05/06/2026
Therapeutic Hijama = wet cupping therapy. Traditional Islamic/Middle Eastern practice na ginagamit din for pain relief.
Paano ginagawa sa sciatica:
Dry cupping muna: Glass or plastic cups ilalagay sa likod, puwit, or hita kung saan yung pain pathway. Vacuum effect hihila ng balat → increased blood flow
Small incisions: After 3-5 mins, tatanggalin cups. Gagawa ng maliliit na hiwa sa balat gamit sterile blade
Wet cupping: Ibabalik yung cups para "hilahin" yung stagnant blood/toxins palabas. May makikita kang blood sa cup
After: Lininis, lagyan ng oil/antiseptic. Usually 5-7 cups per session
Feeling: Pressure + slight stinging sa cuts. 4-6/10 pain. May circular bruises 5-10 days after — normal yun.
Claimed benefits for sciatica:
"Detox": Tinatanggal daw "bad blood" or inflammation sa area
Blood flow: Vacuum effect increases circulation sa lower back/glutes
Pain gate theory: Yung suction + minor trauma nag-o-overload ng nerves → binabawasan pain signals
Fascial release: Hinahatak yung skin/fascia → nakakarelax ng tight piriformis/hamstrings
Ano sabi ng research:
Limited studies pa. Few small trials show temporary pain relief for lower back pain, similar to dry cupping or massage. Walang strong evidence na naaayos niya yung herniated disc or nerve compression — yung actual cause ng most sciatica.
So kung muscle-related sciatica mo like piriformis syndrome → baka makatulong sa symptoms.
Kung disc/stenosis cause → relief lang, hindi cure. Babalik din pag hindi na-address yung nakaipit na nerve.
Risks & bawal sa:
Infection: Pag hindi sterile yung blade/cups. Dapat single-use blade + trained practitioner
Scarring, excessive bleeding — delikado kung nasa blood thinners ka
Anemia/low BP: Kasi mawawalan ka ng blood
Diabetes, poor wound healing: Matagal gumaling yung cuts
High blood pressure na hindi controlled: Stress + blood loss pwede magpa-spike ng BP. Since nabanggit mo dati na may high BP ka, ask doctor muna
Skin conditions, varicose veins sa area
Pregnant — bawal sa lower back/abdomen
Hijama vs. ibang options for sciatica:
| | **Hijama** | **Dry Needling** | **Graston** | **Physio** |
| **Evidence** | Weak, traditional | Moderate | Moderate | Strong |
| **Target** | Blood flow, fascia | Trigger points | Scar tissue | Root cause |
| **Risk** | Infection, bleeding | Pneumothorax rare | Bruising | Very low |
| **Best for** | Muscle tightness | Muscle knots | Old injuries | All causes |
Important reminders:
Hindi first-line treatment ang hijama for sciatica sa medical guidelines. Physio + exercise pa rin #1
Hanap ng certified hijama practitioner na may medical background. Madaming hindi sterile mag-practice
Sabihin lahat ng conditions mo — high BP, sciatica duration, meds. Kung umiinom ka ng aspirin for BP, bawal hijama
Hindi substitute sa MRI/doctor check kung >6 weeks na sciatica mo or may red flags
Bottom line: Pwede siya as complementary therapy for pain relief kung muscle-related yung sciatica at gusto mo traditional approach. Pero kung disc problem yan, hindi niya aayusin yung naka-ipit.