The Process Of Hijama In US

By Edward Wright


HIjama refers to an Arabic word with the translation sucking in the English language. It is a process in Arabic traditional medicine which involves using suction to draw blood from the body through tiny incisions on the skin. Muhammad endorsed the process as being the best medicine according to Muslim religious writings. Hijama is now being practiced in all parts of the world even in western countries. The history of Hijama in US is still relatively young.

Hijama is capable of being done on any section of the body. Since the process is meant to reduce pain, it is done in places where one is experiencing pain. Overuse is often warned against. There are six parts of the body where the process is recommended to be done. Performing the process in this six parts leads to thorough cleaning of the cardiovascular system.

The process starts by shaving the site where sucking will take place so that the cup can make a tight seal with the skin. Cups are usually made from various materials including metal, plastic, and glass. However, traditionally, horns were the main objects used for the purpose. The cup is placed on the shaved site to form a seal. Cotton or paper may be placed on the mouth of the cup to enhance clinging.

The practitioner then uses their mouth to suck on the other end of the cup. Modern practitioners prefer using machines instead of mouths. The curative benefits of fire makes more traditional practitioners to continue using it. The cup stays in place for minutes before the practitioner pulls it off to make small incisions on the skin. When the cup is returned, blood flows into it. When blood subsides, the cup is removed.

Scientific research has found that hijama has the ability to reduce pain in some cases. However, its efficiency is limited to specific conditions since it was found to have no effect for stroke rehabilitation. Most research studies concluded that the procedure is more effective when used in combination with other medical therapies from conventional medicine. It is known to have a significant reduction effect on laboratory disease markers.

Treatment and reduction of severity of many medical conditions can be done using this technique. Some of such medical conditions are nonspecific low back pain, chronic tension, migraine headache, and herpetic neuralgia. Migraine patients reported that they experienced a reduction in level of severity and regularity of headaches after the process was done to them. The technique has also be claimed to be able to treat cancer even though such claims lack scientific evidence to back them up.

Many people often confuse hijama and bloodletting, although the two are different techniques. In bloodletting, veins are cut to bleed blood from the patient whereas as hijama relies on suction to draw blood into the cup. Some of the practitioners that performed the process in ancient worlds include barbers, surgeons, and bath house attendants.

Pain resulting from skin cuts is the main side effect of the process. Infection may also occur, which makes it necessary to exercise a lot of caution. The tools used should be cleaned and sterilized well to ensure safety.




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