Как хиджама, как полагают, повышает иммунитет

1. Stimulation of the Immune System via the Skin (The “Alarm” Signal)

The skin is the body’s first line of defense and is rich in immune cells. The gentle suction of the cups and the minor controlled incisions create a “sterile injury” or a “false alarm” at the site.

• Mechanism: This localized trauma signals the body to send a rush of immune cells (like lymphocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages) to the area to begin the healing process. This is akin to a “training exercise” for your immune system, activating and potentially strengthening its response mechanisms.

2. Detoxification and “Purging” of Stagnant Blood

This is the core traditional explanation. The theory is that Hijama removes “old,” stagnant blood and metabolic waste products that accumulate in tissues and capillaries due to poor circulation, stress, or toxins.

• Mechanism: By removing this blood, the body is prompted to generate fresh, new blood. This process, called hemostasis and hematopoiesis, stimulates the bone marrow to produce new blood cells, including white blood cells (leukocytes), which are the cornerstone of the immune system. Fresh blood also carries oxygen and nutrients more efficiently to tissues, promoting overall health.

3. Activation of Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Pathways

Many chronic diseases and a weakened immune system are linked to systemic inflammation and oxidative stress.

• Mechanism: Research suggests that cupping therapy can significantly increase the body’s levels of powerful natural antioxidants like superoxide dismutase (SOD) и glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), while reducing markers of oxidative stress. By lowering inflammation and oxidative damage, the immune system is less burdened and can focus on fighting pathogens rather than dealing with chronic internal stress.

4. Neuromodulation and Stress Reduction

The nervous system and immune system are deeply interconnected. Chronic stress (high cortisol levels) is a known suppressor of immune function.

• Mechanism: Hijama is deeply relaxing and is known to activate the parasympathetic nervous system (“rest and digest” mode). This reduces stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Lower stress levels directly correlate with a more robust and balanced immune response. The therapy may also stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which contribute to a sense of well-being.

5. Improved Circulation and Lymphatic Flow

The suction from the cups dramatically increases blood flow to the area. This also stimulates the flow of lymph, the fluid that carries infection-fighting white blood cells throughout the body.

• Mechanism: Enhanced lymphatic drainage helps clear toxins and waste products from the tissues and transports immune cells to where they are needed more efficiently. Better circulation ensures that immune cells can patrol the body effectively.

Key Points for Practice (If You Choose to Do It)

• Timing: In Islamic tradition, the best times for Hijama are the 17th, 19th, or 21st days of the lunar month (especially beneficial on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursdays). While the scientific basis for this is not fully established, many practitioners swear by its efficacy during these times.
• Расположение: Specific points on the body are used for different benefits. For general immunity, points on the upper back (e.g., between the shoulder blades) are common, as they are near the lungs and major blood vessels.
• Practitioner: This is crucial. Ensure your practitioner is certified, uses sterile, single-use blades, and follows all hygiene protocols to prevent infection.
• Последующий уход: Drink plenty of water, eat a light and healthy meal, and avoid strenuous activity, cold temperatures, and stress for 24-48 hours after the session to allow your body to heal and respond.

What Does the Science Say?

While centuries of anecdotal evidence are powerful, modern scientific research on Hijama is still growing. Some studies have shown promising results:

• A 2018 review published in the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that cupping therapy can modulate the immune system by increasing levels of immune cells like interferon-γ and interleukin-2.
• Other studies have documented its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

However, more large-scale, rigorous clinical trials are needed to fully understand and validate these mechanisms.

Заключение

Hijama is not a magic bullet, but rather a дополнительная терапия that appears to work by giving the immune system a multifaceted “tune-up.” It may help by:

1. Alerting and activating immune cells.
2. Detoxifying by removing stagnant blood.
3. Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
4. Calming the nervous system to lower stress.

For a truly strong immune system, Hijama should be part of a holistic approach that includes:

• A balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• Regular physical activity
• Adequate sleep
• Proper hydration
• Managing stress

Always prioritize safety by choosing a qualified practitioner and discussing it with your doctor.

“Hijama should be part of a holistic approach” is fundamental to understanding its true role in health.

Hijama alone is not enough and must be supported by other healthy habits:

1. The Immune System is a Complex Ecosystem, Not a Single Organ

• Hijama’s Role: It’s like sending a team to clean out a stagnant outpost (детокс), conduct training exercises (stimulation), and improve supply routes to that outpost (циркуляция). This makes that specific area function much better.
• The Holistic Approach: However, an army also needs:
  • Nutrition (Fuel & Supplies): You can’t build new soldiers (immune cells) without the right raw materials (proteins, vitamins, minerals).
  • Sleep (Rest & Recovery: This is when the army’s headquarters plans new strategies and produces critical cells (like cytokines) to fight infections.
  • Exercise (Drill & Patrol): Physical activity circulates immune cells throughout the body, making them better at patrolling and detecting threats.
  • Stress Management (Morale): High stress (cortisol) acts like a corrupt general, disarming your troops and suppressing their ability to respond.

Hijama optimizes the “local bases,” but if the entire “nation” (your body) is malnourished, sleep-deprived, and stressed, the army will still be weak overall.

2. Hijama is a Catalyst, Not a Foundation

Hijama works by helping the body help itself. It removes obstacles (stagnant blood, toxins) and stimulates processes (circulation, immune response). However, it cannot provide the fundamental building blocks that your body needs to respond to that stimulation.

• Example: If Hijama stimulates your bone marrow to produce new white blood cells, but you are deficient in Zinc, Vitamin D, or Vitamin B12 (all crucial for immune cell production), the body cannot build those cells effectively. The signal is there, but the construction materials are missing.
• Your diet provides the raw materials. Hijama helps ensure those materials are delivered and utilized efficiently.

3. The Goal is Long-Term Resilience, Not a Quick Fix

Relying solely on Hijama for immune support is like only tuning up your car’s engine but never putting oil or gas in it. It might run smoother for a bit, but it will quickly break down.

• Daily Habits Build Baseline Health: The food you eat every day, your consistent sleep patterns, and your regular activity levels create your body’s fundamental level of health and resilience. This is your baseline immune competence.
• Hijama Enhances the Baseline: Hijama acts as a powerful intervention that can boost you above that baseline, clear out accumulated burdens, and correct imbalances. It is periodic maintenance that works on top of a solid foundation.

If your baseline is low due to poor habits, the positive effect of Hijama will be limited and short-lived. You will quickly return to a state of imbalance because the daily habits that created the problem are still in place.

4. The Body Functions as an Interconnected Whole

You cannot have a strong immune system if other bodily systems are struggling. Holistic practices support all systems simultaneously:

• Gut Health: A huge portion (70-80%) of your immune system resides in your gut. A diet rich in fiber and probiotics supports a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for immune function. Hijama doesn’t directly affect the gut flora.
• Liver Function: Your liver is your primary detoxification organ. While Hijama aids detox, a diet overloaded with processed foods, sugar, and alcohol will overwhelm the liver, negating any benefits.
• Mental Health: Chronic stress and anxiety directly suppress immune function through the release of cortisol. Practices like prayer, meditation, and mindfulness manage stress in a way that complements Hijama’s neurological benefits.

Imagine building a powerful, fortified castle (your immune system).

• Nutrition provides the bricks and mortar.
• Sleep is the time when the builders work.
• Exercise lays down the roads и paths for defense.
• Управление стрессом keeps the kingdom calm and focused.
• Hijama is the skilled military engineer who identifies weak points in the walls, clears moats of debris, and reinforces the defenses.

You need the engineer (Hijama), but without the materials and workers, they cannot build or maintain the castle. All elements must work together to create an impenetrable defense.

This is why Hijama is most effective when integrated into a holistic lifestyle—it amplifies the benefits of your good habits and helps correct imbalances that those habits alone cannot address.