"Cupping has the power to remove harmful substances from the head, reduce pain in the same part, relieve inflammation, restore appetite, strengthen a weak stomach, eliminate dizziness and the tendency to faint, draw lodged harmful substances to the surface, dry up discharge, stop bleeding, promote menstrual flow, stop the tendency to pus formation in infections, relieve rigidity, accelerate and alleviate the healing crisis in illnesses, dispel drowsiness, promote natural calm, and remove heaviness. These and many similar complaints are alleviated by the proper application of cupping, whether dry or bloody."

(Alpinus-Herodotus 413 BC)

"Disease is an unnatural condition of the body. Nature tries its best to restore unnatural conditions to a healthy state. The physician's task is to cooperate with nature. When a patient suffers from disease, nature strives to overcome the pathogenic factors, and if it is obviously succeeding, the physician should not intervene. However, if nature is about to succumb in this struggle, he must come to its aid by doing what it would do if it could. The physician must protect what is in accordance with nature and remove what is not."

(Galen ca. 129-200 AD)

cupping

Cupping is a form of stimulation therapy based on negative pressure in cups. Through the negative pressure, cupping stimulates the immune system, metabolism, and lymph flow. It has proven particularly effective in cases of blood and Qi stagnation.

Cupping glasses, which were formerly made of bamboo, are now used for cupping. The cups are heated before being applied, allowing the hot air to escape, creating a vacuum. The glass is quickly placed on specific areas of the skin, sucking the skin in. Two forms of cupping are used. The type used depends on whether the area is more likely to be anemic or hyperaerotic.

Dry cupping:

If anemia is present, dry cupping is preferred. A flame creates a vacuum in the cup, which is then quickly applied to the skin. The skin is drawn in by the negative pressure. The suction therapeutically removes excess cold and moisture from the body, allowing the body to return to balance. Occasionally, a small amount of blood is drawn out, resulting in local bruising. However, this is not harmful and will disappear after only one to two days.

Bloody cupping:

Blood cupping is used for localized blood excess. It is a modified form of dry cupping, in which the cupping sites are lightly incised iatrogenically. The small wound is painless and supports the blood-draining effect of cupping. As soon as the cupping head is placed on the wound, blood flows out of the wound in a controlled manner.

After cupping treatment, most patients feel pleasant and relieved because the energetic conditions are balanced again.

Pulsating cupping therapy:

Pulsed cupping therapy is a combination of traditional cupping, massage, and lymphatic drainage. It is achieved by superimposing static negative pressure with harmonic vacuum pulses. The oscillation duration, oscillation intensity, and static negative pressure are varied depending on the tissue and therapy type. When used correctly, the patient experiences a similarly beneficial effect to that of a traditional massage. Furthermore, this technique allows the therapist to move deep layers of tissue, thereby releasing blockages and resupplying the tissue with nutrient fluids. It is used, for example, for arthritis, circulatory disorders, muscle hardening, scar treatment, and fascia therapy.

Areas of application

Cupping is said to be helpful for a variety of complaints, including migraines

rheumatism

disc problems

lumbago

Knee problems

Carpal tunnel syndrome

high blood pressure

sciatica

Tonsil problems (especially in the special form of reddening)

bronchitis

asthma

Headache

Kidney failure

Weather sensitivity

Hypotension

fatigue

Depression

Weaknesses

Digestive problems

Cardiovascular diseases

Organ problems

Fever

A cold

flu

How can Hijama help in post-COVID times?

1. Detoxification of the body:

• Cupping “cleanses” the blood at specific points, which can promote the removal of metabolic waste and potentially remaining inflammatory substances.
• Helps reduce the strain on the immune system.

1. Improve blood circulation:

• Hijama stimulates blood circulation and oxygen supply to the tissues, which can promote regeneration and healing.
• Can help with symptoms such as muscle pain, headaches or fatigue.

1. Strengthening the immune system:

• Hijama is said to activate the lymphatic system and support immune function, which can be helpful in cases of persistent immune deficiency after COVID-19.

1. Stress reduction and relaxation:

• Post-COVID is often accompanied by psychological distress such as stress, anxiety, or sleep disturbances. Hijama can have a calming effect on the nervous system.

1. Relief of inflammation:

• Cupping can reduce inflammatory processes in the body, which often play a role in long COVID.

Possible areas of application in post-COVID

• Chronic fatigue: Support in restoring energy.
• Headaches and migraines: Relief through targeted cupping points.
• Muscle pain and tension: Improves blood circulation and relaxes muscles.
• respiratory symptoms: Supporting lung function through cupping on the upper back.
• Stress-related symptoms: Promotes mental relaxation.

How is Hijama performed in post-COVID times?

• Cupping points: The points are chosen individually, often along the back, neck or legs, depending on the symptoms.
• Wet cupping (Hijama): A small amount of blood is taken to remove stagnant blood or toxins.
• Dry cupping: If a gentle approach is preferred, only suction glasses are used, without blood sampling.

Important to note

1. Expert implementation:

• Hijama should only be performed by experienced therapists who have medical knowledge and adhere to hygienic standards.

1. Integration into therapy:

• Hijama should not be used as a sole treatment, but in combination with medical care.

1. Individual advice:

• Before use, possible contraindications (e.g. coagulation disorders or serious illnesses) should be excluded.

Conclusion

Hijama can be a supportive therapy for Post-COVID syndrome It can be particularly effective for relieving fatigue, muscle pain, headaches, and general exhaustion. A combination of Hijama, modern medicine, and other natural healing modalities could optimally promote the healing process in post-COVID situations.