Did you know? Cupping is actually an Islamic practice
Hijama, as the practice has been referred to in Islamic texts, literally means 'sucking'
Hijama, as the practice has been referred to in Islamic texts, literally means 'sucking'. PHOTO: CNN
The media has been abuzz with stories of Olympic athletes, such as Micheal Phelps, displaying huge circular marks on their body. The marks are caused due to cupping - or Hijama, as the practice has been referred to in Islamic texts.
What are those circular marks on Michael Phelps’ body?
Hijama literally means 'sucking' or to 'bring something to its normal state' and it is a Sunnah (tradition of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him). The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised followers to carry out this healing act for better blood circulation.
The Prophet's (peace be upon him) hadith (saying), as narrated by a companion Jabir bin 'Abdullah, stresses on the importance of cupping.
Jabir bin 'Abdullah said, "I will not leave till he gets cupped, for I heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) saying, "There is healing in cupping." [Source: Saheeh Bukhari: Volume 7, Book 71, Number 600.]
In another hadith, narrated by Ibn 'Abbas, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Healing is in three things: A gulp of honey, cupping, and branding with fire (cauterising). But I forbid my followers to use (cauterization) branding with fire." [Source: Saheeh Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 584.]
Cupping is performed in several steps. The most common body part used for cupping is the upper back between the shoulder blades, away from veins and arteries; though it can also be performed in other areas. One way to think about cupping is that it is the inverse of massage. Rather than applying pressure to muscles, the suction uses pressure to pull skin, tissue and muscles upward, reports Mind Body Green.
All in one cup: More people turn to Hijama for a cure in the city
In traditional Islamic scripture, it is mentioned that cupping was also used to cure magic and poison - as it cleanses your blood.
The practice has now become increasingly common and not just athletes but A-list Hollywood celebrities also swear by this natural method.
Watch how cupping is done here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhOdwwuMJPQ
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.
What are those circular marks on Michael Phelps’ body?
Hijama literally means 'sucking' or to 'bring something to its normal state' and it is a Sunnah (tradition of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him). The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised followers to carry out this healing act for better blood circulation.
The Prophet's (peace be upon him) hadith (saying), as narrated by a companion Jabir bin 'Abdullah, stresses on the importance of cupping.
Jabir bin 'Abdullah said, "I will not leave till he gets cupped, for I heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) saying, "There is healing in cupping." [Source: Saheeh Bukhari: Volume 7, Book 71, Number 600.]
In another hadith, narrated by Ibn 'Abbas, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Healing is in three things: A gulp of honey, cupping, and branding with fire (cauterising). But I forbid my followers to use (cauterization) branding with fire." [Source: Saheeh Bukhari Volume 7, Book 71, Number 584.]
Cupping is performed in several steps. The most common body part used for cupping is the upper back between the shoulder blades, away from veins and arteries; though it can also be performed in other areas. One way to think about cupping is that it is the inverse of massage. Rather than applying pressure to muscles, the suction uses pressure to pull skin, tissue and muscles upward, reports Mind Body Green.
All in one cup: More people turn to Hijama for a cure in the city
In traditional Islamic scripture, it is mentioned that cupping was also used to cure magic and poison - as it cleanses your blood.
The practice has now become increasingly common and not just athletes but A-list Hollywood celebrities also swear by this natural method.
Watch how cupping is done here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhOdwwuMJPQ
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.