Month: November 2016

Hijama – FAQ

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What is Hijama (wet cupping)?

Small scratches are made on the skin and a partial vacuum is applied through plastic cups that are placed on top.  The vacuum draws up skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle layers a few millimetres into the cup & allows the release and removal of stagnant blood and toxins through the scratches. 1

How is bleeding beneficial?

Pain relief:  Many ailments that we suffer with are related to inflammation.  Unwanted inflammation can be simplified as a state in which there is too much blood in an area causing pressure and stagnation preventing the regular flow of nutrient and waste exchange, resulting in pain and compromised natural healing abilities.   Hijama often gives instantaneous relief and allows fresh blood, nutrients and oxygen to penetrate the area breaking the cycle of pain and discomfort. 1

Detoxification:  Many times there are unwanted or high levels of harmful elements in the blood such as cholesterol, uric acid, calcium deposits, rheumatoid factors and chemical messengers that modulate inflammation.  By removing/ reducing these elements through Hijama, you can reduce the problems that they cause and reduce pain, discomfort and inevitably disease. 1

Increased immunity:  Hijama stimulates the lymphatic system, which fights foreign bodies such as bacteria, viruses and parasites.

Is it safe?

All materials used on each patient are single use and disposed of after each treatment eliminating any risks of cross-contamination. 1

The light scratches created to release the stagnant blood are so small that they do not release blood after the cups have been removed and are almost always dry by the end of each treatment. 1

A screening of medical history and medications is always conducted to ensure that the treatment is suitable for the individual patient. 1

Does it hurt?

Although Hijama does involve small breaks in the surface of the skin that can be slightly uncomfortable the sensation is very short lived and quite minimal.  Although subjective, it is considered by most as being far less painful than having an injection and more comparable to having acupuncture. 1

Does it leave marks?

Only for a few days.  The scratches usually heal within 2-3 days and the round bruise like marks on the area where the cups are applied usually disappear well within a week.  N.B. These are not actually bruises and where the blood circulation is healthy, should appear pink in colour on light skin.  On darker skin tones this will be less visible.  Where there is blood stagnation these will appear a dark pink/ purple shade and this indicates the need for a follow up session to remove the remaining stagnant blood.

 Is this a new therapy?

No it has been around for well over 3000 years and is one of the longest time-served medical practices in the world. 1

Who is Hijama NOT suitable for?

  • Haemophiliacs
  • People undergoing kidney dialysis
  • Pregnant women in their first or third trimesters (however women who are past their due date may have Hijama in order to induce labour)
  • People who are currently taking Warfarin or Heparin

What conditions can be treated with Hijama?

  • Hypertension & Hypotension (High or low blood pressure)
  • High cholesterol
  • Constipation
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome/ diarrhoea/ bloating
  • Underactive thyroid gland
  • Epilepsy
  • Headache/ Migraine
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Infertility
  • Amenorrhea
  • Symptoms of menopause
  • Asthma
  • Depression
  • Haemorrhoids
  • Gout
  • Eczema, acne and other skin conditions
  • Alopecia
  • Arthritis
  • Postoperative pains
  • General aches and pains, including backache

Please note that this list is not exhaustive.

What is dry cupping?

This is the process of applying the vacuum technique without first creating any scratches.  Therefore no blood is drawn.  This treatment can be utilised to influence the movement of bodily fluids such as lymph fluid, venous drainage and the reduction of stagnant flow.  As the negative pressure lifts up muscles and tissues rather than pressing down on them like a conventional massage, it enables the treatment to massage tissues from the inside out. 1

  1. Cited from http://www.alhijamah.com/faqs (may be paraphrased in some parts.)