Benefits of Cupping
Cupping also referred to as Hijama is an ancient holistic technique which stems from ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures and has been practised for centuries. There are two main forms of cupping dry and wet: Dry cupping is a suction-only method whereas wet cupping involves both suction and controlled medicinal bleeding.
The main procedure itself involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, this suction increases blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This can then improve overall blood flow and promote cell repair. It may also help form new connective tissues and create new blood vessels in the tissue Hijama has been used to treat a wide variety of conditions. It may be particularly effective at easing conditions that create muscle aches and pains. However, it is also as effective treating other conditions such as; digestive issues and skin issues.
Due to its rising popularity cupping has gained a lot of interest and as a result many studies have been conducted to gain further insight into the benefits of cupping. A 2012 study reviewed 135 studies on cupping and its effects. Their results highlighted that cupping therapy may help with the following conditions, among others: shingles, acne, lumbar disc herniation and facial paralysis. A more recent study published in the journal of clinical medicine further emphasised the potential benefits of cupping for conditions such as low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, neck pain, and migraines.
Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in high-profile athletes receiving cupping most notably Michael Phelps and Anthony Joshua. One of the main reasons such high profile athlete’s chooser to get cupping done is because it speeds up the recovery process following minor injuries as well as helping to relieve aches and pains after a heavy workout. This is achieved by the increased blood circulation created by cupping which allows for more oxygen to travels around the body, which in turn strengthens muscles and ensures they have everything they need to perform at a higher level for longer periods of time
Cupping also helps to boost the immune system. By increasing the flow of blood to various areas of the body, cupping ensures that the immune system is bolstered by all of the white blood cells it needs to combat various ailments, such as colds and the flu. While it is not a cure for such conditions, it does act to bolster your defences so the effects of the illness are less pronounced and your recovery time is significantly improved.
Wet Cupping (Hijama) is also one of the remedies from the sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). There are various hadiths which emphasise the importance of getting Hijama done; The servant of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Whenever someone would complain of a headache to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), he (peace be upon him) would advise them to perform cupping.” [Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawud (3858)]. Ibn al-Qaiyum (may Allaah have mercy on him) mentions that the Messenger (SAWS) cupped his head when he was afflicted with magic and that it is from the best of cures for this if done correctly. [Zaad al Ma’aad (4/125-126)]. There are also sunnah points on the body which the prophet (peace be upon him) would get cupping done on as well as sunnah days in the month to get Hijama done: Abu Hurairah(r.a) reported that the Messenger (PBUH) said, “Whoever performs cupping (hijama) on the 17th, 19th or 21st day (of the Islamic, lunar month)then it is a cure for every disease.” [Sunan Abu Dawud Hadith No: 3861].