Everything you need to know aboutCupping therapyas a healing practice!!!
Bloodletting or cupping involves drawing blood from the body and has been practiced since ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Mayan, and Aztec cultures to treat illnesses and pain.
The Prophet Muhammad emphasized cupping as a strongly recommended Sunnah, and he and his family regularly performed it.
The most effective time for therapeutic cupping is determined by the doctor, who marks sixty spots on the body based on need, and the intervals, amount of blood taken, and other factors vary depending on the illness and treatment progression.
For example, intreatingfacial acneand
acne vulgarisusually, 7-10 cupping sessions per year are performed. For addiction treatment, cupping is done on ten different body points over ten days if needed.Cupping helps in relieving certain neurological headaches or migraines, high blood pressure, thickening of the blood,heart attacksand brain-related conditions, improves eyesight, reduces blood fats, sugars, and urea levels, chickenpox,kidney stonesand gallstones, neonatal jaundice, physical weakness and fatigue, gout, boosting immune system,arthritisand rheumatism, asthma,coughand shortness of breath, indigestion, and stomach swelling, managing nervous system disorders,herniated discand lower back pain, skin diseases, itching, speech impairments, some cancers, tonsillitis, etc., can all benefit from cupping.
Chemical medications may provide pain relief but can damage other tissues and organs. In contrast, cupping does not harm the body’s tissues and can directly address causes of illness, while also improving overall health.
The best time for cupping
is when symptoms of blood excess appear, such as head heaviness, pain, facial and forehead itching, blurred vision, the sensation of blood in the mouth, gum swelling, excessive sleep, redness on the head, face, and neck, etc., indicating the need for bloodletting.
Imam Reza (peace be upon him) said:
Spring is a time when the blood becomes active, so cupping during this season should be utilized to balance this.
The season, day, and time for cupping significantly affect its effectiveness, and neglecting these can worsen the illness.
The 7th and 14th days of Dhu al-Hijjah (late June) are considered the best days for cupping, carrying great spiritual and physical benefits.
Monday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday are good days for cupping.
The most favorable day is Monday, and the worst is Friday, especially Friday noon.
The 16th and 17th lunar days are the most suitable for cupping.
Performing cupping outside these days (16th and 17th lunar days) is ineffective for removing thick, stale phlegm and can even worsen blood stagnation and blood disorders.
When a person is ill, cupping should be scheduled considering anemia, overall strength, and other factors.
Performing cupping on multiple parts of the body at once is unusual and may cause heart, liver, and stomach weakness,anemia,and disease aggravation.
Never perform cupping in the shower. Traditional Medicine advises against it, and even 24 hours after cupping, bathing should be avoided.
People with a cold temperament should not have cupping too frequently.
Individuals with phlegmatic constitution, weak digestive systems, or those with weak stomachs should consult a doctor before cupping and follow specific precautions.Cupping should not be performed during extreme heat or at midday, especially if they have recently eaten lunch, as it can be harmful.At midday, lighter and more beneficial phlegm tends to surface, making cupping that time effective for removing pure, healthy phlegm. During this period, impure and thick phlegm remains in the body.Cloudy and stormy weather days are not suitable for cupping.Cupping in winter, especially in December, has the least therapeutic effect.
The optimal position for cupping is sitting cross-legged; avoid lying down, sleeping, or standing positions during the procedure.People with rheumatism should avoid cupping.Those suffering from flu or common cold should refrain from cupping, especially in prolonged or severe illnesses when the body is weak. Cupping is not recommended during these conditions.Cupping at night may be harmful; it is better to perform it during daytime before sunset.Avoid cupping when hungry; the best time is when one is neither very hungry nor full. After travel or fatigue, cupping is also harmful.According to Iranian traditional scholars, avoid eating “eggs” for 12 days before and after cupping.Imam Reza (peace be upon him) states in the “Golden Treatise”:
“Bloodletting and cupping after sexual intercourse are not advisable;” at least 12 hours should pass between intercourse and cupping or bloodletting.
Seated in a “sitting cross-legged” position is recommended for cupping; avoid lying down or standing during the procedure.
Emergency cupping; if a doctor determines it necessary, the usual restrictions may be relaxed (as emphasized in Islamic traditions). Therefore, in cases of urgent medical need, such as on a Friday or other times, cupping can be performed with caution and reciting Ayat al-Kursi to prevent negative effects.
Pre-cupping dietary precautions
Pre-cupping nutrition depends on the patient’s condition. Those bleeding due to blood thickening should avoid heavy meals before and after the procedure, especially foods that thicken the blood.
Foods that thicken the blood include:
Beef and vealSalty fishCacciatore
Sausages
Hamburgers
PizzaEggsBread-based dishes like unleavened bread or sandwich bread
Soup
Thick porridges with many noodles
EggplantsLentilsCabbage
It is also recommended to avoid long baths before cupping.
Frequent bloodletting or excessive bleeding during cupping can cause anemia and liver weakness. The amount of blood drawn typically ranges from 20 to 80 milliliters, depending on the technique; excessive blood removal by unqualified persons can worsen health and leave unappealing scars.
Preventive cupping
Should be performed twice in spring and once in autumn.
This season runs from late March to early July for spring, and from late September to early December for autumn. The effects of cupping during lunar months vary based on mental and physical temperaments.
For example, individuals with sanguine (blood) and choleric (yellow bile) temperaments benefit most during the first half of the lunar month, especially the second week.
Effects of cupping during lunar months
Day 16 of the lunar month:
To prevent
leprosyand vitiligo (leucoderma)Day 17 of the lunar month:
To prevent general body weakness and blood-related issues
Day 18 of the lunar month:
For immunity against seventy main illnesses
Day 19 of the lunar month:
To compensate for and correct anemia (iron deficiency) and similar conditions
Day 20 of the lunar month:
To improve speech clarity (lisping, stammering, etc.)
Day 21 of the lunar month:
To increase strength and courage, particularly in people with weak willpower, social fears, or phobias like fear of elevators
Day 22 of the lunar month:
- To prevent and build immunity against seventy major diseases
- Day 23 of the lunar month:
- To promote longevity and health
- Day 24 of the lunar month:
- To strengthen the back and stomach
- Day 25 of the lunar month:
- To eliminate body odor and excessive sweating
- Day 26 of the lunar month:
- To dispel sadness, grief, and mental health issues (increase vitality, motivation, joy of life, sleep, etc.)
- Day 27 of the lunar month:
- To restore health, achieve well-being, and prolong life, freeing oneself from previous illnesses
- Day 28 of the lunar month:
- To brighten the face, extend lifespan, purify the body, and boost vitality
Day 29 of the lunar month:
Day 30 of the lunar month:
To improve overall health, especially suitable for sanguine, bilious, and phlegmatic individuals.
Weekly schedule for cupping based on days of the week
Performing cupping on specific days can have positive effects on the body.
Saturday:
Day of commerce and obtaining sustenance. Also known as a day associated with jinn, and it’s discouraged to perform cupping on this day, but it is sometimes recommended.
Sunday:Day of creation of Adam, a day of goodness and prosperity, suitable for cupping according to traditions, with healing benefits for various ailments.Monday:
Day of creation of animals, a day associated with dryness and the sea, ideal for travel and ending needs, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) often performed cupping on this day.
Tuesday:
Day of supplication and starting new ventures. Cupping on 14th, 15th, 17th, and 21st lunar days is believed to heal physical ailments.
Wednesday:
Day of creating birds, hell, and wild beasts. It marks the beginning of work, treatment, and is highly recommended for therapeutic cupping.
Thursday:Day of heaven, angels, and divine abundance. A good day for earning livelihood, fulfilling personal needs, and nail clipping. Cupping on this day is strongly advised; doing so early Thursday or on lunar days 15, 17, or 21 can prevent blood overflow and strokes.Friday:
Highly recommended for nail and beard trimming, bathing, and during the afternoon for marriage ceremonies. The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade cupping on Fridays, especially near noon, considering it dangerous. Emergency cupping on Fridays, especially when seriously needed, should be done cautiously with recitation of Ayat al-Kursi.
Most suitable days for treatment in the week
are Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday.
The best day is Monday, and Friday is the least recommended, particularly at Friday noon.
The 16th and 17th lunar days are the most appropriate for cupping.
Performing cupping outside these days (16th and 17th lunar days) is ineffective for removing thick, layered phlegm and may worsen blood stagnation and thickening.
When illness exists, cupping should be scheduled considering anemia, strength, and other health factors according to timing considerations.
It can be performed from birth until old age.
Month of the fifth lunar cycle
Beneficial during pregnancy; it helps increase height, strengthen the resistance of mother and child, and prevent neonatal jaundice.
Remember to consume pomegranate before and after blood extraction, as it helps detoxify the body. Also, apple cider vinegar and chicory are cooling agents that can be used.
The main mistake in cupping is neglecting medical rules and principles before the procedure, which can be harmful depending on individual constitution, age, gender, and health status.
Warm-blooded and moist types should consume cooling foods before cupping to reduce blood agitation.
People with hot and moist constitution can easily undertake cupping.
It is better to perform cupping early in the day when the weather is moderate, avoiding extreme heat or cold times.
The optimal time is when the temperature is decreasing, as heat causes blood to “melt,” making blood removal easier. Performing cupping during these times helps expel impure and toxic blood, replaced by fresh blood, increasing oxygenation to tissues and muscles, and strengthening immunity.
During recommended lunar days, toxic and impure blood rises close to the skin’s surface, making surface-level removal effective.
Thus, with minor superficial scratches, body toxins are expelled.
In spring and autumn, when day and night are equal in length and the Earth experiences maximum gravitational pull from the sun and moon, the strongest pulling occurs, leading to the release of lighter blood components.
Worst times for cupping
are during excessively hot or cold weather, as it not only impairs detoxification but also weakens the patient, especially in middle age or childhood.
Performing cupping during the first and last days of the lunar month is not recommended because the blood is stagnant and tends to move deeper. During the full moon (12th to 15th lunar days), cupping is also unsuitable because the subtle, pure phlegm tends to stay on the surface. Similarly, avoid cupping on the last Tuesdays and Fridays of the lunar month.
Refrain from non-essential cupping during the first 13 days of each lunar month.
Performing multiple cupping sessions or excessive blood removal can cause anemia and liver weakness, as well as aggravate health conditions. The amount of blood removed should be within recommended limits (20-80 ml); excessive removal by unqualified individuals can harm health and leave ugly scars.
Never perform cupping in the bath. Traditional texts do not support this and also recommend avoiding bathing for 24 hours after cupping.
People with a cold temperament should not undergo frequent cupping sessions.
Those with phlegmatic constitution, weak digestion, or weak stomach should consult a doctor before cupping and take necessary precautions.
Cupping should not be done during extreme heat or at midday, especially after meals, as it can be harmful.
At noon, the lighter, more beneficial phlegm and fluids tend to surface, so cupping at this time effectively removes good quality phlegm, while impure, thick phlegm remains in the body.
Cloudy or stormy weather days are unsuitable for cupping.
Cupping during winter, especially in December, has the least therapeutic effect.
The best position for cupping is sitting cross-legged; avoid lying down or standing during the procedure to ensure safety and better results.
People with rheumatism should avoid cupping.
Those with influenza or cold should abstain from cupping, especially in severe or long-lasting illnesses when the body is weak. It is not recommended during these times.
Cupping at night can be harmful; it is best performed during daytime before sunset.
Avoid cupping when hungry; the ideal time is when neither very hungry nor full. After travel or physical fatigue, cupping is also harmful.According to Iranian scholars, avoid eating eggs for 12 days before and after cupping.Imam Reza (peace be upon him) states in the “Golden Treatise”:
“Bloodletting and cupping after sexual activity are not recommended;” wait at least 12 hours between intercourse and bloodletting or cupping.
The preferred position for cupping is sitting cross-legged; avoid lying down or standing during the procedure.
