Role of Hijama (Cupping) in the Management of Various Diseases and Probable Mechanism of Action

Abstract

Hijama is derived from Arabic word ‘Hajm’ which literally means to suck. It involves the use of cup like vessels placed on the body surface by creating a vacuum to either let out blood from below the skin surface or just plain suction without bloodletting. Hijama evacuates blood from small vessels spread over the skin and muscles and relieves congestion from the body. It is a therapy with low cost and almost no side effects. The duration and amount of cups used depend upon the severity of disease and also on the personal experience of the practitioner. In ancient Unani literature, physicians have mentioned Hijama to be useful in curing a vast number of diseases, may it be of any temperament or humour. Mechanism of action of Hijama is still unknown as there are several methods of Hijama and each method has its own mode of action which could illustrate the effect of Hijama therapy. Studies on Hijama techniques are significantly limited and lack comprehensiveness. Furthermore, Hijama is yet to be fully standardized, which makes the result of various studies on the techniques of Hijama practically incomparable due to difference in terms of treatment methods and protocols. This article deals with a detailed description of all the aspects of Hijama therapy and explores the mechanics involved with Hijama.

Keywords: Hijama therapy, Unani System of medicine, Hijama bi’l shart, Hijama bi’la shart

Cite this Article

Muzafar Din Ahmad Bhat, Abrar Mohd. Khan, Arisha Shahid. Role of Hijama (Cupping) in the Management of Various Diseases and Probable Mechanism of Action. Research & Reviews: A Journal of Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. 2018; 5(2): 19–23p.