Cupping

clear glass bottle on brown wooden table
clear glass bottle on brown wooden table

We offer massage cupping therapy, and traditional dry or wet cupping also known as Hijama. In our wet cupping we use sterile equipment and disposable/single use equipment and cups to reduce the risk of infection and transmission of blood borne diseases.

For more information on massage cupping click here.

What is Cupping?

Cupping is a treatment over 5000 years old and adopted by many cultures in all parts of the world. It involves placing cups on the surface of the skin with negative pressure to create a suction effect. In dry/fire cupping, cups are placed at specific locations and typically left on for up to 15 minutes to increase blood flow, clear restriction and improve flow of energy. Glass cups or horns were typically used and with fire to create a vacuum, however it now more common to see plastic cups with a suction pump to create the vacuum.  In wet cupping, the cups are removed after a few minutes, several light scratches with a scalpel are made and then placed back on for several minutes. This allows the letting of blood and the drawing out of impurities and toxins that have built up in the area. 

What is Traditional Cupping?

Cupping has been practiced for centuries by many cultures and more widely known in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), but is known as Hijama among Muslims and Arabic cultures. In TCM cupping the aim is correct the Qi, the life force energy, of any imbalances to restore balance by placing the cups typically on acupuncture points. 

What is Hijama?

Hijama means suction in the Arabic language. Hijama has been used by Muslims for centuries and has been an integral part of Islamic prophetic medicine. The prophet Muhammad received Hijama himself and he stated "Hijama is the best of your medicines" and was ordered to the people by the angels.  Therefore, in Islam faith, Hijama is a divine recommendation. There are cupping 9 points on the body where the prophet Muhamad had performed known as the Sunnah points of Hijama. It is the gift of Allah to guide man kind to this unique therapy to cleans the body and it may be regarded as a safe, non-invasive and economical way of curing and preventing many diseases.

When is it best to have Hijama?

  • It is recommended to have 10-12 sessions a year to help treat disease or illness.

  • To have 4-6 times a year if you do not have specific discomfort after regular treatment.

  • It can be performed on any day if you have any type of illness.

  • The optimum Sunnah days to perform Hijama Therapy are the 17th, 19th and 21st days of the Lunar or Hijri Calendar.

  • Specifically prescribed days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

How do I prepare for Hijama?

  • Ensure your skin is clean and are wearing clean clothes to reduced the risk of infection.

  • Do not have hijama on a full stomach and avoid eating for 3 hours prior.

  • Avoid consuming animal products 12 hours prior as these can make the blood heavy.

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After care advice for Hijama

  • Do no eat for at least 2 hours after Hijama

  • Avoid physical exercise and sexual intercourse for 24 hours

  • You can take a shower after 12 hours.