Types of Hijama/ Cupping

Overtime, there have been studied 3 main types of Cupping, each with slightly different methods. These include The single step suction technique, the scarification and suction technique, and then the authentic triple step hijama technique. The Prophetic hijama, includes numbing of the skin using primary suction for 2.5 - 3 minutes, scarification, and then a third step suction. 

​

The single step suction technique is also known as dry cupping. The suction can be applied using negative pressure mechanical pumps and cups, or fire. Although the use of fire may seem quite daunting, the fire is only used to burn the oxygen enclosed within the cup. This creates the negative pressure when applied to the skin

​

The second technique, scarification followed by suction, is a simplified method which is more uncomfortable than both other techniques. This method does not allow for numbing of the skin, and despite being a type of wet cupping, is not practiced at #HofH

​

The third technique, and the most authentic, is the numbing, scarification and suction technique. This method was practiced by Prophet Muhammad SAW. In this method, the cups are primarily applied using either fire or negative pressure pumps, for 3 minutes in order to increase the blood at the surface of the skin, increasing the distance between the surface and pain receptors. Small 'scratches' are then induced using surgical blades, before the cups are reapplied for blood letting.