Have you ever heard about Hijama? No? Well, you have certainly seen how this works. In traditional medicine, it’s the practice to apply glass cups with suction on painful parts of the body to heal it. This practice is very old. But it is not recognized as such by the medical body. Still, cupping therapy has a lot of benefits. There are benefits to online gambling too. Join the nz online casino, play, and see if you’re a lucky number.
The Origins
The origins of Hijama, also known as the Ancient Art of Medical Cupping, have been traced back as far as the earliest recorded cultures. Evidence suggests its use dates to Ancient Egypt between 2,000-3,000 BCE. It is known to have been used in a variety of cultures including Ancient Rome, Greece, and China, as well as by Native American, Mexican, and Lebanese peoples.
What’s It Exactly?
Hijama is a traditional Islamic medicinal art and an essential component of Islamic healing. It literally means ‘sucking’ in Arabic. Cupping therapy uses special cups, called hijama cups. It produces either a negative or positive pressure differential on the body. Together with massage, it stimulates the body’s healing and helps the maintaining of an optimal health.
These cups are available in a variety of materials, such as glass and plastic, and in different sizes and shapes. They can be used in specific areas or all over the body. Oil or massage is applied first to reduce the amount of suction required when the cups are applied.
Usage In History
In Ancient Egypt, hijama was used to treat many ailments, such as fever, joint problems, paralysis, and digestive discomforts. It is believed that Cleopatra herself used it to maintain her renowned beauty and health.
Ancient Greek physicians practiced hijama, recommending it to treat pleurisy, pneumonia, fever, and constipation.
In the Middle Ages, it was used to treat fever, headaches, breathing problems, and digestive issues. Ancient Islamic medicine also prescribed it for many ailments. It included arthritis, respiratory diseases, nervous disorders, and some cancers.
How Does That Work?
Hijama, or “dry cupping,” requires the application of a heated cup that is then left on the affected area for a few minutes. This has the effect of drawing the body’s essence (qi) up from the area, allowing the body to focus healing energy to the site. This creates an increased circulation of blood and lymphatic fluid, which helps to flush out toxins and improve elasticity of the skin.
The benefits are varied and may include: alleviation of pain and stiffness, reduced inflammation, improved digestion, restoration of energy, improved functioning of the body, faster healing of injuries, strengthening of the immune system, balancing of hormones, better mental clarity, improved mood and circulation, fatigue reduction, and improved sleep quality.
The technique is often used in conjunction with other forms of traditional Islamic medicine. It includes diet and lifestyle modifications, dietary supplements, prayer, the recitation of certain verses from the Quran, and fragrance or essential oils. The objective is to create a balanced and healthy body, mind, and spirit.
From the Middle East to the West
The modern use of hijama is still very common in the Middle East, often for general wellness and prevention, rather than as a treatment for a specific illness. It is practiced in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and many other countries. According to a 2020 survey, Saudi Arabia has the highest number of hijama practitioners in the world, with more than 4,000 registered practitioners. It is estimated that more than 80% of the population in Saudi Arabia have had the therapy at least once.
Surprisingly, the UK has a lot of experience in the art of cupping therapy. It has become increasingly popular in recent years. There are an estimated 2,000 hijama practitioners in the UK, with the majority working in private clinics. This popularity can be attributed to the positive experiences that many people have had with the therapy.
Hollywood’s Love for the Practice
In recent years, it has also seen a resurgence of popularity in the West in general. Particularly among athletes and those seeking natural, holistic healing modalities. It is becoming very popular among Hollywood celebrities and professional athletes, with many attributing the therapy to their successes. Hijama’s enduring popularity appears to be due to its ability to provide a broad range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits for many people, making it one of the oldest and most revered forms of medical care available today.
Today, hospitals, spas, and wellness centers worldwide are embracing hijama as an integrated approach to total wellness, making it accessible not only to those in the Middle East but around the world.