If Hijamah has been deemed suitable the patient must ensure to prepare themselves and be in the appropriate condition for the procedure. This is evident from a number of Ahadeeth such as the following: Ibn Umar (RA) reported that the Rasul (SAW) said, "Hijamah on an empty stomach is best. In it is a cure and a blessing..." [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3487)]
Ibn Umar (RA) reported that the Rasul (SAW) said, "Hijamah on an empty stomach* is best. In it is a cure and a blessing. It improves the intellect and the memory..." [Saheeh Sunan ibn Maajah (3487)].
This is the most important condition, i.e. the patient should have an empty stomach.
The reason for this, especially in the case of Hijamah in strength, is because during the night, the toxins and impurities in the blood accumulate in the regions where Hijamah is done and remain there until a person eats. When a meal is taken blood is redirected to the digestive organs to enable the process of digestion and absorption. The toxins and impurities are therefore recirculated throughout the body instead of being concentrated in the Hijamah areas and also there is less blood in the superficial or outer parts of the body. If Hijamah is done in this condition it can lead to illness and this is also mentioned in some other Ahadeeth which say that Hijamah on a full stomach is disease and on an empty stomach is cure.
When Hijamah is done on a person who has just eaten it often results in vertigo or syncope (fainting).
The second condition is that the person should have enough strength for the procedure. This is also proven for the hadith: The Nabi, upon whom be peace, was cupped while he was fasting. However, if doing this weakens the fasting person, it is disliked. Thabit al-Bunani asked Anas: "Did you dislike cupping for a fasting person during the time of the Nabi?" He answered: "No swe did not), unless it made someone weak." This is related by al-Bukhari and others.
There are some general conditions which are also recommended: 1. The patient should ideally have taken a bath before the procedure, this assists in bringing the blood to the surface and helps it to flow better during the procedure. 2. The are where Hijamah is to be done should be shaved, (often this will be done by the Hajjaam) 3. The patient should give some sadaqah (charity) beforehand. It is recommended in the Ahadeeth to treat the sick with charity, it prevents calamities and in the case of the Hijamah procedure helps with the procedure being easy and successful.
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