what is hijama therapy

Hijama therapy, also known as cupping therapy, is an ancient form of alternative medicine that involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction. This causes the tissue beneath the cup to be drawn up and swell, which increases blood flow to the affected area. The enhanced blood flow under the cups draws impurities and toxins away from the nearby tissues and organs towards the surface for elimination. There are two types of cupping therapy: dry cupping and wet cupping (hijama) . In dry cupping, the air inside a plastic or glass cup is suctioned or vacuumed out by placing the cup on the skin. In most cases, the cups can be used at rest or while moving. In wet cupping or hijama, a mild suction is created by leaving a cup in place for about 3 minutes. The therapist then removes the cup and makes small cuts in the skin to let out a small amount of blood. Cupping therapy is believed to ease pain, release toxins from body tissue and organs, and improve oral and dental health.