Hijama massage, also known as cupping therapy, is a therapeutic practice involving the application of special cups to the skin to create suction. This suction helps to release toxins from body tissues and organs.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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The Practice: A therapist places cups (traditionally made of glass, bamboo, or earthenware, but now often plastic or silicone) onto the skin.
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Creating Suction: The suction is created either by heating the cup and quickly applying it to the skin (creating a vacuum as it cools) or by using a mechanical pump.
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How it Works: The suction pulls the skin and superficial muscle layer into the cup. This increases blood flow to the area, which proponents believe promotes healing, reduces pain, and helps to detoxify the body by drawing out stagnant blood and toxins.
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Types of Hijama:
- Dry Cupping: Cups are placed on the skin, and suction is created, but no incision is made.
- Wet Cupping: (Hijama) Involves making small, superficial skin incisions after the cups are applied and suctioned, allowing a small amount of blood to be drawn out. This is believed to remove toxins more directly.
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Alternative Names: Hijama massage is also known as vacuum cupping, hijama cupping, and horn treatment, among other names.
Hijama massage is an ancient practice with roots in traditional Chinese medicine and Middle Eastern cultures and is used for a variety of ailments, though scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness for many conditions is limited.
