Cupping Therapy - Hijama
Hijama is a simple surgical procedure in which cups are applied at selected sites of the body with negative pressure and morbid blood is drawn out by minor cuts made on the surface of skin.
The first historical evidence of this medical treatment was found in a medical report from Mesopotamia as early as 3000 B.C. Hippocrates, father of medicine (400 B.C) gave complete instructions on cupping Therapy.
Cupping therapy is still alive after thousands years of development, perfection and improvement in medicine. Several research studies showed the scientific basis of hijama and mechanism of action as well. Since the field of application of cupping is wide, its efficacy is good, its cost is low, without any/minimal side effects, it is popular worldwide in all socio economic groups and all cultures. Even the Olympians and celebrities are now enjoying its benefits.
We follow all sterilization measures during the procedure.
Types of cupping:
1. Hijama Bila Shart (Dry cupping): Here cups are applied at selected sites of the body with negative pressure and removed after few minutes without making any incision.
2. Hijama Bish Shart (Wet cupping): Here few incisions are made after dry cupping and waste blood is drawn outside using disposable cups.
3. Hijama Naari (Fire cupping): In this procedure usually the dry glass cups are applied on desired site of body and vacuum is created with the help of flame of camphor or spirit safely.
4. Cupping massage: It is modified form of dry cupping where cups attached on the body are moved on in different directions just like massage.
Out of these, although wet cupping is more effective, each type has its different indication.
Benefits of cupping (Hijama):
- Cleanses impure blood
- Detoxifies body removing toxins and waste metabolites
- Gives the body strength
- Treats tiredness and lethargy
- Rejuvenates the whole body
- Provides mental relaxation and peace
- Boost the immunity and natural body power
Indications:
- Joint pain
- Back pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Acute lumbar sprain
- Strain or spasm of lumbar muscle
- Sciatica
- Intercostal neuralgia
- Chronic bronchitis
- Stiff neck
- Tennis elbow
- Cervical spondylitis
- Gouty arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Hyperacidity
- Allergy
- Diseases of ear
- Hypertension
- Dyslipidemia
- Abscess and rashes
- Vitiligo
- Psoriasis
- Mental stress and anxiety
- Depression
- Dementia
- Insomnia
- Migraine headache
- Infertility
- PCOD
- Piles
- Dysmenorrhea
- Recurrent Common cold
- Bronchial asthma
Contra-indications:
- Anaemia
- Weakness and debility
- Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus
- Bleeding disorders
- Pregnancy & Lactation
- During menses
- Childhood and senile age
- Extremes of temperatures
Special instructions:
- Wet cupping is to be done on advice of & under supervision of expert doctor.
- Avoid excessive physical or mental activities on the day of wet cupping.
- Do not take heavy diet on the day of wet cupping. Use light diet instead.
- Avoid the procedure when you are hungry or just after taking food.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) related to Hijama :
Q: Does Hijama procedure pain?
Answer: Usually such superficial cuts are well bearable.Though it depends on pain threshold of individual, every person experience is easier than thought. So be relaxed, dont fear looking at photos.
Q: What's the duration of procedure?
Answer: It depends on number of cups applied and the diseased condition. Usually 20 to 30 minutes are sufficient.
Q: How many sittings I need?
Answer: It depends on severity of disease present.
Q: What are side effects of Hijama?
Answer: If done properly at right indication there is no side effect. Rarely if any side effects occur, these are manageable.
Q: How long the cut marks are present?
Answer: 7 to 15 days
Q: In which days of month should I do hijama?
Answer: Preferable time for preventive purpose is mid days of lunar months (17, 19 and 21 are Mustahab). In diseased condition there is no date restriction.
Q: I have no disease. Should i do hijama?
Answer: Hijama can be done in healthy person for preventive purpose. Consult your doctor for suggestion.
Q: Do I need blood investigations before hijama?
Answer: Your doctor may investigate if needed.