Common Principles of Hijama
Hijama is based on similar principles as acupuncture or acupressure, the ancient Chinese art of healing. In fact if we look back in the history, the Chinese discovered that there were certain points of the body, which if massaged, punctured, heated or burned, relived pain or had a beneficial effect on certain disorders.
Through the passage of time many such points were discovered and it was found that by the stimulation of widely separated points it was possible to influence the functioning of a specific internal organ. These points were then systematically arranged on the basis of pertaining Organ, over which it was perceived they had an influence.
There is historic evidence of cupping in Egypt and another concept of ‘Leeches’ to suck the blood from the body. It is said that over time the body accumulates different toxins in the blood and hence get out of balance giving way to different diseases.
Hence either by stimulating the body’s self defense mechanism or the vital force or as Chinese call Qi pronounce as Chi the body can eliminate these toxins through normal excretory process or they can be drained out from the body by taking out he so call ‘bad blood’ through cupping or Hijama.
Commonly Hijama is performed at those places that are affected. For example in cases of Stomach problem it should be performed over the stomach, in case of kidney problems it should be performed over the kidney areas at the back, if someone is suffering with liver problem it should be performed on the right side chest above the liver. If someone had a headache it is said that Prophet ﷺ used to suggest Hijama on the head. In many ailments the point ‘Kahil’ is used as an additional point. Prophet ﷺ also had Hijama at this point, it is located between the shoulders at the base of the neck.
However Hijama performed at the indicated points according to acupuncture or acupressure has shown to be quite effective in helping to restore the energy balance thus giving it an important place in Alternative Medicine Therapies.
It is narrated by Ibne Abbass ؓ that Prophet ﷺ said the cure is in three things:
- Hijama
- Honey
- Cauterizing with fire (But I stop my followers from using fire)
Heating or burning certain areas of the body is also performed in another Chinese therapy known as ‘Moxibustion’ where in the leaves of moxa plant (artemisia vulgaris) are burned at specific points.