Using Cupping Preventatively
Anas ibn Mālik, radiya-llāhu 'anhu, reported that the Messenger, salla-llāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said, "Whoever wants to perform cupping, then let him search for the 17th, 19th and 21st and let none of you allow his blood to rage (boil) such that it kills him." (‘Ibn Mājah 3486).
Anas ibn Mālik also reported that the Messenger said, "When the weather becomes extremely hot, seek aid in cupping. Do not allow your blood to rage (boil) such that it kills you." (Reported by Hakīm in his 'Mustadrak' and he authenticated it and Imām adh-Dhahābi agreed; 4/212).
Benefits of Hijama
Cupping can prevent and help with the health conditions listed below. ~ Headaches ~ Neck, shoulder and back pain
~ Hypertension ~ Immune system weakness
~ Allergies ~ Stomach or abdominal pain
~ Arthritis ~ Irritable bowel syndrome
~ Sinus Problems ~ Lung inflammation & coughing
~ Heart Disease ~ Rheumatism
~ Sciatica ~ Cartilage problems
~ Ulcers ~ Nerve inflammation
~ Diabetes ~ Larynx and throat inflammation
~ Infertility ~ Tooth or gum pain
~ Sleep disorders ~ Numbness of the arms or legs
~ Thyroid disorders ~ Skin diseases
~ Common cold ~ Liver disease
~ Edema ~ Urinary incontinence
~ Cancer ~ Kidney inflammation or stones
~ Osteoporosis ~ Tinnitus
~ Influenza ~ Hemiplegia and paralysis
~ Foot pain ~ Back pain, stiff legs, and impotence
~ Conditions in any part of the head (head, eyes, ears, mouth, nose, etc.)
~ Speech difficulties resulting from tongue disorders
~ To prevent knee joint pain and rheumatic diseases
~ Magic and shaytānic possession
How does Cupping work?
To apply a cup the air from within the cup is removed in order to create a suction effect. The suction draws toxic blood, phlegm and other material to the surface of the body and releases it. Your immune system then eradicates the toxins which cleanses your blood and tissues.
Hijama Techniques
Bleeding cupping (or "wet cupping"): Bleeding cupping (or "wet cupping") is the best cupping because it was used by the prophets, 'alayhimu-s-salam. Sterile cups are applied as described below in the dry cupping methods. The area to be cupped is cleaned with iodine. Three small, superficial incisions are made to represent the name Allah and the cup is applied for 3-8 minutes. Then the cup is removed, the incisions are cleaned and black seed oil (which is anti-bacterial) is applied, along with a bandage.
Dry Cupping Methods
In the methods below, all of which are based in dry cupping, cups are applied to the surface of the skin and they remain there for a specified period of time. Then the cups are removed; no incisions of any type are made in dry cupping.
Tonifying cupping: The cups are applied as described above ("dry cupping") and left on for 5-10 minutes. This technique helps fatigue and energizes your immune system.
Draining cupping: The cups are applied as described above ("dry cupping") and left on for up 10-20 minutes. This technique drains tension and stuck energy.
Flash cupping: The cups are applied as above ("dry cupping") and immediately removed. This is done multiple times in different areas all over the back. This technique expels a cold or flu in its beginning stages.
Needle and moxa cupping: An acupuncture needle is inserted with or without moxa (Chinese mugwort) on the handle. After the moxa burns down and the needle is warm, the cup is applied as described above ("dry cupping") . This technique is excellent for warming cold or arthritic joints.
Preparation for Hijama
It is best to take a shower immediately before receiving hijama. If you cannot shower, it is important to rest for 1 hour before hijama. Narrated By ‘A’isha, radiya-llāhu 'anhā, “The Prophet, salla-llāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam, used to take a bath on account of sexual defilement, on Friday, for hijama and washing the dead.”
Make sure your stomach is empty when you arrive for treatment. ‘Ibn ‘Umar, radiya-llāhu 'anhu, reported that the Messenger, sallā-llāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said, "Hijama on an empty stomach is best. It increases the intellect and improves the memory.” (‘Ibn Mājah 3487) Also, it is important to stay hydrated by drinking water before and after the treatment unless you are fasting.
Best Practices for Wet Cupping
17th, 19th, 21st Days of the Month
Generally, it is best to receive bleeding cupping on the 17th day, 19th day, or 21st day of the lunar month, as stated in the following hadīth. Anas bin Mālik, radiya-llāhu 'anhu, said, “The Messenger of Allāh used the treatment of cupping on both sides of his neck (on the carotid arteries) and between both shoulders, and generally took this treatment on the 17th, 19th or the 21st of the (lunar) month." (Tirmidhi 49.005/347)
During the middle of the lunar cycle the moon agitates all water on earth, creating stronger tides; it is also the time of the month where bleeding from cupping is most intense. Intense bleeding can weaken people, but it is good to receive cupping while everything is agitated so that the cupping can remove it. Hence, the sunna of receiving cupping on the 17th, 19th or 21st days of the month.
However, if you have a condition that is painful, debilitating, or extremely uncomfortable, don't wait! Get cupping as soon as possible, following the recommendations below on the best days of the week to receive cupping.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday
It is best to receive cupping on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday. The second half of the ‘Ibn Mājah hadīth narrated by ‘Ibn ‘Umar quoted above is, “So cup yourselves with the blessing of Allāh on Thursday. Keep away from cupping (hijama) on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday to be safe. Perform cupping on Monday and Tuesday, for it is the day that Allāh saved Ayyub from a trial. He was inflicted with the trial on Wednesday. You will not find leprosy except (by being cupped) on Wednesday or Wednesday night." (‘Ibn Mājah 3487).
Another version of this hadīth is, “Cupping on an empty stomach is best. It increases the intellect and improves the memory. It improves the memory of the one memorizing. So whoever is going to be cupped then (let it be) on a Thursday in the name of Allāh. Keep away from being cupped on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Be cupped on a Monday or Tuesday. Do not be cupped on a Wednesday because it is the day that Ayyub was befallen with a trial. You will not find leprosy except (by being cupped) on Wednesday or Wednesday night." (‘Ibn Mājah 3488).
2:00 - 3:00 pm
The best time of day to receive cupping is 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm, because at this time toxic blood is closest to the surface of the body. It is also fine to receive cupping in the morning or at other times of day, if necessary. I adjust my schedule as much as possible to accommodate these days and times each month.
Keep in mind that the Prophet Muhammad, salla-llāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam, received cupping at different times of the month. When he received it while on Hajj he received it at the beginning of the hijri month because he was having bad headaches. This implies that hijama can be performed at any time, if necessary.
Contraindications for Hijama
Hijama should be avoided when someone is recovering from a debilitating illness. It should also be avoided if someone has a weak body, is menstruating, pregnant, or in nifās (post-partum time when still bleeding). If you are fasting, hijama should not be performed if there is any fear that it would significantly weaken your body, making it necessary for you to break your fast.
What to Expect When Receiving Hijama
First, to create a sacred space, we go over the hadith that recommend cupping. I remind you that Allah, subhanahu wa ta'ala, is always with you and that He wants you to heal. The angels are here with you right now, waiting to give you blessings and healing because you are following the Prophet's way and asking for healing from Allah. Then we say a prayer and begin the cupping.
To separate the veins we start by applying cups to the skin using the dry cupping technique described above. Dry cupping is painless - many people report feeling very relaxed during and after cupping. You may feel a warm, pulling or stretching sensation. We leave these cups in for 10-15 minutes.
Then, I sterilize the area with iodine and make 3 tiny vertical incisions, right to left, which represent the name ALLAH in Arabic. These incisions are not painful--they are akin scratching yourself on a tree branch. Then, I apply the cup and the suction helps the blood to leave your body. We leave the cup on for several minutes and during that time I recite ayat Allah gave us to support healing in His way. Once the cupping is complete, I apply black seed oil on the incisions and cover the area with a bandage.
After cupping you will probably have a ring-mark, bruise, or skin discoloration for several days (maximum for a week or two). These are signs of toxicity that has risen to the surface for release. As the marks dissipate, the toxicity is leaving you.
After 1st time cupping
If you and I have never met before, I may decide to do just dry cupping at our first visit to see how you respond to that treatment. I may also offer you acupuncture, which I am licensed to practice in the state of Georgia. Please understand that not all body types are immediately ready for bleeding cupping. If I recommend you receive preperatory treatments before bleeding cupping, please understand and I am recommending this from extensive experience and am thinking of your health and well-being first and foremost.
Wet or dry cupping treatments last 30 minutes and cost $40.
To Make an Appointment
AT THIS TIME IT IS ILLEGAL FOR ME TO PRACTICE HIJAMA IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA. IN THE JULY 12, 2012, MINUTES FROM THE GEORGIA COMPOSITE MEDICAL BOARD STATE:
"Reviewed information from the Attorney General‟s Office to state that, as the statute is currently written, licensed acupuncturists should not be blood letting (hijama wet cupping therapy.)"
AS A RESULT, AT THIS TIME I AM UNABLE TO OFFER THIS THERAPY.
1. Al-Jamal ar-Rifā'ī ash-Shadhilī, Sidi Muhammad. “The Medicine of the Prophet.” Sidi Muhammad Press, 2006, pp. 52-53.
© 2007-2011 shams wesley
