From ancient China to modern times, Hijamah, or cupping therapy, has been a revered practice in many cultures. This article explores the traditional Islamic significance of Hijamah and examines the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in modern healthcare.
Hijamah, also known as cupping therapy, is a traditional healing practice that involves creating suction on the skin using cups to draw blood to the surface. With a history dating back thousands of years, cupping therapy has been practised across various cultures, from ancient China and Egypt to the Middle East. Today, Hijamah is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with people turning to this time-honoured method for both its therapeutic and spiritual benefits. This article explores the benefits of Hijamah from an Islamic perspective and examines the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in modern healthcare.
In Islamic tradition, Hijamah holds a special place, both as a medical treatment and as a spiritual practice. Several hadiths (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad) emphasize the importance of cupping. For instance, the Prophet is reported to have said, “Indeed, the best of remedies you have is cupping.” (Sahih Bukhari) and “Whoever performs cupping on the 17th, 19th, or 21st day (of the lunar month) will be healed from every disease.” (Sunan Abu Dawood).
Muslims believe that Hijamah not only provides physical healing but also helps to purify the soul by removing toxins and impurities from the body. Many followers of Islam consider it a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (an established tradition of the Prophet) and practice it regularly, particularly on recommended days, for both health benefits and as an act of devotion. Hijamah is also thought to help balance the body’s humors—a concept similar to the traditional medical theory that health is maintained by balancing bodily fluids. By removing “bad” blood, Hijamah aims to restore balance, alleviate pain, and prevent diseases, thereby promoting overall wellness and spiritual well-being.
While Hijamah has deep spiritual significance in Islam, its benefits are increasingly being examined through the lens of modern science. A growing body of research has begun to explore the physiological mechanisms underlying cupping therapy, offering insights into its potential therapeutic effects. Studies suggest that cupping therapy can be effective in reducing pain, particularly in conditions like chronic back pain, migraines, and muscle stiffness. A systematic review published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that cupping therapy had positive effects on pain relief, especially for musculoskeletal pain. The suction created by the cups is believed to increase blood circulation, which helps in relieving pain and promoting muscle relaxation.
Hijamah is thought to reduce inflammation in the body, a significant factor in many chronic diseases, including arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and acne. The practice may modulate the immune system by influencing cytokine activity, which is signalling molecules that regulate inflammation. A study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine highlighted that Hijamah could reduce markers of inflammation in patients with musculoskeletal pain, contributing to symptom relief and improved quality of life. One of the primary benefits claimed for Hijamah is its ability to remove toxins and impurities from the blood, a process often referred to as detoxification.
Although scientific studies have not conclusively proven the concept of “detoxification” in the traditional sense, cupping therapy does appear to improve local blood flow and oxygenation. Increased circulation can help in healing injuries, promoting cell repair, and flushing out waste products from tissues, which may indirectly support the body’s natural detoxification processes. Some studies suggest that Hijamah may help boost the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells and enhancing the body’s response to infection. Research published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine found that cupping therapy might enhance immunity by activating the immune response, which helps the body fight off illnesses more effectively. This is thought to be particularly beneficial for those with weakened immune systems or chronic infections.
Despite its long history and increasing popularity, the scientific community remains divided on the efficacy of cupping therapy due to a lack of large-scale, high-quality clinical trials. However, the interest in cupping is growing, and many researchers are advocating for more rigorous studies to better understand its mechanisms and potential benefits. For example, a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine emphasized the need for standardized clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy of cupping for different conditions. The analysis pointed out that while many studies have shown positive outcomes, varying methodologies and inconsistent quality make it difficult to draw definitive conclusions.
Additionally, some researchers are focusing on the neurological and biochemical mechanisms of cupping. They hypothesize that the therapy might stimulate the release of endorphins—natural painkillers in the body—and influence pain pathways in the brain and spinal cord, leading to reduced pain perception.
As more people seek natural and holistic therapies, Hijamah continues to be a valuable practice, offering a blend of ancient wisdom and modern healing potential. Whether one approaches it from a spiritual or scientific angle, the therapy’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and the promise of natural healing.
Dr Khursheed Ahmad Dar is a former faculty at the Higher Education Department. Tahir Maqbool Dar is a Cupping Therapist at Physiocure Pain and Rehabilitation Centre Shopian
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