• What is the difference between Islamic Cupping and Cupping in other cultures?

For Muslims, Cupping is considered part of the religion as it is a Sunnah (practice) and recommendation of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Also strict rules must be followed when performing treatments, for example, regarding the time of the Islamic (lunar) month and certain days which must be avoided.

Cupping is very popular in Traditional Chinese Medicine however there are no restrictions regarding dates, and the general prefference is for Dry Cupping. Chinese wet cupping may involve acupuncture and the use of herbs in the cups, whereas Islamic Cupping (Hijama) does not.

The general procedure for both types of cupping is similar: cups are used; a vacuum is created; incisions or scratches are made on the skin; septic blood and toxins are removed.

Bloodletting was very common throughout the Roman Empire but is a procedure very rarely used nowadays. It involved draining various amounts of blood directly from an artery or a vein, usually in the forearm or neck and was the standard treatment for various conditions, from plague and smallpox to epilepsy and gout.

Hijama, on the other hand, is performed well away from the arteries and veins, and only lightly scratching the outermost layer of skin without touching the deeper tissues. The whole process is painless and does not leave any scar.

• How can Hijama help the body?

Hijama helps to restore health and vitality to the body in many ways. The vacuum in the cup causes a significant increase in circulation of blood and lymph. As it pulls up the flesh, it helps to accelerate recovery in the underlying tissues by releasing rigid soft tissues and muscle tension, and provides pain relief in the area.

It stimulates the flow of synovial fluid which helps lubricate stiff joints.

It tones and strengthens the muscles.

A relaxing cupping session can be equivalent to a vigorous physical workout in the gym, whereby it increases the heart rate and provides a similar effect to the internal physiology of the body.

It increases blood flow and nourishment to all internal organs, as it can penetrate up to 4” beneath the surface.

As the cup leaves a bruising effect on the skin, the brain treats this as an injury; therefore it stimulates the body’s immune system to create more white blood cells which fight disease and infection. In the process, the brain and nervous system are stimulated to heal the body itself.

Cupping increases the production of hormones which improve the function of the digestive system, enabling the body to eliminate toxins, thereby improving the overall health of the body.

It is also effective for facelifts and rejuvenating the skin texture. It improves the complexion and slows down the aging process. It increases temperature and metabolism within the skin. It helps the sebaceous glands in the skin to function efficiently, removing stagnant blood, lymph and toxins through the sweat glands, urine and stool.

Cupping helps in weight loss as it helps the body to reduce water retention. Concentrated cupping can reduce cellulite in the fatty areas of the body.

It promotes the body’s natural detoxification process, as it pulls out fatty acids, debris and toxins which may be lodged in the tissues. These are then sent back into the circulatory system and will be excreted through the various channels.

Hijama provides all the above benefits as well as increasing the red and white blood cell count, thereby increasing the production of defensive cells which protect against cancer.

It also thins the blood, improving the circulation, which is essential, as 70% of illnesses are caused by lack of blood and oxygen supply to organs and tissue.