What is TMJ, Causes, Symptoms, and Hijama Cupping Therapy

Image
  TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint , which connects our lower jaw (mandible) to the skull , just in front of each ear. This joint is used for chewing, talking, yawning, and swallowing, so even small issues can cause noticeable discomfort. TMJ problems (more accurately called TMD — temporomandibular disorders) are caused by a combination of factors, not just one single reason. Common Causes  Teeth grinding or clenching. Constant pressure on the jaw joint and muscles is often linked to stress or sleep issues. Stress and anxiety Stress causes jaw muscle tension and clenching, which strains the TMJ over time. Jaw or facial injury Trauma from accidents, falls, or sports can damage the joint or surrounding muscles. Poor posture Forward head posture and long screen time can strain neck and jaw muscles, affecting the TMJ. Arthritis Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can damage the TMJ joint. Disc displacement The cushioning disc inside the TMJ can become displaced,...

What to Drink Before & After Hijama

 

Proper hydration around Hijama is crucial for supporting the body’s healing processes and preventing side effects like fatigue.

Photo by Kobby Mendez on Unsplash

Let’s discuss drink choices before and after Hijama, based on traditional Islamic medicine (Tibb), modern physiological understanding, and practitioner consensus.

Hydration is Key

The therapy involves the removal of a small amount of “static” blood. Being well-hydrated ensures your blood volume is adequate and your blood isn’t too viscous, making the process smoother and more effective.

BEFORE Hijama (24–48 Hours Prior)

Best Drink Choices:

1. Plain, Room-Temperature Water: The absolute best. Sip consistently throughout the days before your session. Aim for 2–3 litres.

2. Electrolyte-Infused Water (Natural): Add a pinch of high-quality sea salt and a slice of lemon to your water. This helps with fluid retention and cellular hydration.

3. Herbal Teas (Mild & Non-Diuretic):

Ginger Tea: Warming, promotes circulation.

Chamomile Tea: Calming for the nerves.

Fennel Tea: Aids digestion.

4. Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Juices (in moderation): Such as pomegranate, carrot, or cucumber juice. They provide vitamins and minerals without excessive sugar. Dilute with water.

Photo by Zlatko Đurić on Unsplash

Drinks to AVOID & Why:

Caffeinated Beverages (Coffee, Black Tea, Energy Drinks): They are diuretics (cause fluid loss) and can constrict blood vessels, potentially making blood extraction more difficult and increasing anxiety.

Alcohol: A strong diuretic and blood thinner. It dehydrates the body and can interfere with the therapeutic intention of the procedure.

Very Cold or Iced Drinks: Traditional medicine advises against them as they can “shock” the system and constrict circulation, counteracting the therapy’s goal of promoting blood flow.

Sugary Sodas & Processed Juices: Cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, provide no nutritional benefit, and can promote inflammation.

AFTER Hijama (First 24–48 Hours)

Best Drink Choices:

1. Water, Water, Water: Even more critical than before. Sip warm or room-temperature water consistently. This is the single most important thing you can do.

2. Nutrient-Rich, Building Drinks:

Bone Broth: Exceptionally nourishing. Provides easy-to-absorb protein, collagen (for skin healing at incision sites), and minerals to replenish electrolytes.

Green Smoothies (with mild greens): Blend spinach, cucumber, apple, and ginger with water. Provides vitamins and minerals without overtaxing digestion.

3. Rehydrating & Healing Herbal Teas:

Nettle Tea: A classic post-Hijama tonic. It is rich in iron, vitamin C, and minerals, helping to rebuild the blood.

Rosehip Tea: Very high in Vitamin C, which aids iron absorption and collagen synthesis for healing.

Dates soaked in water overnight (Nabeez): A Prophetic (Sunnah) drink. Soak dates in water overnight, drink the water and eat the dates. It provides natural sugars for energy, potassium, and is gently nourishing.

4. Natural Electrolyte Replenishers:

Coconut Water (unsweetened): Excellent for natural electrolytes like potassium.

Water with Lemon & Honey: Lemon provides Vitamin C, and honey gives gentle energy and has antimicrobial properties. Use warm water.

Drinks to AVOID & Why:

Coffee, Alcohol, Cold, Sugary Drinks: The reasons are now even stronger. Your body is in a recovery and detoxification state. These drinks place extra strain on the liver and kidneys, which are already processing the byproducts of the therapy. They also dehydrate.

Dairy-Based Drinks (Milk, Heavy Smoothies): Many practitioners advise avoiding heavy dairy immediately after, as it can be “phlegmatic” and heavy to digest when the body’s energy should be directed toward healing.

Photo by Aron L on Unsplash

Very Sweet Fruit Juices (undiluted): The high sugar load can cause inflammation and an energy crash. Alternate: Dilute with 50% water or choose low-sugar options like cucumber or green apple juice.

Caffeine/alcohol interferes with the body’s natural healing and blood chemistry. Cold drinks hinder circulation and digestion, counteracting the warming, circulating intent of Hijama. Warm and nourishing liquids support digestion, circulation, and the rebuilding of blood and nutrients. Sugar moderation prevents inflammation and energy instability when the body is in a sensitive state.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

General Detox with 7 Organ Hijama Points

Does Hijama Cupping Therapy Heal the Heel pain (Plantar Fasciitis)?

Reasons for Having Fever After Hijama/Wet Cupping Therapy