How Weather Influences the Effectiveness of Cupping Treatment
Hijama can be performed at any time of the year, but traditional medicine suggests that certain weather conditions are more favourable for getting the best results.
The idea that the body reacts differently to Hijama cupping in each season is an integral part of traditional healing systems, such as Prophetic Medicine, Unani Tibb, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and it also makes scientific sense.
Our bodies are constantly working to maintain balance, but factors such as temperature, humidity, and daylight affect how our metabolism, blood flow, immunity, and hormones work. Since Hijama influences the blood, lymph, and nervous system, its effects naturally change with the seasons.
As the outside weather changes, the body’s internal balance changes too. In the Unani (Greco-Islamic) system, it’s believed that the body’s natural fluids, or “humours,” shift with the seasons — just like the weather moves from hot in summer to cold in winter.
The Four Humours:
1. Blood (Sanguis): Hot and Moist. Associated with Spring.
2. Yellow Bile (Choler): Hot and Dry. Associated with Summer.
3. Black Bile (Melancholer): Cold and Dry. Associated with Autumn.
4. Phlegm (Phlegma): Cold and Moist. Associated with Winter.
Each season has a dominant humour that tends to accumulate, making individuals prone to specific types of imbalances.
How Seasons Influence the Humours and Hijama Treatments
1. Spring (Warm & Moist) → Blood Humour Dominates
What happens: As the cold of winter recedes, the body “heats up” and melts the cold, stagnant phlegm that accumulated in winter. This creates a surplus of the warm, moist Blood humour. Circulation — increases.
Positive effects: Increased energy, better mood, a feeling of lightness and renewal.
Negative effects: The body can become overloaded. This can lead to allergies (such as hay fever and sinus congestion), skin flare-ups, headaches, high blood pressure, and inflammatory conditions. Emotionally, it can cause restlessness or irritability.
Spring is a time of renewal and cleansing, where the body naturally wants to shed the heaviness and stagnation of winter. The blood and “humours” become more active and mobile. This is considered an excellent time for Hijama. The increased circulation helps in effectively removing accumulated toxins and stagnant blood during the winter. It’s seen as a “spring cleaning” for the body, aligning with the body’s natural tendency to detoxify.
Recommended Practice:
- Focus: Detoxification, treating allergies, and relieving joint stiffness that may flare up with changing weather conditions.
- Areas: Points related to the liver and gallbladder are often emphasized during spring, as these organs are associated with this season.
2. Summer (Hot & Dry) → Yellow Bile Humour Dominates
What happens: The external heat and dryness directly increase the internal Hot and Dry quality, which leads to a dominance of Yellow Bile.
Positive effects: Sharp digestion, high energy for activity.
Negative effects: The body can become overheated. This leads to heartburn, acid reflux, inflammatory conditions (rashes, sunburn), excessive thirst, and dehydration. Emotionally, it manifests as anger, frustration, anxiety attacks and impatience.
Summer is the season of intense “heat” and “dryness.” The body’s energy (Qi) is more superficial, and there is a higher risk of conditions related to excess heat (e.g., inflammation, rashes, irritability, high blood pressure). The body is already working hard to cool itself, but that doesn’t mean Hijaam should be avoided. Hijama can be performed in summer — do it at the right time of day, keep the person hydrated, and don’t overstimulate the body in extreme heat.
Recommended Practice:
- Timing: If performed, it is often done in the cooler parts of the day (early morning or evening) and not during the most extreme heat.
- Focus: Releasing excess heat from the body. It can be beneficial for heat-induced headaches, hypertension, and skin conditions.
- Caution: Hydration is absolutely critical before and after the session. The practitioner might use fewer cups or a shorter duration.
3. Autumn (Cool & Dry) → Black Bile Humour Dominates
What happens: As the heat and moisture of summer fade, the environment becomes cool and dry. This causes fluids in the body to contract and become more dense and stagnant, increasing the Cold and Dry Black Bile.
Positive effects: A grounding, structured energy; good for focus and routine.
Negative effects: This is the season of stiffness and dryness. It can cause dry skin, cracked lips, constipation, joint pain, and a weakened immune system. The lungs are particularly vulnerable, leading to coughs and asthma. Emotionally, it’s linked to worry, anxiety, overthinking, and sadness.
Autumn is associated with “coolness” and “dryness.” The energy of the body begins to move inward in preparation for winter. The lungs and large intestine, which are sensitive to dryness, are the focus. The body can be more susceptible to respiratory issues and dry skin. Hijama can be used to strengthen the immune system before the cold season and to address lung-related ailments.
Recommended Practice:
- Focus: Boosting the immune system, treating asthma, colds, coughs, and dry skin conditions.
- Areas: Points on the back associated with the lungs and upper respiratory system may be targeted.
4. Winter (Cold & Moist) → Phlegm Humour Dominates
What happens: The cold, damp, and lack of sunlight cause the body’s metabolism to slow down and conserve heat. This leads to the accumulation of Cold and moist phlegm humour.
Positive effects: A time for rest, conservation, and deep sleep.
Negative effects: The body becomes sluggish and congested. This is the prime season for colds, flu, sinus congestion, bronchitis, and sluggish digestion. There is a feeling of heaviness, lethargy, and weight gain. Emotionally, it can lead to a lack of motivation, sadness (Seasonal Affective Disorder), and emotional withdrawal.
Winter is the season of “cold” and “dampness.” The body’s energy is deeply stored, and metabolism slows down to conserve warmth. This can lead to stagnation of blood and fluids, exacerbating conditions like arthritis, chronic pain, and depression. The body is more contracted and less “fluid.” There is a traditional belief that Hijama can be more challenging in winter because the blood is not as easily drawn to the surface. The cold can also make the patient more vulnerable to catching a chill after the procedure.
Recommended Practice:
- Focus: Treating chronic pain, arthritis, and stiffness. The therapy aims to break deep-seated stagnation.
- Environment: The room must be very warm and draft-free. The cups may be left on for a slightly longer duration to create a stronger drawing effect.
- Caution: Post-treatment care is crucial. The patient must be kept warm, dress warmly, and avoid exposure to cold for at least 24 hours.
Winter Colds & Flu: The seasonality of respiratory viruses is well-documented.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): The link between lack of sunlight (winter) and depression is scientifically established.
Summer Dehydration & Heat Stroke: The Risks of excess heat are clear.
Spring Allergies: Pollen levels rise, causing immune reactions.
By understanding how the weather affects our internal state, we can adjust our diet, lifestyle, and therapies (like Hijama) to counteract these seasonal shifts and maintain balance year-round. Modern science may not have much research on how Hijama changes with the seasons, but traditional medicine strongly believes the body reacts differently in each season. The key point is to always consult an experienced Hijama practitioner who can guide us based on our personal needs and the current season for the safest and most effective results.
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