Frequent Questions

Frequent Questions

01. What do I do before Cupping/Hijama?
A person with cold , fever, or nasal congestion should avoid Cupping . Avoid eating at least 2 hours before Cupping . Cupping is not recommended for person undergoing Hemodialysis. Cupping is not recommended for person with a cardiac pacemaker. Cupping is not for person on anticoagulant therapy unless they stop taking the medications for at least 3 days and it is done with high caution . Cupping is not recommended for a tired person until he becomes rested . Cupping is prohibited in case of severe starvation or severe satiation. Intercourse is best avoided one day and a night before Cupping.
02. What do I do after cupping/Hijama?
Rest and minimal effort exertion for 2 days after Cupping Intercourse is best avoided one day and a night after Cupping Intake of sugary foods or beverages ( preferred to be dates or honey) Alcohol, drugs, and smoking should be avoided. Intake of very cold fluids should be avoided 24 hours. Treated areas of body should be covered and not exposed to cold air. Salty and spicy foods should be avoided at least 3 hours after Cupping. Feeling feverish in the following 24 hours after doing Cupping is probable, usual, and will resolve quickly and spontaneously. Nausea or diarrhea after doing Cupping on the back of the body is usual. Fruits and vegetables are recommended. Intake of food with high amount of fats should be avoided for 24 hours since it is hard to be digested.
03. What is Hijama?
Hijama (also known as cupping therapy) is a traditional therapeutic practice that involves creating a vacuum inside glass, bamboo, or silicone cups and placing them on the skin. The therapy is believed to help in alleviating various ailments by stimulating blood flow and promoting healing. Hijama has its roots in ancient medicine and has been practiced in various cultures, including in traditional Chinese medicine, Arabic cultures, and in Islamic healing practices. The process of Hijama typically involves two main steps: Dry Cupping: The practitioner places cups on the skin and uses a pump or heat to create a vacuum, drawing the skin and underlying tissues into the cup. This is done to increase circulation and stimulate healing. Wet Cupping: In addition to the vacuum, small incisions are made on the skin, and the cups are placed again. The suction draws blood out of the incisions. Wet cupping is believed to help "remove toxins" from the body and improve circulation. Benefits of Hijama Proponents of Hijama believe it offers several health benefits, such as: Relieving pain, especially in conditions like back pain, headaches, and joint pain. Improving blood circulation. Detoxifying the body by drawing out toxins. Promoting relaxation and stress relief. Helping with conditions like arthritis, muscle tension, and respiratory issues. Cultural and Religious Significance In Islamic culture, Hijama is considered a Sunnah (recommended practice) and was practiced by the Prophet Muhammad. It's thought to have spiritual and health benefits. Many Muslims perform Hijama to maintain well-being and as a form of preventative care. Despite its popularity, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before considering Hijama, especially if there are pre-existing health conditions.
04. How does cupping help with blood pressure?
Cupping therapy, including both dry cupping and wet cupping (Hijama), is believed to help with blood pressure regulation in several ways, although scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for this purpose is still limited. Here's how cupping therapy is thought to potentially influence blood pressure: 1. Improved Blood Circulation Cupping therapy increases blood circulation to the areas where the cups are placed. The vacuum created during cupping draws blood to the skin's surface, which can help improve circulation and potentially lead to better oxygen and nutrient delivery throughout the body. By enhancing overall circulation, cupping may help relieve blood flow resistance in the vascular system, potentially lowering high blood pressure. Improved blood flow can reduce the strain on the heart. 2. Relaxation and Stress Reduction Cupping therapy is often used for relaxation and to reduce tension in the muscles. This can be beneficial in managing stress, which is a common contributing factor to high blood pressure. By promoting relaxation and reducing muscle tension, cupping may help lower cortisol levels, the hormone responsible for stress, potentially reducing hypertension associated with stress. 3. Activation of the Nervous System The suction effect of cupping is thought to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s rest and recovery functions. This can promote a calming effect and reduce the sympathetic nervous system's stress response, which could help lower blood pressure. 4. Pain Relief Cupping can help with pain relief, particularly for conditions like muscle tension, back pain, and headaches. By alleviating pain, the body may experience less stress, which can positively impact blood pressure. 5. Detoxification and Blood Flow Regulation Wet cupping (Hijama) is believed to remove "toxins" and improve blood flow by drawing out stagnant or "impure" blood from the body. Some proponents claim that this detoxification process can help in reducing the load on the circulatory system, potentially aiding in better regulation of blood pressure. Scientific Evidence While cupping is widely practiced in many cultures for its purported health benefits, scientific research on its direct effects on blood pressure is still inconclusive. Some studies suggest that cupping may help reduce blood pressure in certain individuals, but results are mixed and often vary based on individual factors, such as the cause of high blood pressure. In conclusion, while cupping may offer benefits for circulation, relaxation, and stress relief—each of which can influence blood pressure—it is important to view cupping as a complementary therapy rather than a primary treatment for hypertension. It's always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional to manage blood pressure effectively, especially for those with chronic hypertension.
05. Does cupping help regrow hair?
Cupping therapy is sometimes used as a complementary treatment for hair regrowth, particularly for conditions like alopecia (hair loss) or thinning hair. While scientific evidence on the effectiveness of cupping specifically for hair regrowth is limited, some proponents believe it may help in several ways. Here’s how cupping could potentially support hair regrowth: 1. Improved Blood Circulation to the Scalp Cupping is believed to stimulate blood flow to the area where the cups are applied. When cupping is performed on the scalp, the increased circulation can improve the supply of oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors to hair follicles, which may promote healthier hair growth. Increased blood flow to the scalp could help revitalize dormant hair follicles and encourage the growth of new hair. 2. Activation of Hair Follicles The suction created by cupping is thought to stimulate the nervous system and the blood vessels, which may activate hair follicles that are in a dormant or inactive phase (such as those affected by alopecia). By encouraging these follicles to enter the growth phase, cupping might help with thicker, healthier hair. 3. Stress Relief and Hormonal Balance Chronic stress is a common contributor to hair loss. Cupping has been shown to help reduce stress by promoting relaxation and lowering levels of stress hormones like cortisol. By reducing stress, cupping may have a positive impact on hair health and help prevent hair loss caused by stress-related conditions, such as telogen effluvium. 4. Detoxification and Increased Lymphatic Drainage Wet cupping (Hijama) may be used to "remove toxins" from the body. Although this has not been scientifically proven to directly affect hair growth, proponents believe that removing waste products from the body could potentially improve overall health and support hair regeneration. The therapy is also thought to stimulate the lymphatic system, which helps with fluid drainage and tissue repair. 5. Improved Scalp Health Cupping may help in improving the overall health of the scalp by promoting circulation and relieving tension in the muscles. A healthier scalp with good circulation is essential for strong hair growth, as it ensures that hair follicles receive the nutrients they need. 6. Reduction in Inflammation Some hair loss conditions, such as alopecia areata, are associated with inflammation in the scalp. Cupping may help by reducing inflammation, improving tissue health, and promoting a balanced environment for hair follicles to grow. Scientific Evidence and Considerations While cupping has been traditionally used for various health benefits, including pain relief and stress reduction, its direct effects on hair regrowth are not well-established in scientific research. Most of the available evidence is anecdotal, with individuals reporting improvements in hair density and thickness after cupping treatments. However, it's important to keep in mind that hair loss can have many causes, such as genetics (e.g., male-pattern baldness), hormonal imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies. Cupping should be considered a complementary therapy, and it is important to address the underlying cause of hair loss to achieve the best results. Conclusion Cupping may help promote healthy hair growth by improving blood circulation, relieving stress, and potentially stimulating hair follicles. However, it should not be relied upon as a sole treatment for significant hair loss or conditions like alopecia. If you are considering cupping for hair regrowth, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider or a dermatologist to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition.
06. Cupping for athletes, fitness?
Cupping therapy can offer significant benefits to active individuals, including athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and those who engage in regular physical activity. Cupping, particularly dry cupping and wet cupping (Hijama), is used as a therapeutic tool to enhance recovery, improve performance, and prevent injuries. Here's how cupping may help active individuals: 1. Improved Blood Circulation Cupping works by creating a vacuum that pulls the skin and underlying tissues into the cups, which increases blood circulation in the treated area. For active individuals, better circulation means more efficient delivery of oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors to the muscles and tissues that are under stress from physical activity. Improved circulation helps with muscle repair and recovery, making it easier for athletes to bounce back after intense workouts. 2. Muscle Recovery and Pain Relief Muscle soreness and stiffness are common after intense exercise, especially for those engaging in heavy training or endurance sports. Cupping helps alleviate delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) by increasing blood flow to sore muscles and promoting healing. The therapy can also reduce muscle tightness, making it easier to maintain flexibility and range of motion. Active individuals may use cupping as part of their recovery routine to reduce discomfort and speed up the healing process. 3. Reduction in Inflammation Intense physical activity can lead to inflammation in the muscles and joints, which, if left unchecked, can hinder performance and increase the risk of injury. Cupping therapy is believed to help by stimulating blood flow to areas with inflammation, which may support the body’s natural healing response. The therapy also helps improve the flow of lymphatic fluid, which is responsible for removing waste products and reducing inflammation. This reduction in inflammation can help active individuals feel better faster and return to their training regimen. 4. Injury Prevention Regular cupping sessions may help prevent injuries by keeping muscles, tendons, and ligaments in optimal condition. By increasing circulation, reducing tightness, and maintaining flexibility, cupping can help reduce the likelihood of muscle strains, tendonitis, or other soft tissue injuries. It’s also helpful for addressing trigger points or knots in muscles that could lead to more significant issues if not properly treated. 5. Stress Relief and Relaxation Cupping has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce stress, which is beneficial for active individuals who experience mental or emotional tension from training, competition, or life pressures. Stress can affect performance and recovery, so reducing tension can have positive effects on overall physical health. The relaxation effect of cupping can also aid in improving sleep, which is vital for recovery and athletic performance. 6. Enhanced Flexibility and Range of Motion By loosening tight muscles and fascia (the connective tissue surrounding muscles), cupping therapy can improve flexibility and range of motion. This is particularly important for athletes who need to maintain their mobility to perform exercises or sports movements effectively. Increased flexibility can also help reduce the risk of injury and enhance overall performance. 7. Increased Oxygenation of Tissues Cupping may help increase the oxygen supply to tissues and muscles, which is crucial for recovery and athletic performance. By drawing blood to the surface of the skin and enhancing circulation, cupping can promote oxygen delivery to deeper tissues that may be deprived during intense activity. This can accelerate the healing of damaged tissues and improve athletic performance by ensuring muscles have the oxygen they need to function optimally. 8. Detoxification and Improved Lymphatic Drainage Cupping therapy is sometimes thought to stimulate the lymphatic system, which plays a role in removing waste products and toxins from the body. Active individuals, especially those undergoing intense physical exertion, can accumulate metabolic waste products like lactic acid. Cupping is believed to support the body's ability to clear out these waste products, potentially reducing feelings of fatigue and aiding recovery. 9. Mental Clarity and Focus Active individuals, particularly athletes, often require sharp mental clarity and focus to perform at their best. Cupping may have a positive effect on mental well-being by promoting relaxation and reducing the physical tension that can contribute to mental stress. By relieving physical discomfort, cupping allows athletes to stay mentally focused, which can lead to improved performance and better decision-making during competition or training. 10. Support for Chronic Conditions and Overuse Injuries For athletes dealing with chronic conditions or overuse injuries—such as tendonitis, joint pain, or chronic lower back pain—cupping may help manage these issues by alleviating pain and promoting circulation to the affected areas. Cupping has been used to treat various musculoskeletal issues and is often part of a holistic treatment approach for long-term recovery. Conclusion For active individuals, cupping therapy can be a valuable tool for recovery, injury prevention, and performance enhancement. By improving circulation, reducing muscle soreness, relieving tension, and supporting the body’s natural healing processes, cupping may help athletes stay at the top of their game. While it is not a substitute for proper training, nutrition, and rest, cupping can serve as a complementary therapy to enhance overall physical health and well-being. As with any treatment, it’s important for individuals to consult with a healthcare professional or a trained practitioner before using cupping therapy to ensure it is appropriate for their specific needs and health conditions.