Wet Cupping / Hijama

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Hijama, the Arabic term for wet cupping, is a medicinal form of bleeding that promotes healing for a variety of ailments. Blood is drawn via suction from a cup after a small incision is made in the skin. Hijama can be done on any part of the body but is often utilised in areas with pain in order to alleviate discomfort. The cup is meant to extract toxins and impurities from the body, including fragmented blood cells, and tissue fluid. This form of therapy promotes healing within the body.

Do you need a GP’s referral?

You do not need a GP referral to have a practitioner perform Hijama on you. 

However, there are instances were Hijama is harmful to be performed. Some instances include; 

 

  1. Taking blood thinners 
  2. Pregnancy

On your initial visit, you will speak to the practitioner to ensure your safety. 

What can you expect?

Toxins are extracted and ailments managed through the drawing of blood from the cups’ vacuum. Your therapist will apply a number of cups to your skin, particularly on your areas of concern. The cups will then be removed and a small incision made in the skin with a scalpel. The cups will then be placed again and a small amount of blood extracted from the vacuum created. After the procedure, the area will be cleaned. You may have temporary bruising however, this will subside within 10 days of your session. Depending on your ailment, you and your therapist can decide on a regular visit arrangement plan.

How can it help?

Hijama employs the localised use of negative pressure, creating a vacuum to promote healing. By using a controlled suction to open up muscle tissue and vastly increase the circulation of blood and fluids, hijama facilitates healing within the body. It restores the balance between the two extremes in your body, thereby enabling it to fight off pathogens.

 

Due to these processes, hijama is linked to the following benefits.

 

● Removal of toxins and inflammation
● Reduction of muscular pain
● Increased blood circulation
● Promotion of cell repair
● Aids in the formation of new tissues

 

Hijama may also help with the following conditions.

 

● Shingles
● Facial paralysis
● Cough and dyspnea
● Acne
● Lumbar disc herniation
● Cervical spondylosis

Can this be claimed on my insurance?

As of April 2019, private health insurers no longer cover a range of natural therapies (excluding physiotherapy).