Methods

According to David (n.d), cups can be applied to any part of the body where the skin surface is level, smooth and fleshy enough to permit a firm seal.  These parts include the neck, temples, forehead, back, chest, abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, and calves. 

Classical suction equipments

     The classical method for creating suction in the cups is with fire.  Hold a cotton ball in a set of forceps and soak it in olive oil, or in rubbing alcohol.  Ignite the cotton ball and whisk it around quickly inside the cup right before placing it on the skin in the desired location.  This should create a powerful suction.

Modern suction equipments

In recent years, more modern suction methods have been developed.  Some cups have spherical rubber tops that can be squeezed to create suction.  Other cups come with a special suction pump that pumps out the air to create an even more powerful vacuum.

There are two main methods of "Hijama":-

WET CUPPING (HIJAMA)

According to Alireza (2008) supported by Haji Ya'acob, wet-cupping was performed about 20-30 minutes procedures using vacuum cups with plastic vessels. It was conducted in 5 steps. It also can be repeated 2-3 times at the same point area.  

Step 1

Primary sucking

The cup is placed on the selected site and the cupper rarefies 

the air inside the cup by electrical or manual suction. 

The cup clings to the skin and is left for a period of 3 to 5 minutes. 

Step 2

Scarification

Superficial incisions are made on the skin using needle.

Step 3

Bloodletting

The cup is placed back on the skin, using the same manner described above, 

until it is filled with blood from the capillary vessels.

Step 4

Removal 

The cup is removed, and the process is repeated 3 times.

Step 5

Dressing

Cleaned the "Hijama" areas.

DRY CUPPING (HIJAMA) 

Dry cupping (Hijama) treatment

• Dry cupping (Hijama) is when the suction cup is applied over an area of intact skin to draw underlying blood and fluid away from the inflamed area to the surface of the skin. There is no incision and no other theraputic tools used.
• This method relieves congestion from inflamed areas but does not remove body fluids. 
• 70% of diseases, pains and ailments are caused due to the blood being unable to reach certain places in the body. Dry cupping (Hijama) and massaging cupping (Hijama) allow the blood to reach these places. 
• As many cups as are required are placed on and around the affected area, for example the area of pain, using the suction. Depending on the strength of the suction and the patient, the tension can be made; light, medium or strong. 
• A magnet may be attached to the inside of the cups before applying the cups to the surface of the skin for dry cupping (Hijama). 
• The cups will be left for 5-10 minutes and can be repeated daily until symptoms cease.