Hijama – An Islamic Medicine

The practice of cupping is over 5000 years old.

The effect has remained the same; only the cups and the techniques have changed over these many years. We can find the application of suction cups in the medicine of all “Primitive” people, as well as in the oldest civilizations. Reports about the art of cupping were already to be found in ancient Chinese and Egyptian medical scriptures.

Cupping therapy is also referred to as Hijama.
The word Hijama in Arabic comes from the root al-hajm, which means “sucking”. Al-hajjaam is the name given to the cupping therapist, and Hijama is the name given to the profession. Hijama is an ancient practice which was widely used in folk medicine around the world and is still used by modern practitioners predominantly amongst the Muslim community.

The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“There is a cure in three substances, a drink of honey, a slash with a knife used for cupping and cauterizing by fire. I forbid my nation from cauterizing by fire.” [Bukhari]
He also said:
“During the night of Isra (the overnight journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and then to the heavens), every company (of angels) that I passed by would say, ‘O Muhammad! Order your nation to use cupping.’”

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) is used to apply cupping on the two jugular veins and the upper part of the back.
Cupping the upper section of the back helps against the aches of the shoulder and the throat. While cupping the two jugular veins helps against the ailments of the head, face, teeth, ears, eyes, nose, and throat.

You can think of Hijama as an oil change for your body.
When you remove the old and dirty blood, your body produces fresh blood to replace it.

Among many benefits, Hijama:
– 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;
– Relieves chronic pain, migraines, and ailments;
– Reduces stress and depression by releasing chemicals in the brain;
– Allows tissues to release toxins by eliminating them through the surface of the skin;
– 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;
– Strengthens the power of digestion and absorption of nourishment and the power of secretion…
– And from most people experience… a great night’s sleep!