Wet Cupping (Hijama)

‘Hijama’ or wet cupping is an ancient traditional medicine practice. The process involves drawing blood from various points on the body by creating small incisions (using a thin needle or blade) in the skin and then drawing out deoxygenated “bad” blood through suction cups. This helps to detoxify the body by improving blood circulation.

Hijama can be used to treat a variety of illnesses such as:

• Various muscular aches (back, shoulder, neck, and knee pain)
• Infertility (for both males and females)
• Neurological disorders (Migraine, Epilepsy, seizures)
• Respiratory disorders (influenza, cough, smoking cessation)
• Gastrointestinal disorders (bowel diseases, constipation)

Hijama is best performed at the site of an ache or pain. Some common points are illustrated in the diagrams below :

The following video can be viewed to see a detailed explanation of Hijama being carried out step by step:

For Muslims, Hijama is also a part of Prophetic Medicine. There are many authentic narrations (Ahadith) by the Prophet PBUH that emphasise the benefits of Hijama. Some of these include:
Anas ibn Maalik (RA) reported that the Messenger (PBUH) said, “Indeed the best of remedies you have is cupping (hijama)…” [Bukhari (5371)].

Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Messenger (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.” [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3477)].

Although Hijama can be performed at any time of the month, the preferred dates of the month are the 17th, 19th and 21st of the Lunar Calendar.