BEKAM : Closer look

Closer look

Bekam might be a popular alternative medical treatment across the country but many people still know little about it. Below are some facts about the treatment from a number of sources:

What does bekam mean?

Bekam is a Malay word that means “cupping” when translated literally into English. It is also referred to as “Al Hijama” in Arabic cultures. The “cupping” term refers to the process of attaching cups onto the skin at points requiring treatment, using the “suction effect”. This is induced by a vacuum pump or by burning alcohol or eucalyptus oil.

What are the history and origins of bekam?

The origins of bekam date back to China about 2,000 years ago. Historically, treatment has evolved from early acupuncture practices based on the vital pressure points of the Human Anatomy.

Bekam is widely believed throughout the Islamic cultures of Arabia, Malaysia and Indonesia to be part of the “Prophetic Medicine” — part of the holistic medical treatments advocated by the Prophet Muhammad for both preventive and rehabilitative purposes. Bekam is often popular as “Sehat Alami dan Islami” (naturally healthy and Islamic).

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