Al-Hijamah (Cupping): The Natural Holistic Healing Art- A Review

Abstract

In Unani system of medicine, various types of treatments are employed such as Regimenal therapy, Dietotherapy and Pharmacotherapy etc. Among them, the regimental therapy has very remarkable status; therefore, it is being adopted globally. Al- Hijamah (cupping) is one such tadabeer (regimen), which causes intervention through restoration of humoural balance by diverting or evacuating the morbid materials and it is practiced for many disease conditions since time immemorial. Hippocrates describes both dry and wet cupping in his Guide to Clinical Treatment. He recommended it for the treatment of angina, menstrual and other disorders. Later, Galen was a practitioner of the procedure. Al-Hijamah acts to draw inflammation and pressure away from the deep organs (especially the heart, brain, lungs, liver and kidneys) towards the skin. This facilitates the healing process. Practitioners of Al-Hijamah contend that this process strengthens the immune system, so encouraging the optimum functioning of the body. In other words, it assists the actions of Physis. In doing so, it diverts toxins and other harmful impurities from these vital organs towards the less-vital skin, before expulsion. Al-Hijamah technique is very useful, safe and can easily be applied and incorporated in family health practices.