In Unani medicine, Hijama, derived from the Arabic term Al-Hajm, meaning “to restore to its original size” or “to suck.” it is categorized into Wet Cupping (Hijama Bish Shart) and Dry Cupping (Hijama Bila Shart) each with unique principles and applications. Wet cupping, often employed for treatment, involves minor skin incisions to evacuate harmful humors, while dry cupping redirects toxins without incision, offering preventive and palliative benefits. Mechanistically, Hijama operates through Tanqiya-e-Mawad (evacuation of morbid matter) and Imala-e-Mawad (diversion of toxins), promoting the body’s innate healing power (Tabiyat Mudabbira-e-Badan).Hijama has been reported to have various effects, including pain relief, improved blood flow, and immune system modulation.From a modern medical standpoint, various theories support Hijama’s therapeutic actions. These include the Pain Gate Control Theory, Diffuse Noxious Inhibitory Controls (DNICs), Reflex Zone Activation, Nitric Oxide Release, Blood Detoxification, and Immune Modulation. Notably, Hijama enhances local blood circulation, reduces inflammation, promotes lymphatic drainage, stimulates endogenous opioids (endorphins and enkephalins), and may even influence gene expression. Emerging evidence also points to its role in reducing cholesterol, regulating neurotransmitters, and improving hemodynamic parameters, making it a promising integrative treatment for chronic pain, inflammation, and systemic imbalance.Thus, Hijama represents a unique blend of traditional wisdom and contemporary science, offering a holistic, multi-dimensional approach to health and wellness. Its resurgence in global complementary medicine reflects a growing interest in safe, natural, and evidence-based therapies rooted in centuries of empirical practice.
