The word “hijama” comes from Arabic and means “to suck” (the drawing out of blood). Based on historical sources, we can say that people made use of this treatment method from the time of Herodotus through to the era of Hippocrates. Even in those days, hijama was a principal medical method for headaches, upper back, neck and low back pain, gynecological problems, lung diseases, as well as conditions of the upper and lower limbs.
1Benefits of hijama (cupping)
- Blood cells are renewed
- Toxins that enter the blood in various ways are cleared by the body
- Strengthens the immune system and increases the body’s resistance
- Regulates blood circulation and metabolism
- Has a positive effect in arterial hypertension — it lowers even very high blood pressure, and the effect lasts from 2 weeks to several months
- Blood viscosity decreases by 20–30% — the risk of blood clots forming in the vessels is significantly reduced
- Has a preventive effect in diabetes mellitus
2When and how much?
According to specialists, the procedure is performed 4 times a year for prevention, and every 15 days or every 1–2 months for treatment; breaks are taken under a doctor’s supervision.
3When is it used?
- Head, neck, low back, knee, leg and other neuromuscular pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Diabetes mellitus
- Psychological distress
- The rehabilitation period of chronic diseases
- Skin conditions
We look not at where the pain is, but at where it comes from.
— Dr. Elfana Suleymanova, Center Director · Internist and osteopathic physician