Historical Perspectives and Unani/Persian Concept of Ḥijāma (Cupping Therapy): A Time-Honored Remedy for Various Health Ailments

Three different treatment modalities are detailed in the traditional textbook of Unani/Persian medicine, namely, ‘Ilāj bi’l Tadbīr (Regimenal therapy), ‘Ilāj bi’l Taghdhiya (Dietotherapy), ‘Ilāj bi’l Dawā’ (Pharmacotherapy), and ‘Ilāj bi’l Yad (Surgery). This article explores Ḥijāma (cupping therapy) within the framework of the Unani/Persian system of medicine, highlighting its historical evolution, various types, therapeutic applications, mechanisms of action, and contraindications. The review aims to provide a thorough, comprehensive understanding of Hijāma and its significance in both traditional and contemporary healthcare. This review of Ḥijāma was conducted by searching classical Unani/Persian textbooks and major scientific databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, for additional information. Ḥijāma is an important regimen of Ilāj bi’l Tadbīr in the Unani system of medicine used for managing various diseases. It involves creating a partial vacuum in cups placed on the body using fire or suction to remove morbid materials, improve blood circulation, and divert harmful substances from affected tissues. The Unani emphasis on safe, minimally invasive therapies, combined with modern scientific approaches, offers promising prospects for future research and therapeutic applications.

کلیدواژه ها:

Ḥijāma ، Cupping therapy ، Unani Medicine ، ‘Ilāj bi’l Tadbīr ، Therapeutics ، Pain management ، Delivery of health care