Post-Hijama Recommendations
Hijama, also known as cupping therapy, is an ancient healing practice. After undergoing hijama, there are specific recommendations to follow to maintain one's health. This presentation will explore some of these recommendations found in traditional sources.

by Mohammed Mazahir Bhojani

Eating Tihu Bird Meat
The first recommendation after hijama is to eat the meat of a bird called "Tihu". In Persian, it's known as "Tihu", a small pigeon-like bird famous for its light yellow color. In traditions, it's mentioned in the plural form as "طباهیج".
1
Winter Recommendation
If it's winter, eat Tihu meat after hijama and drink the special drink mentioned by Imam Raza (a.s).
2
Geographical Availability
Tihu is mostly found in Khuzestan and the southern regions of the country.
3
Imam Raza's Special Drink
This drink is made with raisins, saffron, honey, ginger, clove, cinnamon, chicory, and mastic. More details will be provided in volume four.
Warm Weather Recommendations
In warm weather, after hijama, it's recommended to eat specific dishes:
1
Sikbaaj
Meat cooked with vinegar and saffron.
2
Halaam
A dish made from beef and its skin.
3
Masous
Meat soaked in vinegar and then cooked.
4
General Recommendation
Use vinegar, saffron, and meat in warm weather.
Cooling Down After Hijama
It's reported that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) and Hazrat Ali (a.s) felt warmth after hijama and poured cold water on their feet to cool down.
Excess Bile or Melancholy
Traditions suggest using laxatives for those with excess bile or melancholy, which help remove dryness from the body.
Cold Water Application
Pouring cold water on feet helps to reduce the warmth felt after hijama.
Balancing Body Humors
This practice helps in balancing the body's humors after the procedure.
Oil Usage in Cold Weather
"وَ ادَّهِنْ بِدُهْنِ الْخِيرِيِّ أَوْ شَيْ‌ءٍ مِنَ الْمِسْكِ وَ مَاءِ وَرْدٍ وَ صُبَّ مِنْهُ عَلَى هَامَتِكَ سَاعَةَ فَرَاغِكَ مِنَ الْحِجَامَة"
Khairi Oil
After hijama, especially in cold weather, massage your body with Khairi oil.
Musk and Rose Water
Alternatively, use musk and rose water oil for massage.
Head Application
Apply a little oil on your head when hijama is complete.
Oil Usage in Warm Weather
"وَ صُبَّ عَلَى هَامَتِكَ دُهْنَ الْبَنَفْسَجِ بِمَاءِ الْوَرْدِ وَ شَيْ‌ءٍ مِنَ الْكَافُورِ"
1
Banfsaj Oil
In warm weather, apply Banfsaj oil on your head.
2
Rose Water
Mix the oil with rose water for added benefits.
3
Camphor
Add a little camphor to the mixture for a cooling effect.
4
Purpose
This helps counter the warmth felt in the body after hijama.
Avoiding Heavy Activities
"وَ إِيَّاكَ وَ كَثْرَةَ الْحَرَكَةِ وَ الْغَضَبِ وَ مُجَامَعَةَ النِّسَاءِ لِيَوْمِك"
Rest
Avoid any heavy work after hijama.
Stay Calm
Avoid excessive movement and anger.
Abstain
Avoid sexual intercourse.
Duration
Follow these precautions for at least 24 hours.
Fish for Those with Excess Bile
Imam Askari (a.s) advised someone complaining of excess bile and blood to perform hijama and eat fresh fish kebab afterwards.
Eating Red Sugar After Hijama
"أَنَّهُ احْتَجَمَ فَقَالَ يَا جَارِيَةُ هَلُمِّي ثَلَاثَ سُكَّرَاتٍ ثُمَّ بَعْدَ الْحِجَامَةِ يُورِدُ الدَّمَ الصَّافِيَ وَ يَقْطَعُ الْحَرَارَة"
1
Imam Sadiq's Practice
Imam Sadiq (a.s) asked for three pieces of sugar after hijama.
2
Blood Purification
Sugar helps bring pure blood back into the body after hijama.
3
Temperature Regulation
Sugar helps stop the heat in the body.
4
Cooling Effect
This tradition indicates that sugar has a cooling effect on the body.
Effects of Sugar After Hijama
"إِنَّ السُّكَّرَ بَعْدَ الْحِجَامَةِ يَرُدُّ الدَّمَ الطَّمِيَ وَ يَزِيدُ فِي الْقُوَّة"
Blood Return
Eating sugar after hijama helps the blood return to the body faithfully.
Strength Increase
Sugar consumption after hijama increases strength in the body.
Traditional Wisdom
This tradition highlights the importance of sugar intake post-hijama for recovery.
Chicory and Vinegar After Hijama
"أَيَّ شَيْ‌ءٍ تَأْكُلُونَ بَعْدَ الْحِجَامَةِ فَقُلْتُ الْهِنْدَبَاءَ وَ الْخَلَّ فَقَالَ لَيْسَ بِهِ بَأْس"
Imam's Inquiry
The Imam asked what people eat after hijama.
Common Practice
The response was chicory and vinegar.
Imam's Approval
The Imam stated there's no harm in consuming these.
Potential Benefits
Vinegar cuts bile, and chicory is beneficial for bile treatment.
Calf Meat Consumption
Some people believe that while cow meat might be prohibited, calf meat is not, based on the Quranic verse: ﴿جاءَ بِعِجْلٍ حَنيذ﴾
1
Quranic Reference
The verse mentions bringing a fattened calf.
2
Prophet Ibrahim's Practice
Prophet Ibrahim (a.s) prepared a calf for dinner.
3
Post-Hijama Recommendation
It's suggested to eat calf meat after hijama.
Seasonal Oil Applications
The choice of oil for post-hijama application varies based on the season.
Cold Weather
Use moderate or warm oils like Khairi oil in cold weather.
Warm Weather
Use cooling oils like Banfsaj oil mixed with rose water and camphor in warm weather.
Purpose
These applications help balance the body's temperature after hijama.
Blood Pressure Precautions
Experience shows that if the post-hijama recommendations are not followed, a person may be at risk of blood pressure issues.
Rest
Avoid heavy activities for at least 24 hours after hijama.
Emotional Control
Avoid situations that may cause anger or stress.
Physical Intimacy
Abstain from sexual intercourse for the day of hijama.
Monitoring
Be aware of any changes in your body and consult a professional if needed.
Conclusion: Holistic Post-Hijama Care
Following these post-hijama recommendations ensures a holistic approach to recovery and maximizes the benefits of the treatment. From dietary suggestions to lifestyle adjustments, these traditional guidelines offer a comprehensive care plan for those undergoing hijama.
Rest and Recovery
Adequate rest is crucial for post-hijama recovery.
Dietary Recommendations
Specific foods can aid in the body's recovery process.
Natural Remedies
Traditional oils and remedies play a role in post-hijama care.
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