WET CUPPING OR HIJAMA

October 3, 2024

Is Hijama Painful?

Most people tolerate Hijama quite well and do not report any discomfort. However, some report a mild stinging or pinching sensation that is not painful. The experience differs from one person to another, depending on an individual’s pain threshold and sensitivity.

The Prophetic Tradition and Specific Days for Hijama:

In Islamic tradition, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) recommended specific days for performing Hijama. According to the Sunnah, the best days for cupping are the 17th, 19th, and 21st of the lunar month. These dates are believed to maximize the benefits of the therapy, as they are linked to certain physiological and spiritual effects on the body. Although Hijama can be performed at other times, many adherents follow these prescribed dates to align with the Prophetic guidance.

Frequency of Hijama:

The frequency with which one should undergo Hijama depends on individual health conditions. For general health maintenance, it is often recommended to do Hijama two to four times a year, while those with chronic conditions might undergo the therapy more frequently, such as every month or every few weeks, based on their needs. However, the treatment plan should always be tailored to the patient’s condition and in consultation with a healthcare professional.

Benefits of Hijama:

The benefits of Hijama are widely recognized across traditional and alternative medicine. It is used to treat muscle pain, headaches, joint stiffness, fatigue, and stress relief. The suction created by the cups is said to stimulate blood flow, remove toxins, and encourage lymphatic drainage. Additionally, it is believed to boost the immune system, making it a popular preventive health measure.

Things to avoid after Hijama

Our Healthagon experts have listed down a few post-care instructions to be followed after Hijama treatment:

1. Avoid physically demanding activities for atleast 24 hours
2. Keep the cupping area clean and dry. This will ensure that you don’t catch an infection
3. Hot showers are to avoided immediately after treatment, as heat can cause skin irritation.
4. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for atleast 24 hours after Hijama treatment
5. Avoid fatty food for atleast 24 hours and eat meals that are rich in nutritive value.

Misconception About ‘Bad Blood’:

One common misconception surrounding Hijama is that the blood drawn during the process is “bad blood” or “stagnant blood.” Some mistakenly believe that cupping removes blood that has somehow gone bad or become harmful. However, scientific research has shown that this is incorrect. The blood drawn during Hijama is not “bad” in the literal sense. Instead, it is a mixture of blood, interstitial fluid, and cellular waste products. These elements are brought to the surface due to the suction effect created by the cups. The therapy helps enhance circulation, but it does not exclusively target “bad blood” in the body.

Who Should Avoid Hijama Treatment?

While Hijama Treatment is generally beneficial, there are a few categories who should avoid Hijama Treatment. These include:

1. Pregnant women

2. Patients with bleeding disorders

3. Patients with skin conditions like Eczema, Psoriasis

4. Patients who are Anaemic.

In conclusion, while Hijama is an age-old practice, it remains a highly regarded method of treatment, especially within Islamic medicine. Following the Prophetic advice regarding the best days and maintaining an appropriate frequency for the therapy can optimize its benefits. It is essential, however, to understand the true nature of what Hijama does and to approach it with realistic expectations. Consult the experts at Healthagon to schedule your Hijama session or learn more.

Dr. Moustafa Ahmed.
Physiotherapist

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