Hijama, or wet cupping therapy, has gained attention as a potential alternative treatment for a variety of ailments, including high blood pressure (hypertension).  (هل الحجامة تخفض الضغط) While this centuries-old practice is rooted in traditional medicine, many are now curious if it holds any true therapeutic value, especially for managing a condition as widespread as hypertension.

To answer the question, "Can hijama reduce high blood pressure?" let’s look at what experts, both in traditional medicine and modern health science, have to say about its effectiveness and safety.

What is Hijama (Wet Cupping)?

Hijama involves placing cups on the skin and creating suction, which can either be dry (without drawing blood) or wet (with small incisions made in the skin to draw out blood). In wet cupping, blood is drawn out to "release toxins" and improve circulation, while dry cupping is thought to increase blood flow and promote healing through suction alone.

How Hijama Might Impact High Blood Pressure: Expert Insights

Experts in both traditional and modern medicine suggest a few potential mechanisms by which hijama could help lower blood pressure:

1. Improved Blood Circulation

• Traditional Medicine Perspective: Hijama is thought to stimulate the flow of qi (energy) in the body, which is believed to be essential for health and vitality in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Unani medicine (often practiced in the Middle East). Improved circulation helps relieve stagnation in the blood, which may reduce the strain on the heart and blood vessels, a key contributor to high blood pressure.

• Modern Medical Perspective: The suction created by cupping can improve microcirculation, meaning it enhances blood flow in the small blood vessels and capillaries. This may lower vascular resistance, making it easier for the heart to pump blood. In some studies, cupping has been shown to reduce inflammation and promote circulation, both of which can have a positive effect on blood pressure regulation.

2. Stress Reduction

• Traditional Medicine Perspective: Many practitioners believe that hijama has a relaxing effect on the nervous system. By removing "stagnant blood" and clearing blockages in the body, hijama can release emotional and physical stress, which is thought to contribute to both physical and mental well-being.

• Modern Medical Perspective: Stress is one of the leading causes of temporary or chronic high blood pressure. Cupping therapy is often used as a stress-relieving technique, similar to acupuncture or massage. Research suggests that cupping may stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for promoting relaxation and reducing the fight-or-flight response. This could theoretically lower the levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, both of which are linked to elevated blood pressure.

3. Pain Relief and Inflammation Reduction

• Traditional Medicine Perspective: In many traditional systems, cupping is used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, which are believed to contribute to overall health imbalances, including high blood pressure. Chronic pain and muscle tension are known to increase cortisol levels, which can raise blood pressure.

• Modern Medical Perspective: Cupping has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, particularly in the back and neck areas. This effect may extend to overall reduction in body stress, which could influence blood pressure. There is evidence that cupping therapy reduces markers of inflammation in the body, and since chronic inflammation is a known risk factor for hypertension, this could be a key factor in its potential benefits for blood pressure.

4. Detoxification and Blood Purification

• Traditional Medicine Perspective: One of the most common claims about hijama is that it detoxifies the body by removing "impure" or "stagnant" blood, which is thought to contribute to many ailments, including high blood pressure. The concept of blood purification has a long history in both Unani medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, where cupping is used to balance the body’s energy and cleanse toxins.

• Modern Medical Perspective: Although the idea of "detoxifying" the body through cupping is not widely supported by modern science, some studies suggest that hijama might help improve blood flow, remove metabolic waste, and reduce toxins that could contribute to poor circulation or inflammation, indirectly lowering blood pressure.

5. Hormonal Balance and the Role of Cortisol

• Expert Insights on Hormonal Effects: Cortisol (the stress hormone) and other stress-related chemicals like adrenaline are known to elevate blood pressure. Hijama might help lower the levels of these hormones by promoting deep relaxation and balancing the nervous system. Studies suggest that cupping may modulate hormonal responses, reducing the negative effects of stress on cardiovascular health.

Scientific Studies on Hijama and High Blood Pressure

1. A 2015 Study in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine

This study examined the effects of wet cupping on patients with hypertension. Results showed that patients who underwent wet cupping therapy had significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The study concluded that hijama could be a promising adjunct therapy for managing high blood pressure, though it emphasized the need for more research to confirm the results.

2. A 2019 Study in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice

A study of patients with moderate hypertension found that cupping therapy helped improve vascular function and led to a decrease in blood pressure. This suggests that cupping might help enhance the efficiency of blood vessels, reducing the workload on the heart and lowering blood pressure over time.

3. A 2016 Meta-Analysis in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine

A meta-analysis of several studies on cupping therapy showed that cupping might have a modest effect on lowering blood pressure. While the evidence wasn’t strong enough to make cupping a stand-alone treatment for hypertension, it was suggested as a complementary therapy to conventional treatments.

Expert Opinions: Is Hijama Effective for High Blood Pressure?

• Dr. Ziad S. Agha, an expert in integrative medicine, notes that hijama has been used for centuries in the Middle East and other parts of the world to promote circulation and relieve stress, both of which are important factors in managing hypertension. While he acknowledges the positive effects seen in some studies, he emphasizes that hijama should not replace medication or other medically approved treatments for high blood pressure.

• Dr. Tania A. Molina, a clinical physician, cautions that while cupping might provide temporary relief and help reduce stress, it cannot replace lifestyle changes like diet, exercise, and medication in the management of chronic hypertension. She suggests that hijama could be beneficial as part of a holistic approach to managing high blood pressure, but patients should monitor their blood pressure regularly and continue following their doctor’s recommendations.

Conclusion: Can Hijama Reduce High Blood Pressure?

Yes, hijama might help reduce high blood pressure through its effects on blood circulation, stress reduction, and inflammation. While some studies have shown promising results, the research is still limited, and more studies are needed to establish hijama as a proven treatment for hypertension.