Hijama: an ancestral therapeutic method with multiple benefits.
Introduction
The word hijama comes from Arabic and literally means “aspiration” or “suction”. This technique, also known as cupping therapy, is an ancestral therapeutic method used for millennia in different cultures and forms of traditional medicine.
How is it practiced in Islam? What are the benefits and dangers of this Muslim practice recommended in the Prophetic Tradition? This article will cover all these important topics to know before embarking on a hijama near you in order to heal yourself.
Hijama in Arabic: definition and meaning of the term
The word hijama comes from the Arabic word hijm meaning the act of sucking the baby while breastfeeding.
Originating in the action of nursing, or sucking milk, hijama therefore consists of the extraction of blood from the human body by a system of glass or plastic suction cups that we will explain later in this article.
In Arabic, thanks to this verb حجم we understand that Al-Hijâmah is the technique used to heal by bleeding. Al-Hâjjam or Hâjim is the professional practicing this treatment technique.
Al-Mihjam or Al-Mihjaman, is the device that the professional uses for this technique (we will come back to this) and finally, Al-Mahjûm is the person who has this treatment called “hijama” performed on him.
Hijama in the Sunnah
According to Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them), the Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Healing is found in three things: the incision of the one who performs the hijama, a sip of honey or cauterization by fire and I forbid cauterization to my community”.
Narrated by Bukhari in his Saheeh No. 5681
Hijama: How is it practiced?
The hijama consists of the extraction of blood after incision of the skin, thoroughly disinfected, then in the application of suction cups, on this incised skin in specific points of the body where the person feels pain. This practice stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation, relieves pain and strengthens the immune system. It can be practiced in two distinct ways: dry hijama and traditional (or wet) hijama.
It is recommended that the patient can be in a state of fasting during the hijama. This is more beneficial and would activate memory and learning.
Hijama dryer
The dry hijama is the simplest form of this therapeutic method. It consists of placing suction cups on the skin without making incisions. The suction cups are heated and placed on the area of the body to be treated, thus creating a depression which allows the skin to be sucked in and stimulates blood circulation. No blood flows.
It is in France the only Hijama technique whose practice is strictly reserved for health professionals, such as physiotherapists, nurses and doctors in their offices.
Traditional hijama
The traditional hijama, on the other hand, involves making slight incisions on the epidermis before applying the cups. This technique eliminates harmful and toxic substances present in the blood through increased blood flow. This process also encourages the production of new blood cells and promotes healing.
What are the benefits of hijama according to the hadiths?
In prophetic medicine, hijama is considered a practice beneficial to health. Several authentic hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) mention the benefits of this technique:
The Prophet said: "The best medicine is hijama" (Reported by Bukhari)
He also said: "There is no remedy better than hijama to relieve pain" (reported by Ibn Majah)
According to another hadith, the Prophet recommended practicing hijama to treat various diseases and health disorders, such as headaches, joint problems or even digestive disorders (reported by Ahmad and Tirmidhi).
These hadiths testify to the importance given to hijama in prophetic medicine and its many health benefits.
Where is hijama practiced and how to learn this therapeutic method?
Today, hijama is practiced in many countries around the world, especially in Muslim countries where it is an integral part of traditional medicine. More and more care and training centers are offering hijama sessions as well as courses to learn this technique.
The merits of learning hijama are numerous: in addition to its health benefits, this practice allows you to develop your knowledge of the human body and to become familiar with the basic principles of prophetic medicine. It is also an excellent opportunity to follow a recommendation from our beloved and to continue an ancestral tradition, source of so many blessings.
Hijama as a treatment for various illnesses
Thanks to its multiple benefits and the stimulation it provides to the immune system, hijama is used to treat a large number of diseases and health disorders:
- Muscle and joint pain: the hijama effectively relieves tension and pain related to muscle and joint problems, while promoting sports recovery.
- Digestive disorders: by stimulating blood circulation, the hijama helps to regulate the functioning of the digestive system and to prevent or relieve associated disorders.
- Immune system: the hijama strengthens the body's natural defenses and helps fight against infections, viruses and autoimmune diseases.
- Relaxation and relaxation: by releasing toxins and improving blood circulation, the hijama provides a feeling of general well-being which helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
Hijama: precautions and people at risk
Even if the hijama is a treatment technique recognized by scientific studies and recommended by health professionals today, it is nonetheless subject to certain exceptions.
Fragile people such as children, pregnant women and the elderly, as well as certain sick people such as diabetics (having difficulty healing), should not use the hijama except in exceptional cases, with the agreement of their doctor and under supervision by a trusted professional.
Indeed, resorting to hijama while being aware of the risks involved would, in the opinion of the majority of scholars, be considered prohibited, thus resulting in a sin for which they will have to answer before Allah on Judgment Day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hijama is an ancestral therapeutic method, recommended by Islam, which offers many health benefits. It helps boost the immune system, eliminate harmful and toxic substances present in the body and treat various diseases and health disorders. Recommended by the Prophet of Islam, peace and salvation upon him, it is also an excellent way to treat our various ailments and those of our loved ones while showing our attachment to prophetic teachings.
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