Saudi Gazette Cupping is a traditional healing method that has been used for centuries in the Chinese and Arab culture. The therapeutic mechanism behind cupping is that it stimulates the flow of blood and energy throughout the body since many ailments are caused by stagnant blood and restricted flow of energy at certain points in the body. Therefore, restoring the flow of blood will restore health of these points and the entire body. As some blood is drawn out of the body, cupping helps remove toxins stored in the blood that have been circulating in the body; making it an excellent aid in general detoxification. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) performed cupping on his head, between his shoulders, and once on his leg after an injury. There are several Ahadith in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) recommended cupping. As narrated by Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “The best remedy is cupping.” He also said that cupping purifies the blood, lightens the back, and sharpens the eyesight. Faruq Siyam, a cupping expert here in Jeddah, briefly explained why cupping is beneficial. “Red blood cells have a life cycle of 120 days after which they die and new cells are regenerated. These dead cells accumulate on the surface of the skin and they impede blood circulation. Cupping plays a role in clearing these dead cells away and improving blood circulation,” he said. “Cupping is useful for treating headaches, back pain, chronic intestinal bloating, and also some infertility cases. More than 70 percent of human illnesses result from problems related to the blood such as hypertension, strokes, high cholesterol, and heart disease. All these can be prevented by cupping, if carried out by educated and skilled practitioners,” said Naser Al-Reshaidi who has extensive experience in cupping. Cupping therapy is also used to treat a number of other ailments including digestive disorders, severe menstrual discomfort, stiffness in the neck and shoulders, respiratory phlegm, acne, and general fatigue. It can also be used to improve immune function. Cupping is not a painful procedure; it feels like deep massage or acupuncture therapy. The patient can expect to experience intense pressure and also have marks on the area of the body that was treated. Many people in Saudi Arabia head to cupping clinics not only for health reasons but to follow the Sunnah prescribed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). However, professionals in the field have many words of caution that one must keep in mind before visiting cupping clinics. Cautions for cupping One must avoid cupping if taking anti-clotting medicines or while fasting. One must also stay away from crowded cupping clinics that receive more than one patient at a time. The risk of contracting contagious and infectious diseases is much higher when the interval period between one patient and the next is short. “It is almost impossible to adequately sterilize the equipment and the room if there is a large group of patients,” said Al-Reshaidi. “That is why we urge patients to seek places that only accept one person at a time. Good cupping centers discard all the equipment and use new, sterilized ones for each patient. In addition, all bedding must be removed and changed before the next person is let in.” Arwa Muhammad, who has enjoyed the benefits of cupping advised everyone to trust only those centers that have an esteemed and well established reputation. “Many cupping centers only want profit and do not follow strict safety precautions. Beware of crowded, unclean centers, and those that make unreasonable promises and claims,” she warned. Optimal time for cupping There are certain days in the lunar month that are believed to be the best to undergo cupping in order to to maximize the health benefits. The best time to go for cupping is on the 17th,19th or 21st day of the lunar month. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) discouraged cupping on 13th, 14th or 15th day of the month because on these days the moon is full and the higher gravitational pull from the moon affects the flow of blood and cupping and could cause a greater loss of blood. __
