What is Hijama / Cupping Therapy?
In the West the practice of cupping therapy also dates back a long time in one of the leading medical journals, The Lancet. It was named after this practice as it refers to the surgical instrument that can scrape the skin to perform a style of cupping. 'Hijama' in Arabic is derived from 'hajm' which means 'sucking'. Cupping / Hijama is the process of applying cups to various points on the body by removing the air inside the cups to form a vacuum. In terms of following the Sunnah the cupping that is referred to is 'Bleeding cupping'. It is the most frequently used, oldest, and often the most effective method. A surgical instrument is used to scrape the skin and the cup is then applied to collect blood.
What does Sunnah Mean?
According to Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) cupping is a cure for every disease IF performed correctly.
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) said, "Indeed in cupping/ Hijama there is a cure". [Saheeh Muslim (5706)]
The Messenger (Peace Be Upon Him) also said, "Whoever performs cupping/ Hijama on the 17th, 19th and the 21st (of the Islamic lunar month) then it is a cure for every disease". [Saheeh Sunan Abu Dawud ( 3861)]
There Are Many Types of Cupping/Hijama...
1. Dry Cupping/ Hijama
This is a process of using a vacuum cups on the different areas of the body or meridians (usually energy points known as Qi or Chi) in order to gather and circulate the blood in that area, stimulating the area without incisions to draw out any fluid.
2. Dry Massage Cupping/ Hijama
This is similar to dry cupping but olive oil is applied to the skin (before applying the hijama cups) in order to allow easy movement of the cups. This is a great method of massage and is done by applying oil to the skin and moving the cup, by a weak suction, on the area to be treated. In Egypt you will find the more traditional method of using Black Seed Oil, as it is a Sunnah and had many medicinal methods. Some research suggests that more than 70% of diseases, pains & ailments are due to blood being unable to reach certain parts of the body. Dry cupping & Dry massage cupping allows blood to reach these places.
3. Wet Cupping/ Hijama
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| This is only for illustration purposes. Please Consult your Hijama/Cupping Therapist. |
"Hijama merely triggers and artificial overreaction making the body believe a major injury has occured, when in fact it has not. Major bleeding does not occur from a few paper cuts. But with Hijama the vacuum action is used to mimic the blood/fluid loss of a moderate to major injury. Then the body heals on overdrive!" - Ustadh Mohammad Quraishi.
4. Herbal Cupping
A suitable herbal tincture is put into the cup and then suction is applied.
5. Cupping with Moxibustion
Dried mugwort (artemisia vulgaris) leaves, sometimes called by its oriental name, Moxa, is a great warming herb. A needle is used, warmed by dried mugwort and then the cup is applied over the needle.
A traditional chinese therapy uses Moxa sticks, they burn one end then the Moxa is placed on energy points, enough to feel the heat but not touching the skin, which has the same purpose as using this with cupping.
6. Water Cupping
This is the least practiced method. It involves filling a third of the cup with warm water. Whilst holding the cup close to the client with one hand, it is brought to the point to be cupped and then burning cotton wool is inserted into the cup, then swiftly and simultaneously the cup is turned onto the skin. When performed properly, no water spillage occurs.
Metaphysical Issues
Ibn Al-Qayyim (May Allah have Mercy on Him) mentions that the Messenger (Peace Be Upon Him) was afflicted with magic and was cupped on the head to treat it. He also mentions that Hijama is from the best of cures for magic if performed correctly (Zaad al Ma'aad). The crown of the head is the only place in the Sunnah we find a location on the body for a metaphysical issue.
In cases of magic (sihr) & possession many patients go searching for a cure and by Allah's (swt) Mercy come across the Sunnah of Hijama. Most Practioners offer Hijama but do not know the true science of how one affects the other. In the UK at least Hijama Practitioners must focus only on the health conditions of the patient as cupping for metaphysical reasons can technically be considered to be an assault. This is why robust training is required covering all aspects surrounding Hijama from health conditions, effect on the human body, religious overlaps, to safety, consent and legal considerations.
InshaAllah. Hijama is not painful, however to give you an idea it is probably similar to having a blood test. Hijama is not as intrusive as a blood test though, as it does not penetrate into the veins, arteries, penetrate the deeper tissues, artries, veins, nerves etc. The Messenger (Peace Be Upon Him) also said that on the Night of Israa (the ascension to the heavens) he did not pass by an Angel except that it said to him, "Oh Muhammad, order your Ummah (nation) with cupping / Hijama." [Saheeh Sunan Tirmidhee (3479)].
Contact:
Quantum Ruqya Education Trust
07784 327475
E-Mail: quantum.ruqya@gmail.com
Certified Training:
Certified Hijama Therapy Courses
Treatment Available:
Hijama (Wet Cupping) Therapy
Ruqya Self-Treatment Counselling
