Hijama is considered one of the oldest traditional medical and therapeutic treatments. The roots of this treatment date back to the time of ancient Egyptians and Assyrians. There are different types of cupping, including dry cupping and wet cupping. However, before understanding the difference between dry and wet cupping, it is important to note that both are similar in principle. Here, we will learn more about each type of cupping and its benefits.
Definition of Dry Hijama cupping
Dry Hijama is a type of cupping that is widely known in alternative traditional medicine. The essence of dry Hijama cupping lies in using suction cups on specific areas of the skin without causing any wounds or scratches. The air is suctioned out of these cups either through heat methods or by using a manual pump on the cup, creating a negative pressure that lifts and suctions the skin into the cup.
How to do dry Hijama cupping
To learn how to perform dry Hijama cupping, it is important to explain the steps involved in this procedure. Dry cupping is done in several stages as follows:
Site Selection:
The practitioner identifies specific areas on the body to place the cups, often on the back, thighs, or shoulders. Then, the skin is thoroughly cleaned to ensure hygiene and prevent any infections or inflammations.
Place the cups:
Suitable cups are chosen for Hijama, which can be made of glass, plastic, or wood. The cup is then placed on the skin after applying a light flame inside the cup to create suction and pressure difference, cooling the air and pulling the skin (in the thermal method). Alternatively, manual suction is applied through a hand pump on the cup if the flame is not used.
Cup Removal:
A suitable waiting time, usually around 10 minutes to 15 minutes, is observed. The cups are gently lifted off the skin, and usually, the individual does not feel any pain if the dry cupping technique is applied correctly.
Post-Dry Cupping:
The Hijama area is gently massaged to stimulate blood circulation in the skin and treat muscle spasms. It is also advised to drink appropriate amounts of water after a Hijama session and avoid strenuous activities.
Good places for Hijama and its benefits
The sites for dry Hijama are determined based on the individual’s condition and the purpose of the session. Some important areas for dry cupping on the body include:
Dry hijama Cupping for the Back:
Especially in the region of the spine and shoulders. The main benefits of dry cupping for the back are stimulating blood circulation, treating back pain issues and muscle spasms, addressing shoulder tension, and activating the nervous system.
Dry Hijama for the Abdomen:
Dry Hijama is done on the lower and upper abdomen. The benefits of dry cupping for the abdomen include improving digestive system function, reducing bloating and colonic spasms, and alleviating menstrual pain in women.
Dry hijama Cupping for the Extremities:
Particularly on the thighs and arms. The main benefits of dry Hijama for the extremities are relieving muscle tension, enhancing blood circulation, reducing varicose veins and their associated pain, and improving blood flow to the limbs.
What is wet Hijama cupping?
Wet Hijama is a type of cupping therapy that involves creating small incisions in the skin after the cups are applied to create suction. This procedure aims to draw out a small amount of blood from the body, which helps in eliminating accumulated toxins, improving blood circulation, and relieving pain.
How to do Wet Hijama cupping
To understand the process of wet Hijama, it is necessary to explain the steps involved in this procedure. Wet cupping is done in several stages as follows:
Site Selection:
The therapist identifies specific areas on the body to place the cupping cups, usually on the back, thighs, or shoulders. The skin is then thoroughly cleaned to ensure cleanliness and prevent any infections or inflammations.
Put the Cupping Cups:
Cups of appropriate size are chosen for the designated areas. A hand pump or heating the air inside the cup using a small flame is used to create suction and place the cup on the skin, creating a vacuum that pulls the skin inward.
Incision Creation:
After the cups are left on the skin for a duration of 3 to 5 minutes, they are gently removed, and a small scalpel is used to create superficial incisions on the skin in the areas that were under the cups.
Cupping Cups Replace:
The cups are reapplied to the same sites to create suction once again. This suction helps draw the blood from the incisions into the cups. The cups are left on the skin for a duration of 5 to 10 minutes.
Cup Removal:
An appropriate waiting period, usually around 10 minutes, is observed before gently lifting the cups off the skin. Antiseptic materials are used to prevent infections, and antibacterial ointments are applied.
Aftercare:
It is important to drink adequate amounts of water after the wet Hijama cupping session. It is also necessary to monitor the sites of wet cupping and directly consult the specialized therapist if there is a possibility of inflammation.
Places of wet Hijama cupping and its benefits
The placement of wet Hijama is determined according to the individual’s condition and the goal of the session. Some important areas for wet cupping on the body are:
Wet Hijama Cupping for the Back:
Especially in the area of the spine and shoulders. The main benefits of wet cupping for the back include detoxification, improving blood circulation, relieving neck pain, relieving lower back pain, and reducing muscle spasms.
Wet Hijama Cupping for the Limbs:
Especially the thighs and arms. The main benefits of wet cupping for the limbs include improving blood circulation and enhancing blood flow to the limbs, especially the legs, relieving muscle spasms, and alleviating muscle pain.
Wet Hijama Cupping for the Chest:
One of the main benefits of wet cupping in the chest area is relieving symptoms of asthma, improving respiratory function, and eliminating stagnant blood.
Which is better, dry or wet cupping?
The answer to the question of which is better, dry cupping or wet cupping, depends on the therapeutic purpose of cupping. If the goal of cupping is to relieve mild muscle tension and promote relaxation, dry cupping would be preferable. However, if the goal is to eliminate toxins from the body, remove stagnant blood, and improve blood circulation, wet cupping would be the better choice. Additionally, the individual’s health condition may also influence the selection of the most suitable type of cupping.
FAQ
Dry cupping is used to relieve muscle tension, improve blood circulation, enhance respiratory function, and promote relaxation.
Dry cupping works by creating suction on the skin using cups, which helps increase blood flow to the affected area and relieve muscle tension. However, it does not remove air from the body. The suction created by the cups helps lift the skin and the underlying tissues, improving blood flow and reducing tension.
Dry cupping is suitable for individuals suffering from muscle spasms, athletes, people experiencing headaches and tension, as well as those dealing with inflammation and pain in the joints and lower back.
It is important to drink plenty of water and focus on consuming foods rich in iron and protein. Additionally, including fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet is recommended.
It is preferable to wait for 24 hours before taking a shower after a dry cupping session. This helps reduce the risk of skin infections and gives the skin enough time to heal.
Fasting is not necessary before dry cupping, but it is advisable to have a light meal before the session and avoid consuming fatty and heavy meals beforehand.
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