The Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland held a lecture on and a display of Cupping Therapy (Hijama) from Wednesday 28th December until Friday 30th December 2011, each day after Maghreb prayer. Sterilized modern medical tools were used during the treatment of patients, all performed by the specialist Ziyad Alubaidi.
Cupping (hijama) has been practised for over 7000 years. The word "hijama" is derived from "hajm" which means "sucking." Cupping is the process of applying cups to various points on the body by removing the air inside the cups to form a vacuum. It was a recommended medical remedy by the Messenger (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) who said, "Indeed the best of remedies that you have is cupping Û_" (Bukhari).
Cupping Therapy as a Terminology means a method of relieving local congestion by applying a partial vacuum which is created in cup, either by heat or by suction.