Dry Cupping aka Hijama

The earliest record of cupping therapy was in the Ebers Papyrus - one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world. The textbook describes how ancient Egyptians used the therapy in 1550 BC.

Dry cupping aka Hijama, is more commonly associated with ancient Chinese culture however, and is considered a form of traditional Chinese medicine. The term cupping is used to describe a specialised technique where small cups are used as suction devices on the skin.

It is this suction which causes the skin and superficial muscle to gently lift up into the cup. In this way, the therapy can be considered as an inversion of massage. Instead of applying a pressure downward on to the muscles, cupping uses 'reverse pressure' to lift the layers of tissues. For many, this provides a more relaxing sensation than standard massage.

The aim of applying this pressure is to loosen and relax muscles, encourage blood flow, release toxins and relax the nervous system. 

Cupping massage has many uses, but it is most commonly used for the following concerns It has a number of benefits, including:

– releasing muscle tension and relieving pain 

– improving flexibility 

– managing niggles and minor injuries 

– reducing recovery time after exercise 

– aligning posture 

– restoring balance to the musculoskeletal system 

– reducing stress and anxiety 

– improving joint mobility 

– minimising and relieving discomfort during and after pregnancy 

– lymph system stimulation

It is commonly used to for the following concerns:

– back and neck pain

– IBS

– migraines

– fatigue

– anxiety

– cellulite

– fertility

– high blood pressure

– respiratory problems