The British Cupping Society (BCS) defines Cupping Therapy as “an ancient medical treatment that relies upon creating a local suction to mobilise blood flow in order to promote healing” (BCS 2008). Cupping Therapy is usually categorised in to two types: Dry and Wet. Both types involve applying a negative pressure, suction, using a cup to a specific area of the body to draw toxins to the surface of the skin. The cup stays on the skin for a short period of time before being removed. In Wet Cupping (also called Hijama), after removing the cup at the end of Dry Cupping, superficial small scratches are made to excrete the toxins out of the body. The cup is reapplied with suction for a few minutes so that a very small amount of ‘toxic/unhealthy’ blood, tissue fluid and potentially harmful substances are removed from the body.
Cupping Therapy is believed to be both a curative and preventative treatment. It is practiced in several countries. Cupping Therapy can help with so many conditions, including: back, shoulder, elbow, knee and foot pain, muscle and joints pain, sciatica, gout, rheumatic diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, fertility and gynaecological disorders, menopause, skin problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, migraines and headaches, anxiety and depression, bronchial congestion caused by allergies and/or asthma, body cleansing and detoxification.
Hijama as a Sunnah Practice
Ibn Abbas reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him (PBUH), said, “There is healing in three: in the incision of the cupper, a drink of honey, and cauterization with fire, but I forbid my nation from using cauterization.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5681).
He (PBUH) said: “Cupping is the most helpful procedure for human beings to cure themselves.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 5357)
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The best treatment is Hijama cupping; it removes blood, lightens the back and sharpens the eyesight.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3053)
Ibn Umar reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “Hijama cupping on an empty stomach is best. It increases the intellect and improves the memory. It improves the memory of the one memorizing.” (Sahih; Sunan Ibn Majah, 3488).
Narrated by Ibn Abbas: Allah’s Messenger was cupped on his head. (Sahih al-Bukhari Book of Medecine, Chapter 071, Hadith 601)
“Hijama cupping on the back of the neck treat seventy-two illnesses”. (Collected by al-Tabarani)
Anas narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) used to have Hijama cupping done on the veins on the side of the neck and the upper back. (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)
Narrated by Abu Kabshah al- Ansari (may Allah be pleased with him): The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to have himself cupped on the top of his head and between his shoulders, and that he used to say: “if anyone pours out any of his blood, he will not suffer if he applies no medical treatment for anything”. (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book of Medecine, Chapter 028, Hadith 3850)
Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allah have mercy on him) mentions that the Messenger (PBUH) was cupped on his head when he was afflicted with magic and that it is from the best of cures for this if performed correctly. (Zad al-Ma’ad (4/125-126))
Anas (RA) reported from the Prophet (PBUH): “ The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to have cupping on the jugular veins (Akhda’ain) and the upper part of the back (Kahil) on the 17th, 19th and 21st day of the lunar month”. (At Tirmidhi)
“Whoever performs Hijama cupping in the 17th, 19th and 21st day (of the Islamic Lunar month), then it is a cure for every disease”. (Sahih; Sunan Ibn Majah, 3861).
