Beyond Alternative: Hijama’s Place in the Health Beliefs of Muslim Women Living in America

Abstract

Hijama (also known as cupping) has long been practiced among Muslims for the maintenance of health and the preservation of sunnah (Arabic for prophetic practice). The practice of cupping is an ancient one. The earliest records are found in the ancient Egyptian Ebers Papyrus. Growing interest in cupping in the United States has prompted questions regarding the utility and efficacy of the practice and where it fits (if at all) within mainstream biomedical narratives. These questions have become increasingly relevant to both hijama practitioners and clients, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through qualitative interviews with hijama providers (N=8) and clients (N=7) from across the country, I explore ways in which Muslim women’s current pursuits of hijama present unique schemas of health and healing. This project builds on my previous work that focused on Muslim women’s use of hijama as a holistic medical treatment in the Baltimore-Washington area. These new findings, which explore hijama in the context of COVID-19, further elucidate the nuances of the hijama healing system. For both practitioners and their clients, pursuing optimal health and wellness during a pandemic requires navigating complex internal, interpersonal, and religious relationships.