Hijaamah comes from al-hajm, which means “sucking”. The term is used to describe the action of an infant that suckles. Al-hajjaam is the name given to the cupper, hijaamah, for the profession and al-mihjam is the name given to the tool in which blood is collected, or to the knife used by the cupper.
Technically, Hijaam refers to the extraction of blood from the body by means of cupping using a suitable vessel or whatever modern equipment serves the same purpose.
Cupping was known since ancient times. It was known to the Chinese, the Babylonians, and the Pharaohs. Their archaeological relics indicate that they used cupping to treat some diseases. At first, they used metal cups or bulls’ horns, from which they would remove the air by sucking it out after placing the cup on the skin. Then they used glass cups from which they would remove the air by burning a piece of cotton or wool inside the cup.
There are lots of narrations from the Prophet where he mentioned benefits of hijamah and considered it as one of the ways to cure ailments. On of such is the hadeeth narrated by Anas ibn Maalik, may Allaah be pleased with him, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “I did not pass by any group on the night when I was taken on the Night Journey (Isra’), but they said to me, ‘O Muhammad, tell your ummah to do cupping.’” (Reported by Ibn Maajah; it has corroborating evidence which strengthens it). Also, Ibn ‘Abbaas (may Allaah be pleased with them both) reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Healing is to be found in three things: drinking honey, the knife of the cupper, and cauterization of fire.” (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 10/136).
Without exaggerating, the benefits of hijamah (cupping) are many. It helps address health issues, some of which are;
1- Circulatory diseases
2- Treating blood pressure and infection of the heart muscle
3- Diseases of the chest and trachea
4- Headache and pains in the eyes
5- Pain in the neck and stomach, and rheumatic pain in the muscles
6- Some diseases of the heart and chest, and pain in the joints
In addition, cupping may offer a unique treatment which may reduce pain, and it does not have any side-effect. However, some of the important things to note if one considers cupping; no one should undertake cupping except one who can do it well, because of the harm that may result if it is done by one who is incompetent.
And Allaah knows best.