Al Hujama

Al Hujama (cupping)
Cupping is an ancient method used for the treatment of chronic diseases like headaches, migraines and back pains. It is a type of wet cupping that is frequently practiced in Jordan. It is a practice where the therapist puts special cups on the skin to create suction. This causes the tissue within the cup to be drawn and swelled which causes an increase in blood flow to the affected area. During a cupping treatment the therapist will put a flammable substance or paper in the cup and set it on fire. As the fire extinguishers, the cup is placed on the patient’s’skin. As the air inside the cup cools, it creates a vacuum. This causes the skin to rise and redden as the blood vessels expand. The cup is generally left in place for up to 3 minutes.
The therapist then removes the cup and uses a scalpel to make light and tiny cuts on the skin. Next, a second suction is done to draw out a small quantity of blood. This process is repeated on different parts of the body where the patient has pains. Some people believe that the best time to do it is on the 17th of the lunar month. Bandages and antibiotic ointment will be put on the treated area to prevent infection. People do the cupping in certain areas like the top of the head, the sides of the neck and on