Hijama cupping is a therapeutic treatment and it has been practiced for few thousand years. And if you are in pain, it helps to restore circulation, relieve tension, and heal, based on traditional tribal healing. When using cupping therapy, everyone who considers doing it usually wonders what gains he or she is likely to have. In this article, you will find everything you ever wanted to know about cupping therapy and its benefits all explained in plain language.
What is Hijama Cupping Therapy?
Hijama cupping or simply cupping is one type of therapeutic practices of unconventional medicine that involves application of special cups to the skin to create a vacuum. The suction assists on increasing circulation of blood and lessens the tensions in the muscles. There are two types of cupping: dry and wet. Dry cupping solely apply vacuum only while wet cupping (or Hijama cupping) applying vacuum and a minimal degree of blood letting out from the skin.
Hijama cupping therapy is in practice among many cultures especially the Middle Eastern, Asians and the Africans. You will also notice athletes and celebrities opting to use it in their fitness and nutrition improvement processes. The therapy can be applied on various part of the patient’s body but more so on the back, shoulders and neck as well as legs.
Cupping therapy can help to stimulate and regulate different mechanisms in the organism: Both the active and passive breathing mechanisms, gastrointestinal movements, hormonal actions, nerve routing, and drainage pathways can encourage flexibility within the body.
Cupping causes tension in the skin and tissues that causes them to be lifted slightly above the skin surface. It also leads to the dilatation of blood vessels in the affected tissues which in turn improves the supply of oxygen and nutrients. It also reduces inflammation and encouraged the healing process. The skin while on the cups tend to become lighter and after the cups are removed the increased blood flow continues to work in getting the body back into shape.
Cupping therapy can be done using different methods:
- Dry cupping: This can be done by putting cups on the skin without drawing any cuts on it.
- Wet cupping (Hijama cupping): Such as shaving incisions on the skin to slightly nick it in that it leads to drawing a small amount of blood which is said to clear the body toxins.
- Fire cupping: Takes a flame and blows it through the cups to make them create suction before placing on the skin.
Advantages of Cupping Therapy (Hijama Cupping)
benefits of cupping therapy:
- Cupping therapy is most widely used to ease muscle pain and tension. Cups are therefore able to assist in improving blood circulation on area where they are placed as well as in relation to easing constricted muscles. Personages who suffer from delayed onset muscle soreness, back pain and stiffness sometimes ask for cupping.
- Boosts Blood Circulation Cupping therapy also enhances blood flow in regions to which the cups are placed. This increased circulation can help body to heal faster and improve the rate of detoxification in the body. More blood flow also means more oxygen and feeding nutrients are supplied to the myriad of tissues in the component part of the body.
- Aids in Sports Recovery Many people especially athletes use cupping to assist with muscle recovery after training or competitions. The therapy may be beneficial in relieving the muscle soreness and enhance flexibility of a patient; a reason the athletes should embrace the therapy.
- Prevents Inflammation When the body is constantly inflamed, it experiences discomfort and develops different diseases. In cupping therapy, blood normally circulates within the vein, and the body releases substances that fight inflammation. It may be of use to those struggling with arthritis or sports injuries for instance.
- Cupping therapy not only helps to ease the stress and tension on the body Cupping is not only for the body but for the mind as well. The therapy can be quite effective in alleviating stress and encouraging the feeling of relaxation as the muscles tightness and energy stagnation are diminished. The practitioners who use cupping say that those who have anxiety or feel stressed may find cupping soothing.
- Tones up the Immune System Some people have argued that cupping has a way of enhancing the immune system because it is a process through which toxins are eliminated together with the promoting of lymphatic flow. The work of the lymphatic system is connected to the immune system, so it means that if you maintain the largest lymphatic organ, the skin, healthy, it will be easier to protect your body against diseases.
- Potential Usefulness Respiratory Diseases Cupping therapy is also very helpful in respiratory diseases such as asthma, colds and bronchial pneumonia. It may also be useful in ridding the lungs of mucus and in generally making breathing less labored if the musculature around the respiratory system is relaxed. Nevertheless, it is important that you consult a doctor before you decide to use cupping as a treatment for respiratory disease.
- Treats Migraine and Headache Both men and women suffering from migraines or frequent headaches may benefit from cupping therapy. The painful procedure can help in getting rid of muscle contractions and better blood circulation, the factors that can lead to less headaches occurrence and their severity. Cupping can also aid in mending the thoughts, therefore helpful to people with stress-related headaches.
- Enhances skin Circulation and toxicity elimination Cupping therapy may enhance the quality of the skin, circulation, factors such as improved blood flow. Acne, eczema, or psoriasis could be among the skin disorders for which some people apply cupping. Such advantages also include the capacity to enhance the appearance of the skin since the therapy encourages circulation of energy and nourishment beneath the skin layers.
- Can strengthen the Gut Health Since cupping helps to stimulate circulation and decrease stress, it might also aid in digestive health. It is self-remedial and can be used to alleviate symptoms of Digestive tract problems including bloating, constipation and indigestion. It may also augment the operation of the digestive organs since circulation seems to be boosted.
Is Cupping Therapy Safe?
Cupping therapy is relatively harmless if performed by a specialist, as these areas may be vulnerable to various diseases. But it can be less beneficial for others. Cupping therapy is contraindicated in pregnant women, persons with bleeding disorder or those who are on blood thinning medications. In many cases, patients develop mild bleeding or dark spots on the skin which subside within one to seven days.
What to look forward to during cupping therapy
In cupping session, your therapist will put heated cups on the skin more especially on back, shoulders or other parts that require attention. The suction that is produced out of the cups does feel a bit tight but it should not be painful. The cups are generally left into place from 5 to 10 minutes. As little wounds, you may find them after the session having round shapes like bruises where the cups were put on. These marks are fine and very much resemble bruises, which should soothe over a couple of days to weeks.
First-timers should inform their cupping therapist about their health issues or concerns before they begin the cupping treatment. They can change the treatment to fit the patients needs.
Conclusion
Cupping therapy is also referred to as Hijama cupping, and it is an ageless remedy that has a range of benefits; including; pain relief, enhanced blood flow, stress relief, and skin enhancement. Although it is relatively safe, it is recommended that it be done right by an expert and preferably a qualified one at that. The best way to know whether cupping therapy is for you or not, you should consult your healthcare practitioner.