Hijama (Cupping Therapy) is derived from the Arabic word Hajam or Hijam, which means to pull or suck. In this process, a small amount of blood is extracted from the skin of different human body parts. Human health depends on blood, if the blood is uncontaminated, then the person is healthy, otherwise, he suffers from various diseases. Diseases can be removed from the body by excreting this contaminated blood from the body.
Hijama is an ancient remedy recommended by our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah Be upon him) and the angels. In this ancient method of treatment, various diseases are treated by removing irregular contaminated blood from 143 places of the body. The Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah Be upon him) described hijama as the best practice.
Hijama is one of the most popular Islamic treatments in the world. This is also known as cupping therapy in western and non-Islamic countries. Hijama is Sunnah of our beloved prophet Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) and it is also an excellent remedy. The Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) himself used this way of treatment and also encouraged others. Imam Bukhari in his Sahih has brought five chapters on Hijama. When the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) ascended to Miraj, the angels asked him to ask his Ummah for Hijama.
Importance of Hijama from the Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
This method is used not only in Unani Medicinal System but also in various other medicinal systems. Hijama is being used not only as a treatment for various ailments but also as a preventative measure. Hazrat Abu Bashar (RA) says that the Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) used to have Hijama on his head and between his shoulders. The Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) said that the person who excreted his blood through the Hijama doesn’t have to fear of getting any treatment for any disease.
Hijama – An Ancient Way of Treatment
Hijama is an ancient method of treatment and also a Sunnah of the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him). In this treatment, the contaminated blood is removed from the body. Contaminated Blood can have serious health consequences and man suffers from various complex diseases. Human health depends on clean body blood.
Reference from Mishkat & Tirmizi Shareef
Hazrat Ibn Masood (may Allah be pleased with him) says that “the Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) narrated the events of the night of Ascension that the group of the angels that he passed by gave this command from Allah Almighty that please order your Ummah to use Hijama”. (Tirmizi, Ibn-e-Maja)
Another reference from Tirmizi Shareef also highlighted the importance of Hijama where it says, the Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) have chosen the best dates for Hijama 21st, 19th, and 17th of the lunar month. On these dates, the body will benefit more because the blood is in moderation. In addition to these dates, Hijama can be done as needed.
Hijama and Modern Medical Science
Modern medical science is now turning to the Cupping Therapy more and more. Western scientists and research institutes are constantly researching on Hijama. The basis of all these investigations is the oldest medical books. Scientists are also amazed at how man solved such complex medical problems thousands of years ago.
Hijama in Greece Culture
According to Greece, Hippocrates’ discoveries in civilization also included papers dating to 400 B.C., and in these papers, four basic points of the cupping therapy method were presented. These are the four points that were declared better by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Hijama in Chinese Culture
In addition to this, archaeologists also have discovered an ancient book on Chinese civilization. According to this book, cupping therapy has been practiced in China since 3,000 B.C.
Western Treatment
Some medical conditions require Western treatment, i.e., allopathic treatment as compared to all other alternative therapies. There is no better way than allopathic treatment, especially in trauma, severe accidents, bone fractures, injuries, and some indispensable operations. Have you ever take a broken leg patient to a chiropractor, acupuncturist, or naturopath? Obviously No! The western way of treatment is based entirely on science. It focuses more on medications and relies on radiation and surgery to treat symptoms that provide immediate results.
As time goes on, advancements in medical science have played an important role in prolonging and developing the life span of any ordinary human being. Scientists and health experts around the world have invented different methods to treat any disease. Medical science divides the types of medicines and treatments into two categories;
- Traditional treatment
- Alternative treatment
Traditional Treatment
Traditional treatment has an extensive background. They are based on knowledge, skill, and practices rooted in the theories, philosophies, and incidents aboriginal to different cultures, whether practical or not, used in the preservation of health in addition to the deterrence, diagnosis, development, or treatment of mental and physical illness.
Alternative Treatment
Alternative treatment is a term that describes medical treatments that are used instead of traditional therapies. This type of treatment is also known as an integrative treatment. Alternative treatment is used instead of standard medical care.
Basic Principle of Hijama
Hijama or cupping therapy is based on historical and cultural traditions. It works on the principles of moderating energy to normal levels that help in restoring health. Hijama works based on providing a complete cure to human. It pays more attention to treating the root causes of diseases. Cupping Therapy not only solves the problems of the human body, but also the spiritual and emotional health of the patient. It encourages anyone to lead a healthy normal life. Some treatments prevent diseases before they occur. Additionally, it also provides relief from the onset of the disease.
Hijama is a Stress Relieving Treatment
Stress is a major factor that lowers the body’s immune system and weakens anyone. New Age treatments consider stress a part of daily life and that’s why it doesn’t care about stress when it comes to treating any illness. On the other hand, cupping therapy helps reduce stress and treats high blood pressure (hypertension or BP) and diabetes.
Hijama – Cost-Effective Treatment
Hijama is a very cost-effective treatment when it comes to prices of medicines, hospitalization, consultation with doctors, change of doctors, or transportation to specialist doctors for various check-ups and tests. When compared with all these, the full cost of Cupping Therapy treatment is very low. It must be remembered and the biggest and most important thing is that it is related to the Sunnah and that is the reason why the Cupping Therapy works miraculously in curing almost all types of health problems. Additionally, it also protects you from a major and fatal disease in the future.
Cupping ( Hijama ) – 100% Safe Treatment
Cupping therapy does not have any side effects. This is a 100% safe treatment provided that the hijama process is performed with the equipment used only for one time. Furthermore, it should be done under the full medical supervision of medical experts.
Hijama (cupping ) Protects Healthy Bacteria
Allopathic medicines or antibiotics do not distinguish between beneficial bacteria and viruses and harmful bacteria. As a result, they also expel beneficial bacteria from the body. In contrast, the hijama method is built on the same structure, which eliminates all germs, bacteria, and viruses that are harmful to the human body.
Long-Term Treatment
Traditional medicine usually shows immediate results, however, hijama works on the principle that the problem should be eradicated. That is why this treatment takes a little longer to cure any disease. Hijama treatment requires serious and constant dedication. The patient needs to follow all the instructions of the doctor and the restrictions on eating and drinking.
Benefits of Cupping Therapy ( Hijama benefits)
- Cleanses the blood, activates the brain and has a good effect on the arteries.
- Useful for relieving muscle stiffness.
- Useful for asthma, lung diseases, and angina.
- Relieves headaches, head, and facial abscesses, migraines, and toothaches.
- Effective in eye diseases.
- Useful for womb diseases and menstrual cramps.
- Useful in back pain, sciatica and gout.
- Normalizes blood pressure problems.
- Effective in shoulder, chest, and back pain.
- Useful in diseases of laziness, lethargy, and excessive sleep.
- Effective in fistulas, dandruff, acne, and itching.
- Useful in heart disease and nephritis.
- Effective in poisoning.
- Useful for pus wounds.
- Effective in allergies.
- If there is pain in any part of the body, cupping therapy will be beneficial.
In short, hijama is a very effective and efficient way of treatment. However, it has to be used along with modern medicine to avoid delays in getting the right treatment, especially in the case of certain diseases such as diabetes, blood circulation, and hypothyroidism, etc. Not surprisingly, more and more people are turning to ancient therapies that have more benefits and fewer side effects. One of the oldest and most effective methods of treatment is Hijama treatment. It is not only a safe treatment but also a forgotten Sunnah.
Hijama for Women
Like men, women should have Hijama, which is a very useful and successful treatment. With Hijama many other female issues can be resolved such as headache, depression, blood pressure, sciatica, knee pain, kidney pain, back pain, psychiatric illness, and allergies.
Hijama – Treatment for Many Diseases
Blood pressure, tension, joint pain, muscle aches, back pain, bone pain, migraine, jaundice, asthma, constipation, hemorrhoids, paralysis, obesity, cholesterol, epilepsy, baldness, allergies, and gynecological diseases can be managed with hijama therapy. Additionally, more than 70 diseases, both spiritual and physical, are treated with hijama therapy. Choosing a certified and experienced hijama therapist is essential because an inexperienced person cannot have a proper hijama, which does not lead to treatment and the patient becomes frustrated.
Is Hijama Safe?
Hijama or cupping therapy is the safest treatment if it is done by a specialist or reputable institution. Here are some considerations that you need to consider for Cupping Therapy;
- The equipment used in hijama should be clean and disinfected.
- Hijama should be done on the 17th, 19th, and 21st of the lunar month.
- It is normal to experience minor discomfort or anxiety during hijama treatment. A good hijama therapist will tell you to let him know when your anxiety starts to increase.
- Skin discoloration is normal after cupping therapy. This happens temporarily and with more use of water, the marks start to disappear in 5 to 7 days.
- You may feel weakness for a few days after getting hijama or cupping therapy. This is due to the repair and cleaning of cells in the affected area. In such cases, a good diet and high water intake help in speedy recovery.
- Healthy people can also have a disease-free hijama.
- Hijama cannot be done on open wounds or skin ulcers. Additionally, people with heart disease or elderly whose skin has become thin and soft should also avoid this method.
