What is Cupping?
Cupping is a method of treatment in which a jar is attached to the skin surface to cause local congestion through the negative pressure created. An incision lightly made to allow the congested blood to ooze out. This type of treatment has been practised by the chinese and the Arabs for thousand of years.Cupping is a therapeutic process of removing this unclean blood from the body . It is a form of medical treatment which has been recommended by Shari’ah.In Malay this practice is known as ‘BEKAM’ and in Arabic it is called ‘AL-HIJAMAH’ while in China ‘gua-sha’. In Arabic this method of therapy was popularised by our Prophet Muhammad(sallallahu alaiyhi wassallam) as stated in many Hadith.
Indication and Diseases that respond to Cupping:
The cupping method has the function of warming and promoting the flow of energy in the blood thus dispelling cold, dampness, toxins and winds. It also diminishes swellings and pains.
The following problems respond very well to Cupping :-
Disease caused by dampness, such as low back pain, lumbago, sciatica, pain in the arms and shoulders, pain in the legs and muscular parts of the body, stomachache, vomiting, headache, migraine, sprains, insomnia, etc.
Few Hadith About Cupping:
Ibn Abbas(R.A.) reported Allah’s messenger(sallallhu alaiyhi wassallam) as saying ” There is a remedy in three thing: The Incision of a cupping glass, a drink of honey, or cauterization by fire, but I forbid my people to cauterize.”
During the battle of Khaibar in 7 A.H. with the Jews, a jewish woman prepared some meat which she filled with deadly poison and presented to Rasullulah(sallallhu alaiyhi wassallam). Upon tasting the meat, the poison affected Rasullulah (sallallhu alaiyhi wassallam). Rasullulah(sallallhu alaiyhi wassallam) then used to undergo cupping in order to relieve himself from effects of the poison in his blood ( Shamaail Tirmizi )
Rasullullah (sallallhu alaiyhi wassallam) was once hurt on his leg, hence (probably due to the clogging of the blood), he underwent cupping on his leg. (Mishkat p. 389)
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) said, ‘Jibraaeel (alayhis salaam) repeatedly emphasised upon me to resort to cupping to the extent that I feared that cupping will be made compulsory.’ (Jamal Wasaail p. 179).
Hadhrat Anas (Radhiallaahu anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu aayhi Wasallam) said, ‘The best medicine is cupping.’ (Shamaail, chapter of Cupping)
Hadhrat Abu Kabsha (Radhiallaahu anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) used to undergo cupping on the head and between his shoulders and he used to say, ‘Whosoever removes this blood, it will not harm him that he does not take any other medical treatment.’ (Mishkat p. 389)
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) praised a person who performs cupping, saying it removes blood, lightens the back and sharpens the eyesight (Jamal Wasaail p. 179) The above quoted Ahaadith are clear that cupping was practised by Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) himself and strongly recommended by him.
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) has also given some guidelines regarding cupping. Once he came across a fasting person who underwent cupping and became weak. Hence, he said, ‘The person who underwent cupping broke his fast.’ (Jam?l Wasaail p. 179) Mullah Ali Qari (Rahmatullaahi alayhi) while explaining the Hadith states that since a person is already weak by fasting, undergoing cupping weakens him further. Thus such a person due to feeling extremely weak may be forced to break his fast.
He further states that in the light of the principle understood from the Hadith, cupping should not be administered immediately after having a hot bath, or while the belly is full.
Time of Cupping:
Hadhrat Abu Hurayrah (Radhiallaahu anhu) reports that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) said: ‘One should not undergo cupping during the 13, 14 and 15 of the lunar month.’ Some Muhadditheen explain that on those days the full moon has a gravitational impact on many things on earth. For example, the sea has high tides due to the full moon. Similarly, the flowing of the blood is also affected and flows faster during the full moon. One may loose much blood in these days if one undergoes cupping.
Therefore, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) advised that one should undergo cupping on the 17, 19 and 21 of the lunar month. (Mishkat p. 389). Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) advised that cupping should not be done on a Tuesday, since there is a certain time on a Tuesday that flowing blood does not stop. (Mishkat p. 389). Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) also advised that cupping should not be done on Saturdays and Wednesdays as this could lead to leprosy. (Mishkat p. 389). As the need may arise, cupping may be performed at any time according to the condition or urgency.
Cupping Techniques:
There are various types of cups – rubber, bamboo, glass and plastic, animal horns, etc and also the techinique of cupping varies from place to place or form country to country.
Among the Kelantanese Malays, they used buffalo horns, drinking glasses and bamboo as cups. It is said that the ancient Chinese and Arabs had used animal horns for cupping.
Cupping Techniques Today:
Today, there are various types of cups to choose for cupping such as rubber cups, bamboos, cupping glasses or plastic cups.
There are two types of cupping more prevalent today:
Traditional Cupping and
Vacuum Cupping
Traditional Cupping are the one that need some kind of fire to create a vacuum, while the vacuum cups ( a newer type) have a pump so that no fire is needed.
The scholars advise that administering medicine requires medical expertise. Therefore, with regard to any medical treatment recommended by Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam), due to health and medical intricacies, one must exercise caution and consult with a physician. Similarly, with regard to cupping, although it is strongly recommended by Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam), one must consult with a medical practitioner before undergoing cupping.
Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi Wasallam) himself underwent cupping many times and encouraged others to do so too. May we revive this Sunnah and benefit from it’s therapeutic effects
19 Responses to “The Benefits of Cupping”
May 6, 2008
ZulfahI have for years read about the benefits of cupping and would dearly love to experience this.
Would you know of any reputable person who could perform cupping today in the Western Cape?
Shukran
Zulfah Lalkhen
May 6, 2008
YusufAsSalaamualaikum,
Where in the Florida\Roodepoort area can I have cupping done?
Shukran,
Yusuf
May 6, 2008
naeemslms
Afraid i cant tell you anywhere in Western Cape.
Yusuf, try Dr Mohammed in Roodepoort (just outside the CBD, next to Kaka Attorneys)
011-766-3680
I went there personally a few months ago, cost me about R150 if i recall correctly
(this was to remedy a stiff neck/back)
August 21, 2008
Attorney mohammed coovadiazulfah, try mufti on 0836547410. he has a number for a lady in ct who will do cupping
September 7, 2008
YusufSlmz.I keep hearing and reading about this..Im very interested in experiencing it.Unfortunately i live in a town call Ladysmith,KZN were lots of people hve not evan heard of it.Can anyone tell me a reliable place in durban to do it?
October 9, 2008
Yumna MSlms
There is a School of Natural Medicine in the Western Cape teaching cupping and Tibb. Students are currently working in township clinics, a few recent graduates have opened up their own practices around Cape Town, and there is a newly opened clinic in Klipfontein road where you can have cupping done. Some of the current students are from the Gauteng/Durban areas, and may be willing to provide the service if contacted through the school, or will be opening their own practices in those provinces after they graduate. The school can be contacted on 021 959 3064.
Shukran
October 11, 2008
Goolam.DawoodWe all know doctors. Would they treat ingested poisons with cupping?
It is an authentic Sunnah, and an act of ibaadat. But I think seeking medical advice/help from a medical practitioner is moreso the Sunnah than the cupping.
November 12, 2008
TasneemDoes anyone know where we can have cupping done in the Lenasia area?For men and ladies?
November 13, 2008
FatimaCupping done in Robertsham, Johannesburg – contact Daniel 076 736 0371. Separate facilities for men and ladies. Also done after-hours and on weekends by appointment.
November 18, 2008
RiyaadSalaam
I would like to know if u know anyone in the Port Elizabeth area that does cupping.
Shukran
Riyaad
November 24, 2008
NanimaI am not sure if this is dejavu i think i posted something on friday.. maybe it’s waiting to be approved…
There is female GP in Norwood that does Cupping
her tel 0832844450 office based at the Norwood sports medicine and exercise institute, 100 Algernon rd, Norwood 0832844450
November 26, 2008
RasheedaCan somebody pl let me know if this method helps people with dibatic problems, especially when the wound does not heal and fear of amputation especially lower limb.
January 1, 2009
PritiFor Cupping & Qua Sha Call SUNYA @ 076 873 3875 or 011 834 5139
January 13, 2009
AhmedAssalamualaikum
Can anyone tell me if there is someone that does cupping in the benoni area.
Jazakallah
February 21, 2009
NadiaASALAMU ALAIKUM
for cupping in Cape Town contact Nadia @ 0848957864.
private, hygienic, ladies only*
May 12, 2009
ShahnaazASA,
I go and have acupuncture done and now started also having cupping done for my allergies/asthma. They are chinese doctors based in Newlands, Cape Town. Dr. Li is the female doctor and Prof. Zhang is the male doctor. I have thus far seen results from acupuncture, Alhamdullilah. However, i just stated having cupping done.
Their contact no. is 021 674 2804
May 15, 2009
bilalthere is a guy in mayfair that does cupping.his name is Essam.call him on 0720356375.i have been to him for cupping and he knows his stuff plus he does not hurt you.he has a very light hand.cupping works but have yakeen in ALLAH and not the cupping cause Allah cures.
June 14, 2009
CassimIn Fordsburg area, cupping done by a Moulana and his wife. Tel. 083 783 5504.
August 14, 2009
Sharon ByrnFor people who want cupping treatments, any acupuncturist does cupping as well.