Holistic Islamic healings: Can wet cupping improve your health?

You’ve heard of the Chinese medical practice dry cupping and the touted health benefits associated with the alternative therapy, but have you tried the Islamic healing technique of ‘Hijama’ or wet cupping?

Wet cupping in action in Amman, Jordan. Source: Cupping Therapy

The popular Islamic medical practice of ‘blood letting’, which dates back to ancient Egyptian times, aims to boost your blood circulation and clean out your lymphatic system via controlled, supervised bleeding techniques.

Although this bloody therapy may sound rather gruesome, research suggests it could be effective in treating shingles, facial paralysis, psoriasis, asthma and cervical spondylosis.  

Jordan-based general practitioner and wet cupping expert Dr Sireen Hatem Alhammoury says it’s also relatively pain-free.

“The patient may receive a little pain sensation but it is like the scratch of a cat,” says Dr Alhammoury, who has been performing Hijama in Amman, Jordan, for over 20 years.