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

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Department of ‘Ilāj bi’l Tadbīr (Regimenal Therapy), Kashmir Tibbia College, Hospital and Research Centre, Taleemabad Shilvath, Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir, India

2 Professor and Head, Department of ‘Ilāj bi’l Tadbīr (Regimenal Therapy), National Institute of Unani Medicine, Kottigepalya, Magadi Main Road, Bengaluru-91, Karnataka, India

3 Associate Professor, Department of ‘Ilāj bi’l Tadbīr (Regimenal Therapy), National Institute of Unani Medicine, Kottigepalya, Magadi Main Road, Bengaluru-91, Karnataka, India

10.30476/rhm.2025.105684.1281

Abstract

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.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Research on History of Medicine
Volume 15, Issue 2
Special Issue on Unani/Persian Medicine
May 2026
Pages 173-184

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