A review of the therapeutic application of Ḥijāma (cupping therapy) in Unani medicine

Unani physicians have outlined various methods for treating diseases, including pharmacotherapy ( Ilāj bi’l Dawā ), dietotherapy ( Ilāj bi’l Ghidhā ), and regimenal therapy ( Ilāj bi’l Tadb ī r ). Regimenal therapy is a notable approach in which treatment is administered through various regimes, with Ḥijāma (cupping therapy) among the most prominent. Cupping therapy is broadly classified into two types: Ḥijāma bi’l Sharṭ (wet cupping, or cupping with scarification) and Ḥijāma bilā Shar ṭ (dry cupping, or cupping without scarification). The method of Ḥijāma involves creating a vacuum on the skin to draw out morbid humours, a practice that dates back to Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.). With advancements in science and technology, the therapeutic benefits of Ḥijāma have been scientifically validated in a wide range of medical conditions. It is used alone or with other therapies to treat various diseases like arthritis, migraine, asthma, headache, and hemorrhoids. This paper aims to elaborate on the methods, indications, and therapeutic potentials of cupping therapy as described in the Unani System of Medicine, by reviewing both traditional knowledge and modern scientific evidence. This study seeks to enhance the understanding of the role of Ḥijāma in disease management and its integration into holistic healthcare practices.