By Edward Wright


HIjama refers to an Arabic word with the translation sucking in the English language. It is a process in Arabic traditional medicine which involves using suction to draw blood from the body through tiny incisions on the skin. Muhammad endorsed the process as being the best medicine according to Muslim religious writings. Hijama is now being practiced in all parts of the world even in western countries. The history of Hijama in US is still relatively young.

Hijama may be performed on any body part. Mostly, it is carried out in places where pain is being experienced to alleviate it. Overuse makes the procedure unsafe. However, only six locations are recommended for the process. Through the six locations, the cardiovascular system can be cleaned as a whole.

The process starts by shaving the site where sucking will take place so that the cup can make a tight seal with the skin. Cups are usually made from various materials including metal, plastic, and glass. However, traditionally, horns were the main objects used for the purpose. The cup is placed on the shaved site to form a seal. Cotton or paper may be placed on the mouth of the cup to enhance clinging.

The practitioner then sucks on the free end of the cup using their mouth. Modern practitioners use machines instead of their mouths. More traditional practitioners still use fire for its curative element and benefits. The cup is left to stay on the site for a few minutes before being pulled out to make small incisions on the skin. The cup is then returned in place for blood to flow into it. The cup is only removed when blood flow subsides.

According to scientific research, hijama can be used to reduce pain in certain cases. However, the level of efficiency is limited only to specific conditions. For instance, it was found to be ineffective for stroke rehabilitation. The conclusion drawn from most research studies stated that hijama is effective when used together with conventional medical therapies. It has a significant reduction effect on laboratory markers of disease.

Treatment and reduction of severity of many medical conditions can be done using this technique. Some of such medical conditions are nonspecific low back pain, chronic tension, migraine headache, and herpetic neuralgia. Migraine patients reported that they experienced a reduction in level of severity and regularity of headaches after the process was done to them. The technique has also be claimed to be able to treat cancer even though such claims lack scientific evidence to back them up.

Bloodletting is often confused with hijama, but the two techniques are very different. Whereas bloodletting works by opening veins to bleed the patient, hijama only draws blood through suction to a specific location. During ancient times, these process was performed by different practitioners including bath house attendants, surgeons, and barbers.

Skin cuts cause pain, which is the only side effect one should experience. Lack of proper care may also cause infection. Thus, all devices used must be sterilized and cleaned properly before and after use to ensure safety.




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