Analysis of the Types of Cupping in Hijama Therapy

Abstract

Hijama, or cupping therapy, is a traditional healing practice that has persisted across civilizations and continues to be widely utilized in contemporary complementary and alternative medicine. Historically, cupping has been documented in ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Greek medical texts, where it was employed to treat a variety of ailments ranging from musculoskeletal pain to systemic disorders (Aqeel et al., 2025). Within Islamic medicine, Hijama occupies a distinctive position due to its endorsement in prophetic traditions (ahadith), which elevated it from a therapeutic intervention to a spiritually significant practice (Kawoosa, 2023).

In modern times, Hijama has gained renewed attention as part of integrative medicine, with researchers exploring its physiological mechanisms and clinical efficacy. Different types of cupping—wet cupping, dry cupping, massage/moving cupping, and fire cupping—are practiced globally, each with unique therapeutic rationales. Wet cupping, involving controlled bloodletting, is often associated with detoxification and relief of chronic conditions, while dry cupping emphasizes circulatory stimulation and muscular relaxation (Hassan et al., 2023). Massage cupping integrates suction with movement to enhance lymphatic drainage, and fire cupping, rooted in traditional methods, utilizes rapid suction for respiratory and circulatory benefits.

Despite its widespread use, Hijama remains under-researched in terms of standardized protocols and biomedical validation. Current literature highlights promising outcomes in pain management, hypertension, and rehabilitation, yet methodological inconsistencies limit definitive conclusions. This research aims to analyze the types of cupping in Hijama therapy, situating them within historical, religious, and biomedical contexts, while emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific inquiry to bridge traditional practice with modern healthcare frameworks.