Cupping (Hijama) Between Science and Myth
Cupping is one of the oldest methods of treatment, but it is surrounded by many misconceptions. In this article we correct the most notable beliefs and explain its place between medicine and modern science.
People have practised cupping for thousands of years as one of the oldest traditional methods of treatment in the world. The Pharaonic civilisation used it, it spread through Eastern cultures, and it then became part of Prophetic medicine, as the Prophet (peace be upon him) recommended it in the authentic hadith: "The best remedy you use is cupping."
In recent years, interest in cupping has grown in the State of Qatar, especially after the Ministry of Public Health adopted it as one of the practices of complementary and integrative medicine and began officially overseeing its regulation.
But with this widespread popularity, some misconceptions about cupping have spread among people: some have gone to the extreme of rejecting it completely, while others have exaggerated by describing it as a cure-all. In this article, we set out the most notable of these misconceptions to correct them:
The first belief: cupping is not scientific and conflicts with modern medicine.
The truth: researchers are currently investigating how cupping works through study and analysis. This interest has brought it into the medical field as a complementary treatment in some cases. Doctors are committed to applying cupping according to specific scientific guidelines to ensure its effectiveness and safe use.
The second belief: cupping treats all diseases.
The truth: this belief is not based on any religious or scientific evidence. The religious texts do not indicate that cupping is suitable for every disease, even though the Prophet (peace be upon him) recommended it as one of the means of healing. In fact, doctors do not perform cupping in some cases, such as certain skin conditions or weakened immunity. They also assess each case individually before offering this type of treatment.
Medical advice:
To get the best results from cupping, it must be performed in a clean medical environment using sterilised tools.
It should be carried out by specialists who combine medical knowledge with practical experience, especially in cases of chronic disease or when medications are being used.
Conclusion:
Cupping in Qatar is one of the means of healing, and it bears fruit, God willing, when used scientifically and correctly; but it is neither extraordinary magic nor an illusion without evidence.
At Al Mahmoud Elite Medical Center – Doha, we offer cupping sessions supervised by accredited specialists in a safe medical environment, to ensure the best results and provide precise consultations for each case.
Choose your doctor carefully, and always consult specialists before taking any treatment step.
Read also: Cupping (Hijama) Between Arab and Chinese Traditions and Modern Medicine
