The art of cupping has been practiced from ancient times. It is depicted in a Persian carving as far back as 1500 years BCE. We know from surviving artifacts that it was applied by the Babylonians, the Egyptians during the time of the Pharaohs, and by ancient Chinese civilisations. Historic evidence shows that cupping was carried out using metal cups, bamboo tree sections or bulls’ horn, from which the air was removed by vigorous sucking. This technique gave way to the use of burning tapers or cotton to remove the enclosed air. After a long period of neglect, cupping was revived in the Islamic Golden Age. The procedure was highly recommended by pioneers of Islamic Medicine such as Ibn Sīnā, al-Zahrāwi and al-Rāzi. These physicians demanded a more stringent rule of application and paid close attention to the practical aspects of the procedure, especially regarding timing, and the physical and mental condition of the patient. The Arabic word for cupping (ḥijāmah) is derived from the verb ḥajama, which means to suck out, and to restore to the previous condition. That is, cupping returned the patient to his or her original state of health .
Cupping is a therapy that stimulates certain points on the body by creating a vacuum in a suction cup. This leads to an increased flow of blood to the area. The cupping action draws impurities, toxins, pain and inflammation away from the deeper tissues and organs towards the skin where it can be eliminated. Cupping facilitates the healing process, and assists physis in restoring balance (homeostasis) to the body. In Ṭibb al-Nabawī it is an important and effective treatment option.