25 graduates in first of its kind programme for ‘at home’ practitioners of Hijama

A first of its kind initiative in the Middle East to certify ‘at home’ practitioners of Hijama (cupping therapy) has yielded its first batch of graduates. Twenty-five graduates, who completed a six-day course has received permission from the health regulatory body here to practice Hijama at home. The course authorised by National Health Regulatory Authority was organised by Al Salam Specialist Hospital and tutored by an expert from Sharjah International Holistic Health Centre.

The initiative was launched to ensure safer practices among those who commercially do it at home, Dr Mariam Al-Jalahma, the CEO of the National Health Regulatory authority, told Tribune on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the workshop. “Upon completing the course, we will give them permission to practice the therapy at home along with an authorisation certificate,” the NHRA CEO told Tribune. “We are very proud to have this first of its kind initiative in the Gulf and the Arab world to certify the local non-professional practitioners of Hijama.” The move, Dr Mariam Al-Jalahma, said has opened tremendous possibilities to non-professionals.

“Until now we only had professionals who were licenced but with this initiative, for the first time we have opened up the possibility for the non-professionals as well.” Explaining the importance of the course offered, she told Tribune that this is because “we realised that the practice is already there, people are already using them. We needed to intervene to ensure that they are practising it in a safe manner.” “We looked into the steps and skills the practitioners needed to have and we found that infection control is very important since this is a procedure involving blood.” “We gave them all of these training and in the final training session, actual Hijama was performed.

Now we can say they are qualified practitioners of hijama, we know they have all the skills required to perform this safely,” Dr Mariam Al-Jalahma said. As of now, 25 practitioners have qualified, with 25 more are set to take the course very soon. “We will continue this every 3 to 4 months.” The issue, Dr Mariam Al-Jalahma said, however, is spreading awareness on the need to follow correct practices. “We will issue awareness leaflets to the patients so they will know the correct practices and report any violations,” she said.  

Theory, practical

The six-day course included theoretical and practical lessons. General Manager at Sharjah International Holistic Centre Dr Haiman Elnahal said the theoretical portions covered physiology, anatomy as well as steps for performing cupping. Many of the misconceptions were addressed during the workshop. “We clarified the wrong practices that must be avoided, besides holding oral, written and practical exams at the end of the session. “We educated them on how to do the cupping in a safe way,” Dr Haiman Elnahal said.

500 practitioners in Kingdom

Dr Zahra Khalifa, Consultant Family Physician and Occupational Health and Cupping Specialist at Al Salam Specialist Hospital, said that there are around 500 people commercially practising Hijama at home. “Being a physician who also practices Hijama, I was passionate about this subject and wanted to reach out and help others who are interested in this or are practising. “I am so glad that NHRA and Tameen have taken the steps to make this possible and join us in helping those who want to practice Hijama safely.

“We are delighted that Tamkeen has incorporated this into their programmes which means course fees will be funded by Tamkeen for the Bahrainis who are interested,” stressed Dr Zahra Khalifa. The upcoming batches will also be taught at Al Salam Specialist Hospital in cooperation with Sharjah International Holistic Health Centre.