It was the talk of the town in the Olympic village this summer and had people all around the world Googling ‘what are those odd marks on Michael Phelps’ body?’
For once, it wasn’t the usual haul of gold medals around the swimmer’s neck but large spherical shapes ‘tattooed’ across his torso in domino-like fashion.
The reason? Hijama therapy (or ‘cupping’ for short).
Amara Deen, from Dewsbury, is one of the few local therapists carrying out the ancient art of hijama in Yorkshire. She first experienced the treatment herself a few years ago.
After studying at the ‘The Hijama Clinic’ based in Luton, she set up her own business from home and currently caters for people of all ages and backgrounds under the company name – ‘The Perfect Hijama Clinic’.
Hijama therapy is a natural holistic treatment which sees blood extracted from the body, between the skin and muscle tissue. The therapist places special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction, which many customers have said is ‘extremely relaxing’.
Wet cupping – where blood is drawn out of the body – is the more effective treatment, yet many athletes opt for the dry cupping option which has also been proven to improve recovery time and sore muscles.
People opt for hijama therapy for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.
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