Hijaamah – Cupping – A Remedy for All Diseases

What is cupping (hijama)?
Cupping (hijama) is the best remedy recommended and used by the Messenger peace be upon him: “Indeed the best of remedies you have is cupping (hijama)…” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5371)]. He (SAW) also said that on the night of Israa (his ascension to the heavens) he did not pass by an angel except that it said to him, “Oh Muhammad, order your Ummah (nation) with cupping (hijama).” [Saheeh Sunan Tirmidhee (3479)]. This shows the importance and greatness of this Sunnah.

‘Hijama’ in Arabic is derived from ‘hajm’ which means ‘sucking’. Cupping (hijama) is the process of applying cups to various points on the body by removing the air inside the cups to form a vacuum.

Cupping (hijama) is of three types:
Dry cupping (hijama) – This is the process of using a vacuum on different areas of the body in order to gather the blood in that area without incisions (small, light scratches using a sterile surgical blade).

Dry massage cupping (hijama) – This is similar to dry cupping (hijama) but olive oil is applied to the skin (before applying the cups) in order to allow easy movement of the cups.
70% of diseases, pains and ailments are due to the blood being unable to reach certain parts of the body. Dry cupping and dry massaging cupping allow the blood to reach these places. Dry and massage cupping (hijama) may be self-administered in the comfort and privacy of your own home – any day of the week or month. There are no restrictions.

Although dry and massage cupping (hijama) are very beneficial, they are not from the Sunnah. However, they fall under the general hadeeth: “For every disease there is a cure so if the medicine comes upon the disease it cures it by the will of Allah, the Most High.” [Saheeh Muslim (2204)].
Wet cupping (hijama) – This is the process of using a vacuum at different points on the body but with small incisions in order to remove ‘harmful’ blood which lies just beneath the surface of the skin. (It is recommended that wet cupping (hijama) is only administered by a qualified cupping therapist).
Wet cupping (hijama) is best administered at certain times of the day and days of the week. It is also from the Sunnah. The Messenger (SAW) said, “Indeed in cupping (hijama) there is a cure.” [Saheeh Muslim (5706)]. Also, “Whoever performs cupping (hijama) on the 17th, 19th or 21st day (of the Islamic, lunar month) then it is a cure for every disease.” [Saheeh Sunan Abi Dawud (3861)]. However, cupping for ailments and pains (therapeutic cupping) can be done any time of the month or day.

Anas ibn Maalik y reported that the Messenger (SAW) said, “Indeed the best of remedies you have is cupping (hijama)…” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5371)]. Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Messenger (SAW) said, “I did not pass by an angel from the angels on the night journey except that they all said to me: Upon you is cupping (hijama), O Muhammad.” [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3477)].

Cupping (Hijama) Is A Preventive Medicine
Anas ibn Maalik (RA) reported that the Messenger (SAW) said, “When the weather becomes extremely hot, seek aid in cupping (hijama). Do not allow your blood to rage (boil) such that it kills you.” [Reported by Hakim in his ‘Mustadrak’)

‘Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Messenger (SAW) said, “Healing is in three things: in the incision of the cupper, in drinking honey, and in cauterizing with fire, but I forbid my Ummah (nation) from cauterization (branding with fire).” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5681)]

The Best Days For Cupping (Hijama)
The best days for cupping (hijama) are the 17th, 19th and 21st of the Islamic, lunar month which coincide with Monday, Tuesday or Thursday, but it can be done from the 17th to the 23rd of the lunar month when the moon is still waxing (not waning) on any day too. As for the Islamic day and night, the night enters before the day. So at sunset on Tuesday, Wednesday night comes in. Some ahadith indicate that Wednesdays should be avoided.

Cupping (Hijama) May Be Used For:
Headaches
Salma (RA), the servant of the Messenger (SAW) said, “Whenever someone would complain of a headache to the Messenger of Allah, he r would advise them to perform cupping (hijama).” [Saheeh Sunan abi Dawud (3858)].

Magic
Ibn al-Qaiyum (may Allah have mercy on him) mentions that the Messenger (SAW) was cupped on his head when he was afflicted with magic and that it is from the best of cures for this if performed correctly. [Zaad al Ma’aad (4/125-126)].

Poison
Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) reported that a Jewish woman gave poisoned meat to the Messenger r so he r sent her a message saying, “What caused you to do that?” She replied, “If you really are a Prophet then Allah will inform you of it and if you are not then I would save the people from you!” When the Messenger r felt pain from it, he r performed cupping (hijama). Once he travelled while in Ihram and felt that pain and hence performed cupping (hijama). [Ahmed (1/305)].

Strengthening One’s Intelligence And Memory
Ibn Umar (RA) reported that the Messenger (SAW) said, “Cupping (hijama) on an empty stomach is best. In it is a cure and a blessing. It improves the intellect and the memory…” [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3487)].

Dislocation/Bruising
Jaabir ibn Abdullah y reported that the Messenger r fell from his horse onto the trunk of a palm tree and dislocated his foot. Waki’ (RA) said, “Meaning the Messenger r was cupped on (his foot) for bruising.” [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (2807)].

Cupping (Hijama) While fasting Or In The State Of Ihram
Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Messenger (SAW) was cupped on his head for a unilateral headache while he was in Ihraam. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5701)]. Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Messenger (SAW) was cupped while he was fasting. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5694)]. If there is fear that a fasting person may become weak due to cupping, it should be avoided.

Areas of Cupping (Hijama)
Anas ibn Maalik reported that the Messenger (SAW) was treated with cupping three times on the two veins at the side of the neck and the base of the neck. [Saheeh Sunan abi Dawud (3860), ibn Maajah (3483)]. Abdullah ibn Abbas (RA) reported that the Messenger (SAW) was cupped on his head. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5699)].

Jaabir ibn Abdullah y reported that the Messenger r was treated with cupping (hijama) on his hip for a pain in that area. [Saheeh Sunan abi Dawud (3863)].
Anas ibn Maalik y reported that the Messenger (SAW) was treated with cupping (hijama) when he was in Ihram, on the top of his foot, for a pain in that area. [Saheeh Sunan abi Dawud (1836)].

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:
“Cupping under the chin is beneficial for pain in the teeth, face and throat, if it is performed in its proper time. It purifies the head and the jaws.
Cupping on the top of the foot is a substitution for the puncturing of the Saphena, which is a large vein in the heel. It is beneficial for treating ulcers that occur on the thighs and calves, the interruption of menses and skin irritation on the testicles.
Cupping at the bottom of the chest is beneficial for the treatment of sores, scabies and mange on the thighs. It helps against gout, hemorrhoids, elephantiasis and itchiness on the back.” [Zaad al-Ma’aad, 4/58].

Some Common Questions and Answers:
How often should a person do cupping?
Answer: For a normal person it is good to do cupping every three months. As for the sick person then every month because cupping is considered from the Prophetic medicine, until one’s blood is normalized.

Must one have a bath after cupping?
Answer: It is not from the Sunnah to have a bath after cupping (hijama), however, he should give some time for his wound to close so that it doesn’t become infected. If one applies honey and turmeric on the wound, it should close quite quickly and one should be able to bath 4-5 hours after cupping.

Are there any signs that a person has magic, jealousy toward him/her, or evil eye after cupping?
Answer: In most cases the person who has magic done to him/her will vomit after cupping and sweat much, or the person’s skin may blister. It will be very difficult to continue cupping (hijama).

What do the following signs in the blood mean; bubbles, strands of blood, white strands, blood bubbling over?
Bubbles: Could be due to air coming out of the cup due to hair, or a broken cup, or due to acid in the blood.
Slivers of blood: Proof that the blood is not clean or the blood is clotting quickly due to toxins in the body.
White strands: This seems to be due to a blocked lymphatic system or iron deficiency.
Blood Bubbling Over: Could be due to high blood pressure.
Is a therapist allowed to charge for his service?
Answer: Yes, the Messenger (SAW) paid A Cupper Who Cupped Him (al-Bukhaaree (2102) from Anas ibn Maalik (RA) who said, “Abu Taybah cupped the Messenger and he ordered that Abu Taybah be given a saa’ of dates.”

When is dry cupping recommended?
Answer: It’s preferably for children under seven, or for the elderly over 60. Pregnant women should avoid wet and dry cupping after their first trimester except if they are over-due and wish to go into labour. In this case, they should have dry and massage cupping between the knee and ankle on both legs.

Some Points in Cupping

The following are some diseases and ailments and the points where cupping (hijama) may be performed to treat these ailments. Some of these points are on the nerves and some are on the blood vessels. Others are on the power lines (acupuncture), and some are on the reflex points on the back. Some places are on the lymphatic glands, and some are for accumulation of blood. Some are for stimulating endocrine secretions and some are for strengthening the immune system. Others are for strengthening the brain.

Rheumatism (points 1, 55, in addition to all areas of pain).
Roughness of knee (points 1, 55, 11, 12, 13 and cupping around the knee and you may add 53, 54).
Oedema (swollen tissue due to build up of fluid) (points 1, 55, 130, the right and left side of the heel and you may add 9, 10).
Sciatic pain (nerve pain from the buttock which goes down the leg) (for the right leg) (points 1, 55, 11, 12, 26, 51 and places of pain on the leg especially the beginning and the end of the muscle) (for the left leg) (points 1, 55, 11, 13, 27, 52 and places of pain on the leg especially the beginning and the end of the muscle).
Back pain (positions 1, 55 and cupping on both sides of the spine and places of pain).

Neck/shoulder pain (points 1, 55, 40, 20, 21 and places of pain(.
Gout (swollen joints due to excess uric acid) (points 1, 55, 28, 29, 30, 31, 121 and places of pain).
Rheumatoid Arthritis (points 1, 55, 120, 49, 36 and all large and small joints).
Paralysis of one half of the body (Hemiplegia) (points 1, 55, 11, 12, 13, 34 or 35 and all the injured joints, massage daily).
Paralysis of all four limbs (Quadriplegia) (points 1, 55, 11, 12, 13, 34, 35, 36 and all body joints and daily massage).
Immune system deficiency (points 1, 55, 120, 49).
Muscle spasm several dry cupping around the affected muscle.
Poor blood circulation (points 1, 55, 11 and ten cups on both sides of the spine from the top to the bottom in addition to taking a teaspoon of pure organic, raw, apple cider vinegar and honey every other day).
Tingling arms (points 1, 55, 40, 20, 21, arm muscles and affected joints).
Tingling feet (points 1, 55, 11, 12, 13, 26, 27, feet joints and affected muscles).
Abdominal pain (points 1, 55, 7, 8 and dry cupping on 137, 138, 139, 140, as well as dry cupping on the back opposite to the pain).
(Dry Cupping means without any incisions/scratches (.

Group (B)

Important Note: The following points are arranged according to their importance. Sometimes, the cupping therapist does not need to use all of the points and sometimes he/she has to use them all, depending on the condition of the disease.
Hemorrhoids (swollen vessels around anus) (points 1, 55, 121, 11, 6 and dry cupping on 137, 138, 139).
Anal Fistula (opening in skin near anus, due to formation of a channel through which fluid leaks) (points 1, 55, 6, 11, 12, 13 and cupping around the anus and above the fistula hole).
Prostate and Erectile dysfunction, ED (male impotence and urinary difficulty due to enlarged prostate gland) (points 1, 55, 6, 11, 12, 13) and you may add for ED 125, 126, 131 on both legs, and dry cupping on 140, 143.(
Chronic coughs and lung diseases (points 1, 55, 4, 5, 120, 49, 115, 116, 9, 10, 117, 118, 135, 136, and two cups below both knees).
Hypertension (high blood pressure) (points 1, 55, 2, 3, 11, 12, 13, 101, 32, 6, 48, 9, 10, 7, 8, and you may replace 2, 3 with 43, 44).
Stomach problems and ulcers (points 1, 55, 7, 8, 50, 41, 42 and dry cupping on 137, 138, 139, 140).
Renal (kidney) disease (points 1, 55, 9, 10, 41, 42 and dry cupping on 137,140).
Irritable bowel syndrome (abdominal cramps and discomfort characterized by bloating and trapped wind and alternating bouts of diarrhea and constipation, often related to anxiety) (points 1, 55, 6, 48, 7, 8, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 45, 46 and dry cupping on 137).
Chronic constipation (long term difficulty with opening bowels) (points 1, 55, 11, 12, 13, 28, 29, 30, 31).
Diarrhea (dry cupping on 137, 138, 139, 140).
Involuntary urination (bed wetting) (after the age of five: dry cupping on 137, 138, 139, 140, 142, 143, 125, 126).
Depression, withdrawal, insomnia (inability to sleep), psychological conditions and nervousness (points 1, 55, 6, 11, 32 and below the knees).
Angiospasm and Arteriosclerosis (narrowing of the blood vessels due to muscular spasm or fatty deposits) (points 1, 55, 11) (cupping points are on the places of pain in addition to a teaspoon of pure, organic, raw, apple cider vinegar and honey every other day).
Inflammation in the lining of the stomach (gastritis) (points 1, 55, 121).
Excessive sleep (points 1, 55, 36) in addition to a teaspoon of pure, organic, raw, apple cider vinegar and honey every other day).
Food allergies (one dry cup using a light suction directly on the umbilicus pit [belly button]).
Sores, leg and thigh abscesses (pus filled spots) and itching of iliac fossae (itching in hip area) (points 1, 55, 129, 120).

Group (C)

Important Note: The following points are arranged according to their importance. Sometimes, the cupping therapist does not need to use all of the points and sometimes he/she has to use them all depending on the condition of the disease.

Heart disease (points 1, 55, 19, 119, 7, 8, 46, 46, 47, 133, 134).
Diabetes (points 1, 55, 6, 7, 8, 22, 23, 24, 25, 120, 49) note: the area of cupping should be applied with black seed oil or honey for 3 days.
Liver and gall bladder disease (points 1, 55, 6, 48, 41, 42, 46, 51, 122, 123, 124 and 5 cups on the right, outer leg).
Varicose veins (enlarged, unsightly superficial veins) on the legs (points 1, 55, 28, 29, 30, 31, 132 and around the veins but NOT over the veins).
Varicocele (enlarged unsightly veins on scrotum of male) (points 1, 55, 6, 11, 12, 13, 28, 29, 30, 31, 125, 126).
Elephantiasis (swollen leg due to blockage of lymph channels) note: the patient should rest for 2 days before cupping. He/She should also raise his/her affected leg up and then place it in warm water for two hours prior to cupping (points 1, 55, 11, 12, 13, 120, 49, 121 and around the affected leg from the top of the leg to the bottom in addition to 125, 126, 53, 54).
Skin diseases (points 1, 55, 49, 120, 129, 6, 7, 8, 11 and cupping on the affected areas).
Overweight (points 1, 55, 9, 10, 120, 49 and areas of desired weight loss), daily massage cupping over area of desired weight loss.
Underweight (points 1, 55, 121).
Cellulite daily massage cupping over affected area.
Infertility (points 1, 55, 6, 11, 12, 13, 120, 49, 125, 126, 143, 41, 42).
Thyroid disease (points 1, 55, 41, 42).

Group (D)

Headaches (points 1, 55, 2, 3) and you may replace points 2, 3 with 43, 44. If it is caused by eye strain add 104, 105 and 36. If it is caused by nasal sinuses add 102, 103 and 114. If it is caused by high blood pressure add 11, 101 and 32. If it is caused by constipation add 28, 29, 30 and 31. If it is caused by a cold add 120, 4 and 5. If it is caused by a stomach ache add 7, 8. If it is caused by the kidneys add 9, 10. If it is caused by menstruation for women add 11, 12 and 13. If it is caused by gall bladder and liver add 6, 48. If it is caused by the spine column perform cupping on the spine. If it is caused by tension add 6, 11 and 32. If it is caused by anemia add 120, 49 and take one teaspoon of black honey (molasses) with a quarter of a teaspoon of ground fenugreek and 7 ground black seeds daily. If the headache is due to tumors in the brain, cupping should be performed on the area of pain on the head).
Migraine (severe headache associated with nausea and visual disturbance)(points 1, 55, 2, 3, 106 and area of pain).
Diseases of the eyes (retina, eye disorder, blurred vision, atrophy of the eye nerves, glaucoma (Blue Water), cataract (White Water) and weak eye, eye inflammation and secretion of tears and eye sensitivity (points 1, 55, 36, 101, 104 , 105, 9, 10, 34, 35, above the eyebrows and on the hair line above the forehead).
Tonsils, throat, gums, teeth, and the middle ear problems (dizziness, nausea and ringing in ears) (points 1, 55, 20, 21, 41, 42, 120, 49, 114, 43, 44).
Weakness of hearing and inflammation of hearing nerve, tinnitus (ringing sensation in ears) (points 1, 55, 20, 21, 37, 38 and behind the ear).
Nasal sinuses (points 1, 55, 102, 103, 108, 109, 36, 14 and on the hair line).
Neuritis (inflammation) of the fifth and seventh nerves (points 1, 55, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114 and on the affected area).
To stimulate the system of perception (encourage awareness) (points 1, 55, 2, 3, 32).
Clinical Memory Loss (important: if point 39 is cupped unnecessarily it may cause damage to the memory. Also its unnecessary repetition may increase memory loss (point 39 occipital prominence).
Mute (unable to speak) (points 1, 55, 36, 33, 107, 114).
To help stop smoking (points 1, 55, 106, 11, 32).
Convulsion (fits) (points 1, 55, 101, 36, 32, 107 on both sides, 114, 11, 12, 13).
For the treatment of mental retardation (points 1, 55, (101 only once) 36, 32, 2, 3, 120, 49, 11, 12, 13( .
Atrophy (loss) of brain cells (oxygen deficiency) (points 1, 55, 101, 36, 32, 34, 35, 11 and perform cupping on the joints, muscles and neck, 43 and 44 on the front and back. Eat honey and royal jelly. Perform massage cupping daily).

Group (E) Gynecological

Hemorrhage (vaginal bleeding) (points 1, 55, (3 dry cups under each breast daily until bleeding ceases).
Amenorrhea (absence of periods) (points 1, 55, 129, (131 from the outside), 135, 136 (.
Brownish Secretion 3 dry cups under each breast daily until secretion ceases (points 1, 55, 120, 49, 11, 12, 13 and 143). If secretion has no smell, no colour or itching, perform cupping on (points 1, 55, 9, 10, 41, 42, 11, 12, 13, 143).
Menstruation (period) problems (points 1, 55 (dry cupping on 125, 126, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143).
To stimulate the ovaries (points 1, 55, 11, (dry cupping on 125, 126).
Pain after a uterus (womb) operation, menstrual (period) pain, the problems of ligation of the fallopian tube (tube being tied/blocked), milk existence in the breast without being pregnant and menopausal symptoms (depression, nervousness, psychological conditions, acute uterus) (points 1, 55, 6, 48, 11, 12, 13, 120, 49) (Dry Cupping on 125, 126). To regulate the menses, it is preferred to perform cupping on the second day of the menses.

Cupping places on the back

1, the shoulder, the seventh vertebra (bone of spine) of the neck.
2 & 3, the area between the ears, the back of the head where hair grows or on the sides of the neck.
4 & 5, the air door between the two ribs upwards in the branching of the tracheae (main windpipe) and the bronchus (smaller windpipe).
6, the gall bladder at the peripheral of the right rib toward the spine.
7 & 8, on the stomach place at the middle of the back opposite to the stomach on the spinal sides.
9 & 10, the kidney centre under 7 & 8 on the middle of the back.
11, lumbar vertebrae – a prominent bone at the lower back of the vertebra column.
12 & 13, on the sides of 11, slightly upward, 5cm away from the spine.
14, 15, 16 & 17, the colon, almost on the colon corners from the back and 18 of the middle of the spine.
19, the heart, opposite to the heart from the back and almost on the left rib side.
20 & 21, tonsils triangle that lies in the area between the neck and the shoulder with a slight bending to the back.
22 & 23, above the pancreas gland under the rib end.
24 & 25, at the beginning of the lower half of the back.
26 & 27, bilaterally at the sides of the iliac bone.
28, 29, 30 & 31, at the upper part of the buttocks.
32, on the middle of the head.
33, on the right part of the hair near the forehead or the hair line.
34 & 35, the right and left part of the brain (at the temporal sides of the brain) as well as the occipital bone.
36, the cerebellum (occipital) prominent bone on the head.
37 & 38, nearly 3cm above the ears.
39, prominent occipital bone, the deep area at the back of the head where cupping is prohibited, except in necessary cases.
40, in the middle of the back of the neck.
41 & 42, on the back of the head to the right and the left.
43 & 44, the sides of the neck.
45 & 46, nearly 3cm above the air trachea (4-5).
47, on the left shoulder in addition to the heart.
48, on the right rib from upward, complementary to the gall bladder knot.
49, the immunity area from the back, between the two scapulae (shoulder blades).
50, 6cm slightly above 8, for stomach ulcers.
51 & 52, the two thigh bones (femur), from both sides.
53 & 54, the inner part of the knee from the back.
55, almost 3cm under the shoulder.

Cupping places on the face and abdomen

101, the forehead on the place of worship in praying and it is better not to repeat it.
102 & 103, above the eyebrows from the inner part of the nasal sinuses.
104 & 105, on both sides of the brows and slightly upward for headaches and sight.
106, almost 6cm above the left ear to help give up smoking.
107, nearly 4cm above the cheeks to assist in speech.
108 & 109, on the sides of the nose for nasal sinuses.
110, under the ear from the right and left.
111, 112 & 113, near the eye and the cheek and near the lip to treat the fifth and sixth nerve.
114, under the chin and it has many benefits.
115 & 116, under the ends of the clavicle (collar bone) from the outside and on the shoulders.
117 & 118, under the clavicle (collar bone) from the inside, on the chest.
119, the heart, under the middle of the left clavicle (collar bone) using four fingers of the patient himself.
120, sternum bone (breastplate), in the middle of the chest.
121, first part of the stomach directly under the chest bone.
122, 123 & 124, above the liver, right of the belly.
125 & 126, between the belly and the thigh near the pubic hair area for involuntary urination, infertility…etc.
127 & 128, on the inner part of the thighs.
129, on the back of the feet to the right.
130, on the sides of the heel from inside and outside for oedema.
131, above the heel bone nearly 5cm from the outside.
132, varicocele.
133, almost 2cm above the stomach mouth and near the end of the chest bone.
134, under the left breast.
135 & 136, 5cm away from the breast nipple from the inside for the lungs.
137, 138, 139 & 140, above, right, left and under the umbilicus (belly button).
141, & 142, Right and left of 140.
143, above the bladder.