Hijama
Hijama (Wet Cupping Therapy)
Ancient therapeutic practice involving controlled skin incisions and suction cups to draw out blood, believed to remove toxins, reduce inflammation, and stimulate immune response. Deeply rooted in Islamic Prophetic medicine and widely practiced across the Middle East with growing clinical evidence for pain management and cardiovascular health.
Key Research
Peer-Reviewed Evidence • 3 Citations
The medical perspective of cupping therapy: Effects and mechanisms of action
Al-Bedah AMN et al.•J Tradit Complement Med•2019•PMID: 30425927
Key Finding: Comprehensive review of 60+ studies concluding wet cupping has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects via nitric oxide modulation and pain gate theory.
View on PubMedEffectiveness of wet cupping as adjunctive therapy for hypertension
Aleyeidi NA et al.•J Integr Med•2015•PMID: 26343101
Key Finding: RCT (n=40) showed wet cupping significantly reduced systolic BP by 13.2 mmHg vs control at 4 weeks.
View on PubMedEvaluation of wet-cupping for persistent nonspecific low back pain
Kim JI et al.•BMC Complement Altern Med•2011•PMID: 21251269
Key Finding: RCT found wet cupping significantly reduced pain (NRS) and improved disability (ODI) for chronic low back pain.
View on PubMedCitations sourced from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and peer-reviewed journals. Study findings are summarized for accessibility. Always consult the original publication for full methodology and results.
📊 Evidence by Outcome
Multiple RCTs demonstrate significant reduction in chronic low back, neck, and general musculoskeletal pain. Kim et al. (2011) showed meaningful NRS and ODI improvements at 4 weeks.
12 studies • Consistency: Moderate • Effect: Moderate
Two RCTs show systolic BP reduction of 8-13 mmHg. Proposed mechanism via nitric oxide release and clearance of oxidized blood components.
5 studies • Consistency: Moderate • Effect: Moderate
Observational studies show changes in WBC counts and NK cell activity post-cupping. Taibah theory proposes selective clearance of senescent blood components.
6 studies • Consistency: Mixed • Effect: Small
👥 Community Insights
Chronic shoulder pain cleared after 2 Hijama sessions. My go-to therapy now.
Community member • Dubai• Verified
Blood pressure dropped from 150/95 to 130/85 after 3 sessions combined with lifestyle changes.
Community member • Abu Dhabi• Verified
📋 Protocol Snapshot
Protocols are for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment protocol.
Where to Get It (UAE)
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Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Kamura Scores reflect a combination of research evidence, community data, and other factors — they are not clinical recommendations. Research citations are provided for reference; always consult the original publications for complete study details. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any treatment. Individual results may vary.