Hijama, also known as wet cupping, is a traditional therapeutic practice that involves creating small incisions on the skin and placing cups over these incisions to draw out a small amount of blood. This practice is believed to help remove toxins, improve blood circulation, and promote healing. Hijama is commonly used in traditional Islamic medicine but has roots in various ancient cultures.
Here is how Hijama is typically performed:
- Preparation: The skin is cleaned and sometimes massaged to prepare the area for cupping.
- Cupping: Cups, often made of glass, plastic, or bamboo, are placed on the skin. A vacuum is created inside the cups either by heating and then cooling the air inside or by using a mechanical pump.
- Incisions: After a few minutes, the cups are removed, and small, superficial incisions are made on the skin.
- Bloodletting: The cups are placed back on the skin to draw out blood through the incisions.
- Aftercare: The cups are removed, and the area is cleaned and dressed.
Hijama is believed to have various health benefits, including:
- Relief from pain and inflammation
- Detoxification of the body
- Improvement of blood circulation
- Relief from headaches and migraines
- Enhanced immune function