- The word Hijama is an Arabic word and it originates from the word “hajm”. The word hajm in English, is translated as “sucking”. Wet cupping is an ancient therapy that has been practiced for many thousands of years. In fact, wet cupping was practiced initially in China.
- Once wet cupping was brought to Egypt, it became more regulated and it was practiced well before Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
- However, once Hijama became a sunnah practice, it became a practice regulated by Islam. It is similar to other cupping practices, but it has the advantage of Islamic regulations and is practiced according to the faith of Islam. SubhanAllah! Hijama is a faith-based practice.
Hijama cupping therapy is a Prophetic Sunnah treatment of supporting the body heal itself. It works by removing stale, stagnant blood and other pathogens through the skin. It is an organic and natural alternative to conventional medicine and can work hand in hand with conventional modern medicine.
Hijama works by creating a negative pressure (using a suction pump and cup) in the area applied, thereafter, small superficial incisions are made on the skin and the cup is reapplied. It works as an effective pain relief and removes stagnant blood from beneath the surface of the skin. Hijama therapy is not painful, the strongest vacuum may feel like a pinch of the skin.
Health Benefits of Hijama
Hijama is often referred to as a forgotten sunnah. Muslims today don’t fully understand the health benefits of hijama and often view it as an aversive procedure. However, there is little to no discomfort and the benefits are endless. Some of the benefits include:
| Hijama helps remove congestion, increase blood circulation and boosts your immune system Hijama is a natural pain relief. Due to the negative pressure applied during a hijama session, a natural pain and pressure relief ocurs. Hijama removes impurities, toxins and other harmful pathogens from beneath the skin. | Hijama, when used regulary, promotes general well being and health. Hijama can remove inflammation from joints Hijama stimulates our internal organs, increases metabolism and aids in digestion. Cupping itself affects tissue up to 4 inches deep into skin and muscle layers (a deep tissue massage which strengthens muscle tissue) |
Although hijama has many health benefits, the #1 benefits of hijama is the the reward for practicing and reviving the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
Islamic Prophetic Medicine
Hijama is part of Islamic Prophetic Medicine (practiced by our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Prophetic Medicine is in accordance with our deen, our way of life which has been ordained by Allah ﷻ . If we follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, we will automatically be following a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
At it’s core, Islamic Prophetic Medicine is integrative and holistic. It looks at all aspects of our life in relation to our health, both internal and external. It looks at our physical health, our diet, our lifestyle, our mental health, and most importantly, our faith and it’s practices. It considers the cures for all illnesses/ailments to be in direct relation to Allah ﷻ our Creator and Sustainer.
Sakinah Solutions Prophetic Health and Hijama 