What is wet cupping therapy or Hijama?

Wet Cupping Therapy, is an ancient form of therapy that has been used in the treatment and cure of a broad range of conditions.

The aim of Wet cupping is to extract blood that is believed to be harmful from the body in an attempt to promote well-being. Cupping Therapy is a treatment that has been advocated as having both curative and preventative capabilities.

What is dry cupping therapy or massage cupping?

Dry Cupping Therapy, also known as Massage Cupping or Moving Cupping is carried out primarily by applying oils or lubricant to the skin. A cup is then applied to the skin and gently moved in a to and fro motion to encourage blood flow and muscle relaxation. This method does not remove fluid or blood from the body.

History of cupping therapy (hijama?

Cupping therapy has been used for many centuries and by many cultures across the world. There is  evidence to suggest the ancient Egyptians, Greek civilisations and Chinese used it.

The practice of cupping therapy was popular in England in the 19th century. The famous medical journal ‘The Lancet’ was named after this practice as it refers to the surgical instrument that is used to make incision on the skin to perform this style of cupping.

How does cupping work?

The exact mechanism of action of Cupping therapy remains unknown. Numerous theories ranging from; blood detoxification, redistributing positive energy (qi), stimulating the immune system, massage therapy, pain-gate theory through to less well postulated psycho-somatic and counter-irritant theories have been cited as offering explanations into the efficacy of Cupping Therapy.

cupping clinic just health burnley

What are the benefits of cupping (hijama) therapy?

The Effectiveness of Cupping Therapy really depends on the condition being treated and your symptoms. For example for symptoms such as pain, you should notice a difference after 2-3 sessions of cupping for most conditions. However for more complicated diseases and symptoms your practitioner should be using an objective measure to ascertain your response for cupping. Some examples are given below:

  • Pain – The practitioner may ask you some simple questions or ask you to fill in a simple form
  • Blood Pressure – The practitioner may measure your blood pressure before and after a course of treatment
  • Asthma – The practitioner may ask about the frequency of your inhaler use or ask you to fill in a questionnaire
  • Depression – You be asked to answer a few questions of fill in a questionnaire.

Of course it should be stressed that cupping therapy may not be of benefit in all conditions. Just-Health does not intend to claim or state that Cupping will cure you of any health conditions.

It is recommended not to eat for two hours before the treatment session. This is to avoid diverting excessive blood to aid digestion and to gain the maximal benefit from cupping.

We also recommend:

To bring a copy of your Medication List / repeat Prescription

Wear loose comfortable clothing

Take a shower before treatment

Do have breakfast on the morning of your first session

Hydration is important drink plenty – water is the best drink for hydration.

If it is your first session, we will do the following:

History and Examination

Our Practitioner will take a full history about your symptoms and your medical conditions. If you take medications please bring a list with you. Basic observations may also be taken i.e. your heart rate, blood pressure ,urinalysis , blood sugar reading and perform a physical examination

Individual Cupping Treatment Plan

The Doctor will then decide if you are suitable to have cupping i.e. dry, wet massage cupping

Consent 

You should then have the procedure explained to you and have any questions answered

Treatment 

the Practitioner will apply cupping

Post-Care 

You will receive some written guidance as to what will happen next.

We normally advise a frequency of every 6-8 weeks. The number of sessions advised depends on the illness being treated and how you feel. This will be discussed with your cupping practitioner.

Your first consultation and treatment session will cost £49. This is not dependent upon the number of cups used. This appointment can last up to 45 minutes.

Following sessions are charged at £40. These appointments tend to be up to 30 minutes duration.

We normally advise that straight after a cupping session you rest for a few minutes and have a drink of water or try the Just-Health special Tea. You can usually resume your normal activities afterwards. In terms of diet it is better to avoid a very heavy diet such as lots of carbohydrates such as wheat, potatoes, bread and pasta. Our normal advice is to have fresh fruit, salads, pulses and grilled fish or chicken for at least 24-48 hours after the session. You should also ensure that you are drinking plenty of water.

Generally Dry and Wet cupping have very few side effects. During your consultation a Just-Health practitioner will explain the possible side effects and risks involved in further detail.

There is a small risk of infection of the skin after the procedure. However this risk is minimal provided that the correct procedures are used to clean the skin beforehand, as well as taking care of infection control procedures during and after the procedure. Some other risks include:

Scarring of Skin – this is rare as we only do a small incision

Haematoma – bruising, this can be excessive if excessive suction has been applied

Feeling light headed, sweating, nauseous, mild pain.

Just Health only uses sterile single use (as in disposable) cups, and vacuum pumps for cupping and that a clean surgical area is set up for each patient prior to cupping. All our clinical waste is disposed of in accordance with proper clinical waste disposal policy.

Is Cupping Painful?

During cupping therapy you may experience some discomfort or pressure when the cups are applied to the skin. However the suction should not be so excessive that it causes pain. There may also be some mild discomfort when the cupping practitioner makes small incisions in the skin for wet cupping.

The first documented use in Islam are found in the teachings of the Islamic prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

It is accepted by most Muslims that Wet Cupping (Hijama) is one of the remedies from the sunnah of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Not only did he have hijama performed on himself, but he also recommended it as a beneficial treatment for various ailments. A number of hadith support its recommendation and use. As a result, the practice of cupping therapy has survived in Muslim countries. Today, wet cupping is a popular remedy practiced in many parts of the Muslim world

Here are a number of hadiths that support the remedy as sunnah.

“Sunnah” means Practices of the Prophet Mohammed (Peace be Upon Him) and his recommendations/guidance

Prophet (PBUH) said “For every disease there is a remedy and when the remedy is applied to the disease, It is healed by Allah’s Leave,” (Jabir)

Prophet (PBUH) said:Healing is in three things: in the incision of the cupper, in drinking honey, and in cauterizing with fire, but I forbid my Ummah (nation) from cauterization (branding with fire).” (Abdullah ibn Abbas)

Prophet (PBUH) said: “If there is a remedy that will reach the disease, then cupping will reach it.” (Malik)

‘During the night of Isra, every company (of angels) that I passed by would say, ‘O Mohammed! Order your nation to use cupping.’ (Ibn Majah)

Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘Cupping is among your best remedies.’ (Sahihayn)

Hijama As a preventative therapy

Prophet (PBUH) said: “When the weather becomes extremely hot, seek aid in cupping/HIjama. Do not allow your blood to rage (boil) such that it kills you.” (Anas ibn Maalik)

Note that even though the various forms and methods of Cupping are beneficial, only wet cupping (hijama) is a remedy from the sunnah.

What are the Sunnah points and Sunnah Days?

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to be cupped on the JV and the upper part of the back on the seventeenth, nineteenth or twenty-first day of the month.’ (Al-Tirmidhi)

The Prophet (PBUH) said: ‘Those who have cupping on the  seventeenth, nineteenth or twenty-first day of the month will be cured from every disease.’ (Abu Dawood)

It is generally recognised that the 17th, 19th or 21st day of the Islamic calendar are Sunnah days. The upper parts of the back are  recognised as sunnah points

Is cupping allowed during fasting?

There are several hadiths stating that cupping breaks the fast, hence one should not perform cupping while fasting. Just-Health for obvious medical reasons state no one should have wet cupping therapy if fasting due to health and safety risks.

Prophet (pbuh) said: ‘Those undergoing cupping and those who do it have both broken the fast.’

What does the Just-Health’s doctor say about cupping?

“I’ve been offering Cupping Therapy to many patients. I’ve used it therapeutically for many Musculoskeletal injuries, from tendinitis to repetitive strain injuries to hamstring strains. I’m surprisingly pleased with how many of my patients including sportsmen are asking for repeat treatments. and come back for further sessions.”

“I have noticed with individual patients to name a few it has helped with acne, back pain, detox, lowering cholesterol, lowering blood pressure, weight loss, and also with low mood”

“I continue to see so many good responses, my treatment practice has grown immensely since the Olympics! It’s the “new” treatment for sportsmen and weekend gladiators.”

“If you are seeking the more aggressive or intense form of Cupping utilising movement, a good sound knowledge of physiotherapy and medicine is required by the practitioner.”

“Cupping has its benefits. I tend to focus on sportsmen, MMA fighters in particular and their return to play or improved performance enhancement. My personal focus is to try to achieve return of active motion and quicker healing times with Cupping. Other patients prefer to use Cupping as a way of relaxation and for religious reasons.”

Dr S Ansar

Terms and Conditions

Just-Health Cupping only performs Cupping after providing a detailed pre-treatment consultation with a competent person, Usually a qualified NHS Doctor/pharmacist or Hijama practitioner. In any event all initial consultations are all authorised by a qualified medical doctor to ensure your health is our utmost priority.

All patients are provided with written aftercare advice.

All patients must complete a consultation form, read and have understood the Pre treatement and after care advice leaflet. Only when all patients concerns have been addressed and where necessary the medical doctor has authorised the procedure to be safe will cupping take place.

–  You must not rely on Hijama or Cupping as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or any other professional or medically licensed healthcare provider.

–  If you have any specific questions about any medical matters or you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should consult your own doctor or other professional healthcare provider. – You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice or discontinue medical treatment because of your Cupping /Hijama treatment.

–  All patients are responsible for discussing their own suitability for Hijama therapy, with their licensed medical healthcare provider. If you have not done so and choose to proceed with Hijama treatment, you must assume responsibility for any medical risks arising thereof.

–  Females should not undergo Hijama therapy if they are pregnant.

–  Children under the age of 18 cannot undergo Hijama without informing their GP first.