Benefits of Hijama Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders

Hijama, also known as cupping therapy or wet cupping is a technique used to suction out blood from your body with the help of special cups. It is an alternative medicine that is known to help with various illnesses while also leading to a reduction in anxiety, pain, and inflammation.

While the benefits of hijama are quite vast, for this article we will focus our attention on the potential benefits of hijama for musculoskeletal disorders. Keep reading to know more.

1. Migraine

Migraine is a medical condition that often comes with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sound, and smells. Migraine attacks may last hours to days, and these severe headaches may interfere with the daily activities of individuals. It occurs when there is a reduction in blood flow to the brain. This is the reason why it is referred to as vascular head pain.

The cups used during cupping therapy are moved up and down over the cheekbones, forehead, and base of the neck, resulting in increased blood circulation, relaxed muscles, and reduced stress. The pain will reduce simultaneously once the brain receives adequate oxygen and blood supply. Hence, Hijama is proven to be one of the best headache remedies for those suffering from frequent migraine

2. Depression

Feelings of sadness and anxiety at some time or another are widespread in people of all ages. But, when these feelings last for longer periods and are accompanied by suicidal thoughts, then it will called depression.

Cupping can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. It also removes toxins, impurities, dead cells and lymph, and other debris from the body and eliminates disease-causing pathogens. As blood circulation in the body improves, the cells receive a fresh infusion of blood that is rich in oxygen and nutrients. The injuries and muscle knots in the cells heal, and as the chemicals and pollutants are removed from the body naturally, the patient feels the depression fade away.

3. Anxiety

In today’s fast-paced world, anxiety has become too familiar. Many of us constantly search for ways to relax and balance our lives. Cupping therapy, an ancient practice that has stood the test of time, offers a holistic approach to relieving anxiety.

Cupping helps anxiety through the parasympathetic nervous system. When your practitioner glides the cups across your body, the motion triggers your parasympathetic nervous system. The activated parasympathetic nervous system produces a calm and relaxed feeling in your mind and body. Therefore, the feeling of anxiety is reduced immediately.

4. Sleep disorders

Insomnia is the inability to sleep or stay asleep at night or both. It is a very common sleep disorder that makes it difficult to sleep or causes one to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep again.

Cupping is known for its ability to relieve pain and tension and promote relaxation. Indirectly, this can lead to a significant improvement in sleep. The stress and strain we experience during the day could result in muscle tightness and pain, which impacts our sleep cycle. It is an effective way to promote relaxation, which is essential in improving sleep duration and quality.

5. High blood pressure

Hypertension (high blood pressure) is when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high (140/90 mmHg or higher). Cupping therapy can help treat high blood pressure by drawing out the thicker blood from the bloodstream. This process enables lighter blood to circulate through the body and reduces systolic blood pressure without posing any side effects.

6. High cholesterol

High cholesterol is when too many lipids (fats) are in your blood. It’s also called hyperlipidemia or hypercholesterolemia. High cholesterol leads to plaque buildup inside your blood vessels.

Cupping may enhance blood circulation, which could help manage cholesterol levels by promoting better blood flow. It stimulates the body’s metabolism, potentially aiding in weight management, which is important for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

7. High uric acid

High uric acid levels, also known as hyperuricemia, can occur when the body produces too much or cannot remove enough of it. These levels can lead to gout or kidney stones.

Hijama can remove toxic substances from the blood, which can assist patients suffering from gout. It also improves blood circulation and reduces stagnation and pain. It helps open the lymphatic system and mobilize body wastes, and uric acid helps remove them from the body.

8. Varicose veins

Varicose veins are bulging, enlarged veins. Any vein close to the skin’s surface, called superficial, can become varicose. Varicose veins most often affect the veins in the legs. That’s because standing and walking increase the pressure in the veins of the lower body

.Cupping therapy decongests the bulging veins in the calf area and stimulates healthy blood flow by drawing oxygen and fresh blood into the affected area. It also stimulates the lymphatic system, which removes waste products and excess bodily fluids. Enhancing lymphatic drainage helps eliminate the stagnant blood and reduces any associated swelling or congestion.

9. Sciatica

Sciatica is pain going down the leg from the lower back. This pain may go down the back, outside, or front of the leg. Onset is often sudden following activities like heavy lifting or when a herniated disk or an overgrowth of bone puts pressure on the lumbar spine nerve roots.

Cupping therapy helps relieve sciatica by reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve. The suction from the cups can help release tension and decrease the pressure felt by the patient. In addition, cupping therapy can improve blood circulation in the affected area, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.

10. Back pain

Back pain is pain felt in the back. Depending on the segment affected, it may be classified as neck pain, middle back pain, lower back pain, or coccydynia. The lumbar area is the most common area affected.

Hijama is known for mainly reducing back pain. It minimizes muscle stiffness and spasms and promotes blood flow. When skin is pulled up through suction, several patients reported feeling more oxygen supply in their muscles and skin tissue. It can also help reduce inflammation, which is typical of back pain.

11. Infertility

Infertility is a condition where you can’t get pregnant after one year of trying to conceive. Causes of infertility can include ovulatory disorders, endometriosis, low sperm count, or low testosterone.

Hijama therapy for infertility increases blood circulation. It helps to drain fluids and toxins. It encourages the inherent recovery mechanisms as well. It also has the effect of regulating hormonal imbalances and stress levels. It helps rid toxins and improve blood circulation, helping transport a healthy blood flow to our reproductive organs, giving them all the nutrients, oxygen, vitamins, and minerals they need to produce healthy sperm and ovum.

12. Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder. Over time, it becomes very hard to move. It occurs when the strong connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint (called the shoulder joint capsule) becomes thick, stiff, and inflamed.

The suction made by the cups helps to pull up the muscles, stretch the damaged tissues, and increase blood circulation in the affected area. Fresh blood circulation provides oxygen, nutrients, and support to heal quickly and regain muscular and cellular strength. It reduces pain and improves shoulder movement. The range of motion starts coming back to normal.

13. Knee pain

Knee pain can have causes other than underlying disease. Examples include heavy physical activity, lack of use, injuries such as sprains or strains, sitting in a constrained area, or sitting on knees for a prolonged period.

If you have knee pain due to overuse or arthritis, cupping therapy can help relieve the discomfort by loosening tight muscles and reducing pressure on the joint. The suction created by the cups pulls blood to the surface, encouraging the body’s natural healing process. This can lead to a reduction in pain and improved mobility over time.