What is Hijama?

Hijama, which is a type of cupping, was introduced in China. This healing therapy has been used in what is known as TCM, or traditional Chinese medicine, for thousands of years. The most known treatment in TCM Aside from hijama, there is dry cupping, acupuncture, and therapeutic massage. 

Hijama treatment includes the placement of cups on the skin to create suction. These cups are usually made of glass or plastic. Once suction is applied to the cups, the blood flow to the applied area will increase. 

Normally, the blood absorbs bad substances like polluted water and air, unhealthy food, and medicines, and as a result, those bad elements circulate in the body. By extracting these elements, hijama helps the blood get rid of toxins. As a result, it improves overall health.

When performed by licensed and experienced therapists, hijama is regarded as a safe practice.

What are the Indications for Hijama?

Hijama can help treat various health conditions. However, it’s important for patients not to stop taking any medicine they take to treat chronic conditions, as doing so might risk their health. 

According to researchers at the Mayo Clinic, it may be beneficial for patients to receive other treatments and medications along with Hijama.

Hijama Indications include:

• Relief from Musculoskeletal pain
• Treatment of Respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis
• Improving Digestive conditions such as Indigestion and constipation
• Healing skin disorders such as eczema and acne
• Enhancing mental and emotional health by its effects in reducing and enhancing relaxation
• Reducing Fatigue 
• Healing Migraines and chronic Headaches
• Reducing blood pressure. Note that hypertension treatment should not be stopped without prior approval from your physician 
• Enhancing recovery after Injuries and Trauma

Wet Cupping Hijama Aids in the Treatment of the Following Conditions

• Skin conditions like Acne
• Facial paralysis
• Migraine
• Depression
• Varicose vein
• Herpes zoster
• Anxiety
• Back pain
• Cervical spondylosis
• Cervical pain
• Respiratory diseases like asthma, dyspnea, and allergies
• Cough
• Fibromyalgia
• Arthritis
• Muscle Pain / Aches / Stiffness
• Blood Detoxification
• Chronic Fatigue
• Digestion Support
• Mood Support
• Memory / Concentration
• Insomnia

Hijama is a supportive treatment and does not replace medications. If you have any medical condition, you should consult your doctor prior to hijama cupping therapy, or your condition will worsen.

What are the Side Effects of Hijama?

Hijama is generally safe to practice. Severe side effects are very rare with Hijama. However, there might be some mild side effects post-procedure. Those side effects include: 

Skin inflammation or irritation due to the suction applied to the skin by the cups This might cause some redness and irritation in the short term, but it will resolve within a few hours by itself. 

• Skin Bruises: Hijama includes small cuts on the skin to remove blood. Because of the suction of the cups, these cuts may cause small bruises that go away soon after treatment. 
•  Risk of Bleeding: Bleeding may occur as a result of the skin cut, but it should be stopped as soon as possible. If the patient is on a treatment that stops blood from clotting, this bleeding could get worse and cause serious problems. Patients should provide the therapist with a full list of all the medicines they usually take. 
• Fainting: Due to the loss of blood, fainting can happen after the session. This can be prevented by having some juice or a meal and resting for 2 hours after the session.
• Infection: the only case where infection happens is when the practitioner doesn’t utilize sterile cups and needles.
•  Allergic reactions: On rare occasions, some patients might develop an allergic reaction

Hijama side effects aren’t dangerous or life-threatening. But it is important to tell the therapist about your health condition, medical history, and treatment to avoid problems.

Who Should Avoid Hijama?

Even though hijama is a safe procedure, not everyone can get it. Hijama is contraindicated in the following cases: 

• Pregnancy: the suction done by the cups might affect the child’s development and sometimes cause earlier labor. 
•  Bleeding disorders: one of Hijama’s side effects is bleeding, Hence having a bleeding disorder might have severe life-threatening complications.
• Skin Disorders: While Hijama can help treat skin conditions, it is contra-indicated in the active period of infection or in case of an open wound is present as it might cause infection and make the situation worst. 
• Medications such as blood thinners: increase the risk of bleeding
• History of fainting: Fainting is a side effect of Hijama, so if a patient has a history of fainting it might aggravate the condition.
• Seizures: Hijama might trigger a seizure and should be completely avoided for people who are suffering from it.
• Heart Disease: Hijama might aggravate the medical condition and should be avoided. 

Hijama Should Be Avoided as Well for the Following Categories:

• Children aged less than 4 years
• Older Adults 
• Women during their periods
• Patients who have a wound or a Pressure ulcer
• Recent trauma

How is Hijama Performed?

Hijama is a fast therapy; the procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the condition and indication of use.

Small cups will be applied to your skin, and then the therapist will make small incisions, letting the blood come out. The cups will be removed afterward and discarded immediately.

What should I do Prior To A Hijama Session?

There are no specific rules to follow. Instead, there are general tips to make the experience better and avoid side effects. Prior to the procedure, therapist will explain the following:

• You should fast or stop eating one hour before Hijama. Fluids can still be consumed (including coffee, juice, and water).
• You can take a shower, but you shouldn’t use oils, special gels, or ointments because they make it hard for the cups to stick to the skin.
• Shaving is preferred to be done if the area where the cups will be applied is hairy.

If the patient is on any treatment, it should be mentioned prior to the session to avoid the risk of bleeding.

A consent should be signed to make sure that the patient understands the procedure, its risks, and benefits, and is making an informed decision. 

What Should I Expect During A Hijama Session?

Salamati’s DHA-registered Hijama therapist puts the cups over the patient’s skin. Following the application of the cups, suction is performed, and it draws blood toward the surface.

After 5 to 15 minutes, small cuts are made on the skin to help get rid of toxins and dirt from the tissues nearby.

Once done, the cups will be removed and a disinfectant will be applied to the skin.

The needles used for hijama are discarded directly, as well as the cups, to avoid infections.

What Should I Expect After a Hijama Session?

Following the procedure, patients should expect the following:

• Bruises and discoloration of the skin due to cutting the blood vessels
• A patient can eat and drink normally
• Baths should be avoided for 8 hours after Hijama
• Patients can Drive and go to work 2 hours after Hijama
• Exercises and strenuous activities should be avoided for 24 hours after Hijama

FAQ

What is Hijama? 

Hijama is a type of traditional Chinese medicine. It’s been used for a long time now and is especially famous with the Sunnah for its many health benefits. 

It consists of three simple steps:

• Applying glass cups on the bare skin.
• Applying suction to the cups 
• Making small cuts or incisions to remove blood.

The suction and removal of the blood help treat lots of medical conditions, reduce stress, and detoxify the body. It is also said that hijama increases the chances of fertility by reducing stress levels.

What Are the Most Known Benefits of Hijama?

Hijama is known to have a valuable positive effect on enhancing recovery from many medical conditions, including muscle and joint pain, breathing difficulties, digestive problems, skin problems, emotional and mental distress, general fatigue, migraines, chronic headaches, hypertension, infertility, obesity, depression, back pain, high cholesterol levels, and traumas.

Is Home Hijama Safe?

In-Home Hijama cupping is judged safe when it is done by a professional, licensed therapist.

Is it completely safe to do Hijama at home as long as:

• The practitioner is experienced
• You have shared all your medical conditions and treatment
• Hijama is applied on safe body parts (Head Hijama should not be performed at home)

What Are the Side Effects of Hijama?

There are minimal, non-life-threatening side effects for home hijama and hijama in general, including fainting, bleeding, bruises, and skin inflammation.

How Long Does a Hijama Session Take?

A Hijama session typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the area of the body being treated and the number of cups used.

How Often Should I Get Hijama?

The frequency of Hijama treatments will depend on the condition being treated and the individual’s response to the treatment. It’s recommended to seek advice from a trained practitioner.

It’s important to note that the information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and it’s always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before trying Hijama or any other alternative therapy.

What Is the Difference between Hijama and Cupping?

Hijama is a type of cupping (wet cupping) that includes making small cuts in the skin. Dry cupping includes only applying cups and suctions without cutting.

Should I Take Sick Leave after Hijama?

No, you can resume normal activities one hour after Hijama. You just need to avoid exercising and heavy lifting for 24 hours.

Is There Any Health Risk for Hijama?

If performed by a licensed therapist Hijama doesn’t have any risk. You should make sure the practitioner is licensed and that they are using sterile cups to avoid infection.

Can I Do Hijama if I Am on Migraine Treatment?

No. If you are on migraine treatment, the risk of bleeding is high. Before doing a hijama session, consult with your doctor and discontinue treatment for a few days.