Have you ever performed cupping therapy (Hijama)? Do you know the origins of this practice and the medical benefits of it? In this article, we are going to shed some lights on Cupping as an ancient Islamic therapy, and show some recent researches about it.
What is Cupping therapy?
To begin with, cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction.
Indeed, cupping is an ancient Islamic therapy (Sunnah) based on the belief that stagnant blood may cause certain health problems. As, the main cause of many illnesses is the accumulation of acidic toxins and impurities in your blood. In fact, not only traditional Islamic medicine depended on it, but also other ancient healing systems like the Chinese medicine.
In addition, cupping has gained considerable popularity in recent years among athletes. For instance, swimmer Michael Phelps is said to have had the therapy in preparation for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Actually, cupping thereby essentially detoxifies and cleanses the body. This produces new blood cells and strengthens the immune system. Also, the pressure done during that process increases blood flow, relieves muscle tension, improves circulation and reduces inflammation.
What are the benefits and effects of Cupping?
In fact, people get cupped for many purposes. Actually, therapists often recommend cupping as a complementary therapy for the following conditions:
Improving your immune system.
Increasing the circulation of blood and plasma.
Reducing pain and stiffness of muscles and tendons.
Regulating Body Systems.
Treating disorders such as liver and kidney problems.
Treating respiratory diseases, digestive disorders and some gynecological disorders.
Curing headaches, back pain, arthritis, injuries, asthma, cellulite, fatigue, and anemia.
Curing depression, emotional problems, atrophy, sciatica, common cold and flu.
Treating sports injuries and improving performance.
Promoting the flow of energy.
Relaxing and well-being. All in all, it is a type of deep-tissue massage.
- Improving skin problems, blood pressure, menstruation problems in women, weight loss, infertility, constipation, diarrhea, and more.
How it’s done?
To illustrate, Cupping practitioners apply cups – typically made of glass or silicone – to your skin to create a pressure that sucks your skin inward for few minuets. Specialists know exactly the cupping points used as treatment for each ailment. Then, the cups are release & therapists make very light scratches to the surface of your skin. Don’t worry, it won’t give you any ache. Also, it won’t leave any obvious traces. And the circles that appear on the skin due to sucking process will disappear within few days. Then, therapists apply the cups again to begin drawing the toxic blood from the body.
Here’s a video showing how Hijama is performed practically:
Prophetic teachings about Cupping
Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him) performed this treatment many times. Also, he regarded it the best form of medical care. The Prophet (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.” [Sahih Ibn Majah]
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to have himself cupped on the top of his head and between his shoulders, and that he used to say:
If anyone pours out any of his blood, he will not suffer if he applies no medical treatment for anything.” [Sunan Abi Dawud](1)
Anas also narrated: “The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was cupped. Abu Talhah did the cupping. So he ordered that he be given two Sa’ of food, and he spoke to his masters to reduce his taxes. He (PBUH) said:
The most virtuous of what you treat with is cupping.” Or, he said: “The best of your treatments is cupping.” [Jami`At-Tirmidhi](2)
What is best timing of Cupping?
Indeed, Prophet (PBUH) also recommended specific timings for performing cupping. According to the Sunnah, you can perform Cupping in specific days. In contrast, you have to avoid performing it in other days.
Ibn ‘Umar said: ‘O Nafi’! The blood is boiling in me. Bring me a cupper and let him be a young man, not an old man or a boy.’ Ibn ‘Umar said: ‘I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) says:
Cupping on an empty stomach is better, and it increases one’s intellect and memory. And it increases the memory of one who has a good memory so whoever wants to be cupped, (let him do it) on a Thursday, in the Name of Allah. Avoid cupping on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Have yourselves cupped on Mondays and Tuesdays, and avoid cupping on Wednesdays, for that is the day on which the calamity befell Ayyub, and Leprosy and Leucoderma only appear on Wednesday or the night of Wednesday.” [Sahih Ibn Majah]
Furthermore, The Prophet (S.A.W) said:
How excellent is the slave who cups, letting the blood, relieving the back, and clearing the vision.” And he said: “Indeed the best for you to cup on are the 17th, 19th and 21st” [Sunan At-Tirmdhi]
To conclude, by performing Cupping , you can revive the Sunnah of Prophet (PBUH) and earn rewards in the Hereafter. Moreover, it strengthens both your physical and mental health.
Tell us in a comment, did you hear about this type of thereby ever before!
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References:
(1) Prophet’s saying ‘Hadith’ from Sunan Abi Dawud
(2) Prophet’s saying ‘Hadith’ from Jami` at-Tirmidhi
More sources:
Top 5 Benefits of Hijama.
