Cupping / wet cupping (HIJAMA)
What is cupping?
Cupping is an ancient therapy from China, the Middle East and Europe. One of the oldest medicinal textbooks in the world, the Ebers Papyrus, describes how the ancient Egyptians we’re using cupping therapy in 1,550 B.C.
The different types of methods of cupping are;
– Dry cupping (suction only)
– Wet cupping also known as Hijama, a combination of suction and controlled medicinal bleeding.
How cupping works?
Cups are placed on the skin to create suction. Like acupuncture the cups are placed along the meridians of the body in order to unblock channels and create a smooth flow of energy throughout the body.
In order to create a suction a flammable substance such as alcohol is placed inside the cup then taken out quickly before the cup is placed upside down on the patient’s skin.
The air inside the cup cools and creates a vacume. This causes the skin to rise and redden as the blood vessels expand. The cups are generally left in place for 5-10 minutes.
Hijama (wet-cupping) involves the application of plastic cups via a vacuum from which blood is then withdrawn by small incisions placed on the skin. This allows the release of blood stasis (congested blood) and toxins within the body.
At Zenas Natural Therapy we may include other methods of treatments such as guasha, slide cupping and acupuncture in order to receive best results during your treatment.
What are the benefits of cupping and Hijama?
Cupping and Hijama can be recommended for people suffering from musculoskeletal pain, sore backs, hips or related pain, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, lung disease (chronic asthma and cough), injuries to soft tissue, fluid retention, varicose veins, fever, high blood pressure and much more !
Cupping is able to reach up to four inches into the body’s tissue. This helps activate the lymphatic system, Clear colon blockages and unblock arteries, veins and capillaries.
Cupping can also be used in skin care to help increase collagen production and blood circulation to the face.
At Zenas Natural Therapy we include facial cupping in our cosmetic treatment to help improve the appearance of your skin.
Frequently asked questions
Who is not suitable for wet cupping / Hijama?
Hijama (wet cupping) cannot be performed on patients who are on blood thinning medication, pregnant women, people with severely low iron (anaemia) and people who may be suffering from threatening conditions such as heart attack, cancer etc.
Are there any side effects?
Other than slight bruising and redness within the area were the cup was placed, there are no severe side effects. Some people may feel slightly light headed after the treatment due to the blood loss from the wet cupping. This is similar to what you may feel after having a blood test.
Patients are given honey water and dates in order to increase their blood pressure after each treatment.
What should I do after the treatment?
In general after a cupping treatment you should rest your body and avoid any strenuous activity. keep your body covered to avoid any wind or pathogens entering the body.
If you have had wet cupping or Hijama you should avoid showering up to 24 hours in order to protect against any infection. In addition, it is recommended to avoid meat and dairy products after your session to help continue your detox journy.
If the cupping area feels itchy avoid scratching the area and apply oil such as; coconut, olive or black seed oil, over the cupped area to help smoothen the skin.
Does it hurt?
None of our patient have not been able to handle the treatment. Some patients have described wet cupping (Hijama) to feel like a ‘small pinch’.
At Zenas Natural Therapy we are very gentle with our treatments and try our best to keep our patients comfortable.
Zena's Natural Therapy 