long term medication and pain management.

Although there is a shortfall in scientific research on this subject more and more research is being conducted on Hijama and its various applications with a large majority of the studies demonstrating substantial beneficial effects. The information we have provided is based on the available scientific literature, clinical experience, traditional medical texts, historical and religious accounts as well as theoretical reasoning.

Stimulates and strengthens the immune system;

Enhances blood circulation;

Stimulates tissues and internal organs;

Improves physical and mental health conditions;

Enhances general health of body;

Reduces stress and depression by releasing chemicals in the brain;

Allows tissues to release toxins by eliminating them through the surface of the skin;

Is the best deep tissue massage;

Brings blood and warmth to an affected organ and therefore promotes healing;

Reduces unwanted side effects of drugs, removes their residue and reduces the risk of drug toxicity;

Massage cupping over the digestive system stimulates the inside of the organs, their peristaltic movement and secretion of digestive fluids; strengthens the power of digestion and absorption of nourishment and the power of secretion;

Dry cupping is 10 times more effective than acupuncture;

Cupping works in a radius of 10cm and depth of 10-12cm;

Massage cupping on the liver aids it to detoxify the body;

Massage cupping over the back, revitalises the organs, improves blood circulation and is the equivalent of walking 2km.

The first and top-level benefit of hijama for a believer is the reward he or she will get, both heavenly and worldly, after following a stressed Sunnah of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). Not only the believers but also anyone can openly observe or experience the benefits that are bestowed on the followers of the commands of Allah SWT and His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). On the other hand, when we look at this bloodletting technique from a worldly perspective, we can find Hijama has many benefits.

It is noted that Hijama promotes the flow of energy in the blood. It removes toxins and other waste material from the blood. It helps fasten recovery time and people recover from diseases much faster after hijama. Hijama is known to prevent many diseases and, therefore, can be considered one of the best preventive measures against many diseases. Moreover, it is also noted that Hijama can help those people as well who are under some magic spell or who are under the influence of some evil beings.

Hijama has no side effects as long as performed properly. It is also worth noting that about 70% diseases or disorders are caused by the failure of blood to circulate properly in the body. Furthermore, we get sick or our body organs fail to perform healthily when our blood keep circulating loaded with toxins and other impurities. Unless the toxic waste is removed from the body or from the blood, not only we do not recover fast from a disease but also become easy victim to other diseases or disorder. Hijama is the best way to remove the toxic waste from the blood stream, and the results will obviously be a healthy and properly functioning body. We should never forget that this highly useful and recommended Sunnah of the Prophet SAW helps us in controlling many diseases such as infections, hypertension, circulatory diseases, pains, infertility, cancer, etc.

Importance of Hijama in the Divine Guidance

Instead of putting our words in favor of cupping, we must see the following ahadith that are enough to explain the importance of Hijama.

“Indeed in hijama (cupping) there is a cure”. – Saheeh Muslim

“Indeed, the best of remedies you have is hijama (cupping)”. – Saheeh Al Bukhari

“Hijama is the most helpful procedure for human beings to cure themselves”.– Saheeh Al Bukhari and Saheel Muslim

The importance of hijama in the divine guidance can further be stressed by the following words which were related to the Prophet SAW on the night of Israa (ascension to the heaven) by angles: “O Mohammed, order your ummah (people) with hijama (cupping)”.– Saheeh, Sunan Tirmidhi.

The Prophet Muhammad صلاللهعليهوسلم is reported to have had hijama perfromed on his head for migraine [Bukhari], on his foot after a sprain [Ibn Majah], on his neck [Abu Dawud], on his hip for hip pain [Abu Dawud] and between his shoulders for detoxification [Ahmed].

Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet صلاللهعليهوسلم 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.”[Saheeh, Sunan ibn Majah]

“The best medicine with which you treat yourselves is cupping, or it is one of the best of your medicines.” Or“The treatment you can use is cupping.” [Bukhari: 5371]

“Cupping is the most helpful procedure for human beings to cure themselves.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger صلاللهعليهوسلم said, “If there was something excellent to be used as a remedy then it is cupping (hijama).” [Sunan Abu Dawud, Sunan Ibn Majah]

Common Remedies

Hijama has stimulating and strengthening effects so it successfully treats the following conditions:

Constipation and Diarrhea, Headaches, Back pain, Arthritis, Period pain, Injuries, Asthma, Cellulite, Fatigue, Anemia, Depression, Emotional problems, Atrophy, Sciatica, Common cold and flu, Skin problems, Weight loss and much more.

Even though Hijama is a very simple procedure, it has dramatic effects. Our health and well-being are tied up with the immune system and are totally dependent on the flow of blood and Qi (energy) and body fluids like hormones and lymphatic fluid. Traditional medicine tells us that all pain is due to stagnation of these symptoms. The cups used in Hijama have a wonderful pulling power and this is a dramatic technique in reducing pain and enhancing the feeling of well-being.

Importance of the skin

Any topical stimulus that is directed to influence and manipulate the internal or external organs must start with the skin. The body’s first contact with the outside world is through the skin and it is true to say that the skin is the mirror of our health. If a person has good health, his or her skin will be shiny, tight and smooth and will respond to temperature and will be warm when touched. The skin protects the body from pathogens and plays a role in a number of body functions. It is the main organ of sensation, through many millions of nerve endings contained in its structure.

The main fourteen channels with a direct link to the internal organs lie within the skin. When stimulating a particular point through Hijama, the organ’s blood and Qi is manipulated. In Chinese medicine the skin is directly controlled and influenced by the lungs. The lungs spread the Qi and fluids all over the body through the skin.

Blood

Blood is transformed from the essence of food produced through the functional activity of Qi that circulates through the blood vessels and nourishes the body tissue. Blood is derived from food and Qi and produced by the spleen. (Blood will be discussed in detail in the section about the anatomy of the body)

Qi

Qi is the invisible life force – like air and wind. The West tries to define Qi as ‘the energy of life’, ‘vital force’, ‘life force’, ‘energy’, but there is no Western equivalent. When we are ill we feel weak and have a low energy level but when we feel better we feel more energetic and much stronger. So we all experience the existence of Qi continuously. Movement of any kind requires Qi and often this is manifested as heat. Lack of energy is signified by cold.

When treating a disease at the Qi level, the external pathogen is still fighting at the skin and the body’s overall resistance is still good. Some clinical manifestations of this are a high fever, a cough with thin yellow phlegm, wheezing and thirst. Hijama treatment at this level is very effective.

Stagnation

Stagnation of body systems can be the result of lack of movement, injury, stress, a lack of blood, Qi or the invasion of cold into the body and joints. Cold drinks and foods or irregular feeding habits can also cause accumulation problems. All these impair the Spleen’s function of transformation and transportation. Clinical manifestations of this are restlessness, vomiting, and the production of phlegm, diarrhea, constipation, a hardened stomach and painful abdomen. Hijama relieves all these symptoms.

Regardless of the cause, Hijama can be applied to specific points of the body like what is done in acupuncture, to the area that is dysfunctional. After a short time the patient will feel warmth and there will be a reduction of pain.

Fluids in the body can also become stagnant and they are necessary to help the stomach carry out its proper digestive function.

Hijama therapy regulates the flow of Qi and blood. It also helps draw out and eliminate pathogenic factors like wind, cold, damp and heat. Hijama also moves Qi and blood and opens the pores of the skin, thus, assisting the removal of pathogens through the skin.

Beauty therapy

Hijama is also beneficial in beauty therapy as it promotes the production of hormones, encourages blood flow and body fluid movement in the bowels and internal organs. In this way toxins are removed and this is important because toxins speed up the aging process and cause other negative conditions.

Aging

Authentic holistic therapy balances all aspects of the body. The aging process speeds up when individual cells dry out, or too much sun. Kidney weakness also speeds up the aging process and leads to dry and damaged hair, early graying or hair loss. Imbalance in ladies also manifests in the early signs of menopause with hot flushes, night sweats and dry skin. Simply applying external lotion to the skin or hair does not access the root cause.

Stimulating and strengthening effects

The benefits of Hijama are uncountable due to its stimulating and strengthening effects. It has treated bowel conditions, headaches, back pain, arthritis, menstrual pain, injuries, asthma, cellulite, fatigue, anemia, depression and emotional problems, atrophy, sciatica, common cold and flu, skin problems, blood pressure, weight loss and ladies problems. The negative role of toxins in the degeneration of health is of ever-increasing importance. Even though modern medicine has eradicated many epidemics there is an increase in what is called civilization diseases (metabolism diseases). These diseases are caused by the great quantity of chemicals a person takes during his or her lifetime. A recent American statistic on food additives shows a 100-pound intake per person in his life span. The average American takes about 1000 tablets a year. This is a health catastrophe. Modern medicine differs greatly from its ancestors who maintained that the body functions are interrelated in a network.

Release of toxins and impurities

One of the main functions of Hijama treatment is that it releases toxins with minimal additional stress to internal organs. It also directly de-acidifies tissues, enhances blood circulation, stimulates the immune system and reduces stress as it releases chemicals in the brain that reduce stress and depression. Another benefit of Hijama therapy is that it facilitates a sufficient flow of nutrition to the affected tissues and stimulates the flow of blood and lymph to the affected area. In this way, it improves blood and lymph flow, and activates the function of the organs. Performing Hijamahon the corresponding organ points is used to treat disorders such as liver and kidney problems, respiratory diseases, digestive disorders and some gynecological disorders.

In ancient times, Hijama did not have specific indications and was mainly used to drain blood and pus from abscess and for sucking blood from poisoned wounds and snakebites. However, in later times this therapy expanded to encompass illnesses related to internal medicine such as pulmonary tuberculosis, rheumatism, abdominal pain, stomach ache, indigestion, headache, hypertension, common cold, lumbago, backache, swelling and eye pain and boils. In some places, Hijama therapy was used in conjunction with acupuncture. Today, Hijama is used to treat colds, lung infections and problems in the internal organs. It is also used to treat muscle spasms especially in the back. It can also be used to treat painful joints, stomachache, vomiting and diarrhea. Since Hijama stimulates the flow of blood it helps to treat blood stagnation, poor circulation, and asthmatic conditions.

Immunity

Hijama strengthens the body’s resistance and eliminates pathogenic factors and so prevents illness. It also regulates the function of the blood and promotes general good health. By creating localized bruising, it activates the body’s defensive cells to heal the bruised area. In the past, people who were not ill often had Hijama done twice a year; in the spring and the autumn believing that thinning the blood would promote good health. This continued to the 19th century and was a regular practice.

Pearl divers in the Arabian Gulf used to undergo Hijama before the diving season in the belief that this would prevent diseases during the three months at sea. It was also thought to be very effective against dizziness.

Dr. Katase from Osaka University maintained that Hijama influences the composition of blood as it increases red and white blood cells and changes acid blood into alkaline or neutral blood thereby leading to the purification of blood. It also purifies the body of accumulated irritants that cause inflammation.

Recent studies indicate that having Hijama done at specific points on the back increases immunity by increasing the white blood cell counts. In addition to enhancing the body’s defenses, Hijama regulates blood circulation throughout the entire body. The flow of blood in the human body is very important as it regulates, coordinates and unifies the organs via the blood vessels. The flow of blood is the life force that maintains health and each organ receives its requirements of nourishment to maintain a healthy, normal state. The blood flows throughout the body nourishing tissues and enhancing the immune system.

Effect on circulatory system

Hijama also has a positive effect on the circulatory system. Due to the pull of low pressure, the flow of blood in arteries and veins increases and in the veins localized congested blood appears then disappears. With Hijama therapy it is possible to ease the interruption of blood circulation and congestion and to eliminate the inflammatory fluids from the tissues. So the greatest characteristic of Hijama is the facilitation of blood flow.

Effect on diseases

Almost all diseases respond to Hijama. The following are some of the most common:

Pain related conditions

Hijama eases pain, especially that which is related to headache, menstrual cramps, dental pain, tennis elbow, muscle pain, back pain and sciatica.

Headache and migraine

In the 18th century Al-Hijamah was considered to be an effective remedy for headache and it was highly recommended for migraine. The Prophet Mohammad (pbuh) used Hijama as a treatment for migraine.

Rheumatic diseases

Many rheumatic disorders simply disappear after just a few sessions of Hijama therapy. It has a great effect on back and joint problems and is especially helpful for conditions such as rheumatism, lumbago and stiff neck and shoulders because it increases blood circulation and mobility. By supplying more oxygen, hormones and essential enzymes to local tissues and joints, Hijama keeps local tissues warm and this increases elasticity and flexibility in muscles and joints. It also relieves muscle spasms and stiffness in muscular tissue and the pain that is associated with it. It has a remarkable effect on a stiff (frozen) shoulder. It is also effective for chronic joint rheumatism as it facilitates the flow of blood to the joints. It also removes congested blood and solves problems that cannot be solved with acupuncture.

Arthritis

In the beginning, Hijama was recommended for the treatment of arthritis and pain as well as gout. When treating arthritis the treatment is concentrated on the area of the joints concerned. If it is a mild case it is possible to have a complete cure.

Low back pain

Hijama relieves low back pain and in chronic cases it can be used along with acupuncture.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is long-standing severe fatigue without substantial muscle weakness and without proven physical or psychological causes. It has been found that Hijama along with acupuncture is an effective treatment.

Fevers and local inflammation

Chinese doctors believe that a number of diseases are the result of blood stagnation and heat. They used Hijama to remove stagnant blood, activate blood circulation and dispel pathogenic factors. Hijama was used on patients suffering from flu, headache and fever.

Chest and heart diseases

Hijama is also recommended for the treatment of lung diseases, especially chronic cough, pleurisy, bronchial congestion and asthma. It was also advocated for the treatment of congestive heart failure until the 1930s. As recently as 1942, medical textbooks advised Hijama for high fever pneumonia and acute pneumonia. Hijama also successfully treats hypertension.

Gastrointestinal diseases

The stomach, spleen and intestines are considered to be the most important engines of the human body. From these areas the natural healing power of the body derives its energy. Dry Hijama stimulates the insides of these organs, their movement and secretion of digestive fluids and so strengthens the power of digestion, the absorption of nourishment and the power of secretion. It relives chronic gastroenteritis and constipation. These organs also benefit from Hijama treatment applied to the back as it stimulates the spinal nerves and automatic nerves as well as strengthening the muscles of the respiratory system.

Urinary diseases

Hijama therapy is known to treat stones, abscess and urine retention. Cups can be applied to the lumber region to treat urine retention.

Dermatological diseases

The skin disorders that are well-known to be treated by Hijama are: boils, abscess, herpes, acne, cellulite and urticaria. Sometimes acupuncture is used in conjunction with Hijama. Hijama therapy is also known to stimulate hair growth through direct physical stimuli on hair roots and the expansion of blood vessels of the skin through the pull of low pressure. The skin is benefited in many ways through Hijama treatment as it stimulates the flow of lymph fluids which helps remove bacteria and carry proteins. This strengthens the power of the skin and its resistance too many harmful conditions, meaning it would regenerate faster if it is cut or wounded. The enhancement of blood circulation encourages a sufficient supply of nutrition to skin tissue. After Hijama, skin temperature rises and increases blood flow. Hijama also improves skin respiration and promotes gaseous exchange within cells. It also promotes metabolism within skin tissues and accelerates the functions of both sweat and sebaceous glands leading to the secretion of salts, sebaceous material and the excretion of sweat. The essential point of Hijama is not only to expel stagnant blood but also to expand blood vessels to facilitate blood flow and remove toxic substances from the surface of the skin.

Psychological diseases

Hijama therapy is like massage and is effective against anxiety and worry. Hence, insomnia is treated with Hijama in conjunction with massage. It also helps balance hormones, which is very effective when treating depression.

Infectious diseases

In the 18th century Hijama was considered an effective remedy for cholera and in America Hijama was encouraged during yellow fever epidemics. Furthermore, mumps was treated by applying water Hijama over the swollen glands.

Varicose veins

Hijama removes stagnant blood from these fine capillaries. Hijama should never be done directly on the main varicose veins.

Lymphatic system

The lymphatic system is made up of lymphatic vessels (similar to blood vessels) and lymph nodes (glands) that extend throughout the body. It helps maintain the balance of fluid in the body by draining excess fluid from the tissues of the body and returning it to the blood system.

Closely related to the cardiovascular system, the lymphatic system has several major functions. It is important in the body’s defence mechanism, filtering out bacteria and also (along with the spleen) producing disease-fighting lymphocytes (white blood cells), generating antibodies that are so essential to the body’s immune system. The fluid that circulates in the system is called lymph. In addition to lymph, the system includes lymphatic capillaries and large vessels, lymph nodes (glands), the spleen, the tonsils and the thymus. Besides forming lymphocytes and antibodies, the lymphatic system is also responsible for the collection of fatty globules from the intestine and their transmission through the mesenteric glands and the thoracic duct into the bloodstream.

The lymphatic system also prevents infection entering the bloodstream. It also preserves the fluid balance throughout the body. After an injury, the affected tissue generally swells. It is the lymphatic system that removes most of the excess fluid, and then returns it for circulation. All forms of massage or tactile therapy that involve stimulation of the skin surface will result in improvement of blood and lymph circulation. One advantage that blood circulation has over lymph circulation is that blood is pumped around the body by means of the heart. In contrast, the circulation of lymph relies on breathing, movement (walking or exercising) or external pressure, which is usually administered by various types of compression garments or bandages, and gravity. Since the origin of the lymph is the blood plasma, the two fluids are very much interconnected and inseparable physiologically.

As the lymph circulates between the cells, it collects waste matter including dead blood cells, toxic material and, if present, some cancer cells. While blood is responsible for collecting and distributing oxygen, nutrients and hormones nourishing the entire body, the lymphatic system is responsible for collecting and removing waste products in tissues, acting as a systematic garbage collection service! When this waste is not collected adequately or effectively, it congregates as a localized congestion. Waste-laden lymph is filtered by lymph nodes that are located throughout the body, some superficially under the skin and others situated deeper in tissue in the abdomen and neck, under the arms and the intercostal spaces both to the front and back of the rib cage. The function of these lymph nodes is to remove some fluid and toxic matter as well as killing many pathogens. They are also sometimes responsible for trapping cancerous cells, slowing down the spread of the disease.

During cupping therapy, in particular when ‘moving cupping’ is employed, both blood and lymph circulator} – systems are simultaneously stimulated to work more efficiently. This results in a more efficient collection and transportation mechanism for toxic substances, depositing them into the lymphatic system to be destroyed, and allowing the circulation of fresh lymph in order to nourish the tissues and generate a booster to the immune system