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FAQ

Hijama

About the Practitioner

Treatment

General Questions

Hijama

  • What is Hijama?

“Hijama” is an Arabic word derived from the root word "hajm", which literally means “sucking” and is the Islamic term used for what is known as "Wet Cupping".

Small cups are placed on the skin at specific points of the body where toxic blood is drawn to cleanse the body and promote healing.

Small, superficial cuts are made on the skin that has been dry cupped. The suction pressure under the cup then stimulates the toxic or unhealthy blood to trickle out and cleanse the diseased or inflamed area of pain on the body.

It is also known as; Hijamah, Hijaama, Hijaamah, Hajama, and Bekam in some countries.

  • Where did Hijama originate?

The oldest found records of cupping therapy are from Ancient Egypt dating over 5000 years ago. The Ebers Papyrus, thought to be the oldest medical textbook in Egypt, describes bleeding by cupping in order to remove the foreign matter from the body.

Chineese records on the first uses of cupping go back approximately 3000 years.

The Arabs have been performing cupping for over 1400 years. It was highly recommended by the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him), who was treated several times himself, and gave specific guidlines on how the procedure should be performed to gain maximum benefit. This specific form of cupping became known as Hijama.

  • 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.

  • What do you mean by "Wet Cupping" and "Dry Cupping"?

Any form of cupping which involves removing blood from the body is classed as "Wet Cupping". This includes Hijama.

Any type of cupping which does not involve removing blood is classed as "Dry Cupping". Various forms of dry cupping include: Massage Cupping, Flash Cupping, Herbal Cupping, or Bio-Magnetic Cupping.

About the Practitioner

  • What training and qualifications do you have?

Certified Hijama Practitioner (CHP)

Ijaza (Spiritual Authorisation) to perform Hijama and Healing - Spiritual Guide in Naqshbandi Sufi Order

Eastern Cupping Therapy

Level 3 Certificate in Body Massage

Level 3 Certificate in Holistic Spa Therapies - includes Aromatherapy, Swedish, Indian Head Massage and Body Treatments such as body wraps, mud masks, inch loss, and detoxification.

Deep Tissue Massage

Thai Yoga Massage

Turkish Ottoman Massage

Hamam Therapy

The above training covered various aspects in detail such as: Cupping therapy, Hijamaology, Physiology & Anatomy, Prophetic Medicine (Tibb un Nabawi), Ruqyah (healing with verses of the Quran and Asma ul-Husna, and introductions to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Unani Medicine, and Ayurvedic Medicine

Other relevant qualifications:

Working in The Health Sector

Emergency First Aid

Health & Safety

Manual Handling

Treatment

  • Do you treat men and women?

As Hijama is an Islamic form of treatment, strict rules must be followed for best results.

Male therapists can only treat male clients, and female therapists treat female clients. The only exception to this is when there is an emergancy, and relevent therapist is not available.

We have a male therapist available for Massages, and

Male and Female therapists available for Hijama Cupping Therapy

  • Are there any age restrictions to receiving treatment?

The treatments we offer are safe for all ages, but we generally recommend treatment for people between over 18.

  • Do you do group sessions?

We can book a group appointment, but to maintain hygene standards, one practitioner can only work on one client at a time.

Although we do not usually recommend this, we may be able to offer this facility opon request, however there a few points for you to consider:

  • Strict level of hygene needs to be maintained, therefore the Practitioner must only work on one patient/client at a time.

  • A single treatment can last 30-90 minutes. So if there is a group of 4 people for example, the last person could have a very long wait!

  • After treatment, it is recommended to have a meal as soon as possible. The first person to receive treatment might have to wait for the others to finish. This can cause unnecessary weakness.

  • People may be embarrased to discuss personal details in a group.

  • Does it hurt?

This is a common misconseption. The answer is: No, it really does not hurt.

The type of blade we use is a very fine surgical blade as opposed to a razor blade used by some therapists.

The incissions are very light, barely breaking the outer layer of skin. At the most, you will feel a light scratch.

  • What kind of illnesses can be treated with Hijama?

Hijama can potentially cure all diseases if the patient eats well, exercises, thinks positively and prays in conjunction with regular Hijama Therapy. It has immediate results and long term effects. It is an effective form of pain relief and strengthens the body, tones muscles and gets the blood flow going. This is a super powerful detox for the body and leaves you feeling strong and revitalized. Common ailments which are easily cured are;

Pain in general / Injuries

Headaches and Migraines

Epilepsy / other Neurological Disorders

Arthritis and other Joint or Bone problems

Pulled or sore muscles

High Blood Pressure

High Cholesterol

Diabetes

Constipation or IBS

Asthma and other Breathing / Lung issues

Skin conditions

Allergies

Strokes / Paralysis / Numbness

Poor blood circulation

Obesity

Insomnia, Anxiety and Depression

Menstrual Cramps, PMS, Infertility

  • Is it just for Muslims?

Our treatments are available for everybody, regardless of race or religion of gender.

Everyone is welcome.

General Questions

  • Where are you based?

As our name sugests, we are based in Nelson, Lancashire.

We work from our private clinic, based in a quiet area of Nelson, or can visit you at your home.

Traveling out of Nelson town centre along Railway Street, on approaching the mini roundabout near the Job Centre Plus, turn right onto Hibson Road. Proceed straight through the next mini roundabout at the top of Lomeshaye Road and take your second right into Queensgate. Travel towards the end of Queensgate and we are located on the left hand side.

47 Queensgate, Nelson,

Lancashire, BB9 0AT.

Ample free parking space is available on the street.

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