What is cupping (hijama)?
Cupping (hijama) is the best remedy recommended and used by the Messenger peace be upon him: “Indeed the best of remedies you have is cupping (hijama)…” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5371)]. He (SAW) also said that on the night of Israa (his ascension to the heavens) he did not pass by an angel except that it said to him, “Oh Muhammad, order your Ummah (nation) with cupping (hijama).” [Saheeh Sunan Tirmidhee (3479)]. This shows the importance and greatness of this Sunnah.
‘Hijama’ in Arabic is derived from ‘hajm’ which means ‘sucking’. Cupping (hijama) is the process of applying cups to various points on the body by removing the air inside the cups to form a vacuum.