Hijama - What is it?

Curious about hijama? Most people are!

‘Hijama’ also known as wet cupping, is an ancient traditional medicine practice. It has survived centuries and dates back as far as the Ancient Egyptians.

Cupping involves using suction cups to promote blood flow and release tension on certain areas of the body. Hijama combines both dry and wet cupping techniques. It involves performing dry cupping to increase blood flow, and bring toxins and inflammation to the surface, as well as guide where small incisions will be made to draw blood. 

The incisions are made by using a thin needle or blade, are superficial in nature and feel like small scratches on the skin. Once the incisions are made, the suction cups are placed back on which then draws out toxic/stagnated blood from the bloodstream.

It is used for preventative, curative and therapeutic purposes.

Curious about the incisions?

Watch the video for a demonstration.

Curious about what happens in a session?

Watch the video to find out what a typical session may look like.

What are the benefits?

Hijama improves blood flow by improving circulation, stimulating the lymphatic system, increases nutrition in the blood stream, removes toxic and stagnated blood, and promotes natural healing.

Hijama can be used to treat a variety of illnesses/symptoms such as:

  • Various muscular aches (back, shoulder, neck, and knee pain)

  • Infertility (for both males and females)

  • Athletic aches, muscle tension, stiffness

  • Skin conditions (acne, eczema)

  • Chronic fatigue/lack of energy

  • Underactive or overactive immune system conditions (Fibromyalgia, Lupus, MS, RA, Psoriasis)

  • Feminine conditions (PMS, heavy periods)

  • Neurological disorders (Migraine, Epilepsy, seizures)

  • Respiratory disorders (influenza, cough, smoking cessation)

  • Gastrointestinal disorders (bowel diseases, constipation)

Although it is used to treat a variety of conditions, Hijama is a therapy which is best used proactively. Prevention is always better than cure, and it is important to regularly detox our bodies from the constant chemical exposure and pollution we are exposed to in our day to day lives.

When performing Hijama, we assess the reflex points of certain organs relevant to your condition to determine the best place to detox the blood. If experiencing aches and pains, Hijama is best performed on the exact place of discomfort.

Hijama in Islam

For Muslims, Hijama is also a part of Prophetic Medicine. There are many authentic narrations (Ahadith) by the Prophet PBUH that emphasise the benefits of Hijama.

Some of these include:
Anas ibn Maalik (RA) reported that the Messenger (PBUH) said,

“Indeed the best of remedies you have is cupping (hijama)…” [Bukhari (5371)].

Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Messenger (PBUH) said, “I did not pass by an angel from the angels on the night journey except that they all said to me: Upon you is cupping (hijama), O Muhammad.” [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3477)].

Although Hijama can be performed at any time of the month, the preferred dates of the month are the 17th, 19th and 21st of the Lunar Calendar.