Abstract

CUPPING (HIJAMAH): A UNIQUE REGIMENAL THERAPY

*Dr. Ehsan Rauf, Dr. M. A. Khan, Dr. Z. H. Siddiqui, Dr. Jamal Akhtar, Dr. Mohammad Azam

Abstract

In Unani system of medicine patients are treated with three types of therapy. These are Ilaj bit tadbeer wa Ilaj Bil Ghiza (Regimenal and Dietotherapy), Ilaj Bil Advia (Pharmacotherapy), Ilaj Bil Yad (Surgery). Cupping (Hijamah) is one of the oldest and frequently practiced regimenal therapy. It is of two types one is Hijamah bila shurt (Non invasive cupping or Dry Cupping) and second is Hijamah Bil shurt (Invasive cupping or wet Cupping). It is indicated in various diseases like Osteoarthritis, Frozen shoulder dysmenorrhoea, backache, headache etc. The most dramatic effect of cupping is upon the skin & the body fluid flow in the arteries & veins increases, thus resulting in to detoxification. It helps in reduction of pain by increasing the blood supply in the affected area which causes the secretion of natural analgesics such as endorphins & Cortisol. The benefits of cupping are Regulating & betterment of Autonomic nervous system, Removal of pain, Relaxation of stiff muscles & tendons. The efficacy and safety of cupping therapy in different diseases as indicated by Unani Physicians can be evaluated on modern parameters and can be used single or as an adjuvant with other therapies especially in Arthritis so that the therapy becomes more commonly used for the treatment of various diseases.

Keywords: Cupping, Unani Medicine, Hijamah, Regimenal Therapy.