Cupping (HIJAMAH) What is Cupping ? Cupping is a method of treatment in which a jar is attached to the skin surface to cause local congestion through the negative pressure created. An incision lightly made to allow the congested blood to ooze out. This type of treatment has been practised by the chinese and the Arabs for thousand of years.Cupping is a therapeutic process of removing this unclean blood from the body . It is a form of medical treatment which has been recommended by Shariah. In Malay this practice is known as 'BEKAM' and in Arabic it is called 'AL-HIJAMAH' while in China 'gua-sha'. In Arabic this method of therapy was popularised by our Prophet Muhammad(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) as stated in many Hadith. The word hijaamah (cupping) comes for the word hajm which means sucking, as in the phrase hajama al-sabiy thadya ummihi (the infant suckled his mother’s breast). Al-Hajjaam means the cupper, hijaamah is the profession of cupping, and the word mihjam is used to describe the vessel in which the blood is collected and the lancet used by the cupper. (See Lisaan al-‘Arab). In fiqh terminology the word hijaamah is applied by some scholars to the extraction of blood from the nape of the neck by means of cupping after making an incision with the lancet. Al-Zarqaani stated that cupping is not limited to the nape of the neck, rather it may be done on any part of the body. This was also the view of al-Khattaabi. In conclusion, hijaam refers to the extraction of blood from the body by means of cupping using a suitable vessel or whatever modern equipment serves the same purpose. Indication and Diseases that respond to Cupping The cupping method has the function of warming and promoting the flow of energy in the blood thus dispelling cold, dampness, toxins and winds. It also diminishes swellings and pains. The following problems respond very well to Cupping :- Disease caused by dampness, such as low back pain, lumbago, sciatica, pain in the arms and shoulders, pain in the legs and muscular parts of the body, stomachache, vomiting, headache, migraine, sprains, insomnia, etc. Cupping Techniques: There are various types of cups - rubber, bamboo, glass and plastic, animal horns, etc and also the techinique of cupping varies from place to place or form country to country. Among the Kelantanese Malays, they used buffalo horns, drinking glasses and bamboo as cups. It is said that the ancient Chinese and Arabs had used animal horns for cupping. Cupping Techniques Today: Today, there are various types of cups to choose for cupping such as rubber cups, bamboos, cupping glasses or plastic cups. There are two types of cupping more prevalent today: Traditional Cupping and Vacuum Cupping Traditional Cupping are the one that need some kind of fire to create a vacuum, while the vacuum cups ( a newer type) have a pump so that no fire is needed. The scholars advise that administering medicine requires medical expertise. Therefore, with regard to any medical treatment recommended by Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam), due to health and medical intricacies, one must exercise caution and consult with a physician. Similarly, with regard to cupping, although it is strongly recommended by Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam), one must consult with a medical practitioner before undergoing cupping. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) himself underwent cupping many times and encouraged others to do so too. May we revive this Sunnah and benefit from it's therapeutic effects.

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