Like A Virgin: Cupped For The Very First Time

The Arabic word for cupping/bloodletting is Al-Hijamah (hee-jaa-mah). The Arabic root for it is al-hajm and means sucking. The one who performs hijamah is referred to as Al-Hajjam. The blood originates from a vessel called Al-Mihjam.

Blood is removed from the body by way of special cups that vary in size. Blood can become stagnated and contribute to the build up of toxins in the body. Once this bad blood is released, new blood can flow freely which in turn restores good health bi’idhnillah. Hijamah has many health benefits and has the ability to cure the following ailments: headaches, menstrual pain, arthritis, revitalizes skin, back pain, cold/flu, even depression. And the list goes on!

It is a fading sunnah that needs to be revived. Honestly, I had no idea what hijamah was until I came to Saudi Arabia. Last week, I had the opportunity to be cupped by a good friend for the first time. As another friend would say, “there’s a first time for everything!”

Before my friend began, I said bismillah and had no fear whatsoever. I was calm and a little bit excited to be trying something new. I also felt proud of doing something that the Prophet (peace be upon him) strongly recommended. I made du’a that Allah would cure me.

When my friend pricked the skin on my back with the razor, it actually tickled. The suctioning of the cups were uncomfortable and there was some burning when my friend applied alcohol but overall I felt fine. I don’t have a weak stomach when it comes to seeing blood and when I saw mine on the tissue, I was shocked! My blood was dark red and congealed.

I was cupped in nine places. There was a point when I think my iron got low because I felt nauseous and as if I would faint. My friend stopped and reminded me to recite the Shahada, Surah Al-Ikhlas, Surah An-Nas, Surah Al-Falaq, Ayat Al-Kursi, the last 2 ayat of surah Al-Baqarah. I started to feel better immediately and this confirmed the healing power of the above soorat and ayat alhamdulillah.

Umm Husammudin is a Muslimah whom I met on FaceBook. She is from the UK and practices hijamah. I told her about my first hijamah experience and would like to include some of our dialogue: