What is Hijama
Definition:
"Hijama" translates to "cupping" from Arabic.
Its interpretations include "to reduce in size" or "to return the body to its natural state."
Practice:
Involves the extraction of toxins from the body.
A cup is applied to a small area of the skin, extracting toxic blood from small vessels in muscle groups.
Increases blood flow to a specific area, facilitating the elimination of trapped toxins in the tissue.
Historical Methods:
Initial mentions of Hijama involve the use of animal horns or sea shells to create the vacuum effect needed for blood extraction.
Benefits:
Extraction of small amounts of blood provides numerous benefits.
Focuses on reducing toxic blood in the body and balancing the 4 humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, black bile).
History of Hijama
Origin and Antiquity:
Hijama dates back to around 3500 BC.
It is believed to have been practiced worldwide for centuries.
Global Practice:
Historical dynasties such as the Greeks, Chinese, Arabs, and Native Americans all practiced some form of cupping therapy.
Historical Transmission:
Egyptians introduced cupping therapy to ancient Greeks.
Greeks subsequently spread the practice throughout Europe.
Written Documentation:
Written records of Hijama therapy have been discovered in ancient Egypt, Greece, and China.
Hippocrates, the ancient Greek physician, advocated for the use of both dry and wet cupping in treating various illnesses.
Prophetic History
Prophetic Endorsement:
Prophet Mohammed PBUH described cupping as one of the best remedies.
He emphasized its healing properties alongside honey and cautery.
Spiritual and Physical Healing:
Hijama is believed to promote healing of both the body and soul.
Its endorsement as a Prophetic Medicine highlights its significance in Islamic tradition.
Optimal Timing:
According to tradition, the best time for Hijama is during the middle of the month.
Specifically, the 17th, 19th, and 21st days are considered optimal, as toxins have fully accumulated in the body by this time.
Modern Practices
Modern Tools and Techniques:
Evolution of Hijama practice includes advancements in cupping tools.
Traditional tools like horns have been replaced by custom-made glass bowls for precision and standardization.
Expanded Benefits:
Over the centuries, new benefits of Hijama have been discovered.
It's now used in treating a range of conditions including nausea, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and narcolepsy.
Global Acceptance:
In China, Hijama is integrated into common medical practices.
Its benefits have been recognized in the East for centuries, with Ge Hong stating that cupping and acupuncture alone can cure most ailments.
Medical Endorsement:
The Harvard Medical Institute has published papers emphasizing the efficacy of Hijama.
One notable paper discusses its use for treating chronic pain in pediatric care.
Citations
Qureshi, N. A., Ali, G. I., Abushanab, T. S., El-Olemy, A. T., Alqaed, M. S., El-Subai, I. S., & Al-Bedah, A. M. N. (2017). History of cupping ( hijama ): A narrative review of literature. Journal of Integrative Medicine, 15(3), 172–181. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2095-4964(17)60339-x
Siddiqui, S. A., & Shoaib, M. (2022). Hijama (Wet Cupping) an ancient traditional healing: A Review. International Journal of Unani and Integrative Medicine, 6(1), 11–16. https://doi.org/10.33545/2616454x.2022.v6.i1a.202
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