What to Eat After Hijama Therapy - Diet Tips and Lifestyle Changes

Understanding Hijama Therapy

Hijama therapy, also known as cupping therapy, is an ancient form of alternative medicine. It involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction. This suction pulls the skin and superficial muscles upward into the cup, thereby increasing blood flow to the area. Hijama has been practiced for thousands of years and is used to treat a variety of conditions.

Benefits of Hijama Therapy

Some of the potential benefits of hijama therapy include:

• Relieves muscle tension and pain
• Boosts circulation
• Removes toxins from the body
• Stimulates the flow of blood, lymph and qi (energy)
• Alleviates headaches and migraines
• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Promotes relaxation
• Treats conditions like asthma, back pain, cellulite and fatigue

How Does Hijama Therapy Work?

There are several theories about how hijama works:

• It pulls stagnant blood, lymph and other bodily fluids to the surface of the skin, allowing new nutrient-rich blood to flow in and rejuvenate the area.
• It stimulates the flow of qi (energy). In traditional Chinese medicine, illness is believed to be caused by blocked qi.
• It activates the immune system by increasing white blood cell counts.
• It releases endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.

Overall, hijama is believed to balance the body's energy and stimulate healing. More research is still needed to fully understand the science behind it.

What to Expect During and After Hijama

During the Treatment

Typically, hijama is performed by a trained practitioner. Here are some things you can expect during the treatment:

• The practitioner will clean and disinfect the skin where the cups will be applied.
• Small incisions may be made at the cupping sites to draw blood and help purge toxins.
• The cups are placed on the selected points and suction is created either by heating the air inside the cup or using a hand-held suction pump.
• You may experience some minor discomfort as the skin is pulled up into the cups.
• The cups are left in place for 5-20 minutes depending on the individual's condition.
• After removing the cups, the practitioner will clean the treated areas.

One hijama session can involve anywhere from 3 to 20 cups placed on areas like the upper back, neck, shoulders and thighs. The whole treatment typically lasts 20 to 45 minutes.

After the Treatment

It's normal to have some minor side effects after hijama therapy. These can include:

• Redness, bruising or mild irritation where the cups were placed
• Dizziness or lightheadedness from the blood draw
• Mild muscle soreness
• Skin discoloration that fades after a few days
• Headache
• Fatigue

Make sure to drink plenty of water after the treatment to help flush out toxins and rehydrate the body. The side effects are temporary and should resolve within a day or two.

Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations After Hijama

Certain diet and lifestyle changes may help enhance the benefits of hijama therapy and speed up the healing process. Here are some recommendations for after your treatment:

Eat a Clean, Nutritious Diet

Since hijama aims to rid the body of toxins, it makes sense to avoid foods that may introduce new toxins. Stick to fresh, whole foods and limit processed items. Some dietary tips include:

• Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Choose lean proteins like fish, skinless chicken or legumes.
• Pick whole grains like brown rice, quinoa and oats over refined grains.
• Drink lots of water to stay hydrated.
• Reduce intake of salty foods to avoid bloating.
• Limit sugary foods which can disturb blood sugar levels.
• Minimize consumption of caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks which can dehydrate the body.

Pay Attention to Food Hygiene

Be extra careful about food safety practices after hijama therapy while your immune system rebalances itself. Avoid raw or undercooked meats and eggs. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Make sure kitchen surfaces and cooking utensils are properly disinfected.

Get Plenty of Rest

Give your body time to heal by getting extra rest for a few days after the treatment. Some tips to help you relax include:

• Sleep at least 7-8 hours per night.
• Take short naps during the day if needed.
• Go to bed early and avoid digital screens before bedtime.
• Engage in relaxing activities like reading, gentle yoga or listening to music before bed.

Avoid Strenuous Exercise

Vigorous physical activity can disrupt the healing process after hijama. Avoid exercising for 1-2 days post-treatment. Once you resume exercise, stick to gentle activities like walking, swimming or light yoga. Build back up to more strenuous workouts gradually.

Skip Massages and Saunas

Massages and saunas can put excess pressure on the areas treated with hijama. Its best to avoid these activities for a few days to allow the skin time to heal. After that, massage therapy may help improve blood flow and aid healing.

Protect the Skin

Take extra care to protect your skin after cupping. Avoid sun exposure, hot showers, baths, jacuzzis or swimming pools until any marks have fully healed. This prevents infection or irritation. Loose, breathable clothing is best after treatment.

Avoid Cold Temperatures

Exposure to cold air can disrupt the movement of blood and qi post-hijama. Keep warm by dressing appropriately for the weather and avoiding icy baths or showers.

Manage Stress

High stress is believed to reduce hijamas benefits. Make time to relax through meditation, gentle exercise, enjoying nature or other activities you find calming.

When to Get Checked by a Doctor

In most cases, you'll recover within a few days after hijama treatment. See your doctor if you experience:

• Severe or worsening pain
• Dizziness, weakness or fainting
• Extensive bruising or bleeding
• Skin infection like oozing, redness, swelling or fever
• Muscle spasms or severe cramping
• Allergic reaction like hives, itching or trouble breathing
• Numbness or tingling in the treated areas
• Headaches that won't go away

Rare side effects like these may indicate an underlying medical condition or complication from treatment. Its better to get checked out if anything concerns you.

Incorporating Hijama Therapy Into Your Routine

For best results, hijama may be repeated every 4-6 weeks for a period of several months. To make the most of it:

• Drink lots of water and eat clean in the days leading up to your appointment.
• Get a good nights rest before your treatment.
• Plan to take it easy for the rest of the day after your session.
• Stick to the recommended aftercare guidelines.
• Keep records of changes you notice in your health and energy levels.
• Consider combining hijama with other natural therapies like acupuncture or herbal remedies.

Over time, routine hijama treatments can help improve your overall health, vitality and sense of wellbeing.

The Takeaway

Hijama therapy has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of conditions. During the treatment, suction cups are placed on the skin to boost circulation and stimulate healing. Its normal to have some mild side effects afterwards like soreness, redness or bruising. Drinking plenty of water, eating a clean diet, getting adequate rest and avoiding strenuous activity can help optimize your recovery after hijama. This traditional therapy may be useful as part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle when performed safely by a trained practitioner.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.