Hijama And The Hijama’s Historical Background

Hijama, also known as cupping therapy, is a type of complementary medicine in which cups are placed on the skin to establish suction. It has been practiced for centuries across many cultures and is believed to have roots in ancient China. Hijama has a long history dating back to ancient Egypt, where it was used as a therapeutic practice. 

Cupping therapy was also used to treat various illnesses in ancient Greece by the famous physician Hippocrates. Traditional Chinese medicine has used Cupping therapy for thousands of years to cure conditions, including respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, and digestive problems. It works by increasing blood flow, decreasing inflammation, and encouraging relaxation. 

Hijama is noted as a recommended practice for maintaining good health in several hadiths (sayings of the Prophet Muhammad) in the Islamic tradition. It is also thought that the Prophet himself practiced it. Hijama is still worn in many parts of the world, such as the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Although its effectiveness has not been scientifically proven in many cases, it has gained popularity in recent years as an alternative therapy for various conditions.

How Hijama Works

Hijama is a medical procedure that uses glass, silicone, or plastic cups to apply suction to the skin. In addition to improving blood circulation, the suction stimulates the flow of qi or energy by creating a negative pressure that draws blood and other fluids to the skin’s surface.

Here’s how the process of Hijama works:

• Preparation: The patient lies down or sits comfortably, and the practitioner fixes the skin on the area where the cups will be placed.

• Suction: The practitioner places the cups on the skin, creating suction either by using a flame to create a vacuum inside a glass cup or using a pump to create suction with a plastic or silicone cup.

• Duration: The cups are left in place for a few minutes, typically five to ten minutes, depending on the individual’s health condition and the severity of the ailment.

• Removal: The practitioner removes the cups by gently lifting them off the skin.

Precautions and Risks of Hijama Therapy

Here are some precautions and risks to be aware of.

Precautions:

• A trained and licensed practitioner should only perform Hijama therapy.

• Pregnant women should avoid hijama therapy, particularly during the first trimester.

• Individuals with skin disorders like eczema or psoriasis should avoid hijama therapy in areas with active lesions or inflammation.

• People taking blood thinning medication should consult their healthcare provider before undergoing hijama therapy, as it can cause bruising or bleeding.

• People with a history of seizures or epilepsy should avoid hijama therapy.

Risks:

• Bruising and soreness at the site of the cups are common side effects of hijama therapy.

• Infection can occur if the cups are not adequately sterilized.

• Burns can occur if the cups are left on the skin for too long or if the cups are heated before being placed on the skin.

• Hematoma, or a collection of blood outside the blood vessels, can occur if the cups are left on for too long or if excessive suction is applied.

• Fainting can occur in some people during or after hijama therapy.

• Allergic reactions can occur if the cups or oils used during the therapy contain substances to which the person is allergic.

Hijama Therapy in Contemporary Healthcare

In recent years, there has been growing interest in hijama therapy as a complementary or alternative treatment option for various health conditions. While there is little scientific research on the usefulness of hijama therapy, some studies have suggested that it may benefit certain conditions, such as pain management, inflammation, and skin disorders.

For instance, a review of 11 randomized controlled trials found that hijama therapy effectively reduced pain and improved life rates in patients with chronic neck pain. Another study found that hijama therapy effectively reduced symptoms of allergic rhinitis, a common respiratory condition.

Overall, while hijama therapy has the potential to benefit certain health conditions, more research is required to understand its safety and effectiveness fully. Individuals interested in trying hijama therapy should seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner and inform their primary care provider of any complementary or alternative therapies they are using. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, while hijama therapy has a long history of use in various cultures and may offer some potential health benefits, its use in contemporary healthcare remains controversial. Patients should carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of the therapy and seek guidance from qualified healthcare professionals before undergoing any treatment. 

Additionally, more research is needed to fully understand the safety and efficacy of hijama therapy and develop appropriate guidelines and regulations for its use in modern healthcare.