When I started the first hijama and cupping practice in the Netherlands in 2009, my mission was to strive for a more conscious and healthier society. That is why I write about topics that concern us all. I also want to make young people and their parents aware of trends that threaten their health. One of those trends is shisha smoking. What was once considered harmless turns out today to pose a major health risk.

Smoking shisha is enormously popular among youths and young adults aged 15 to 30. Its use remains particularly prevalent within communities in the Middle East and North Africa. Whether this takes place in a shisha lounge, at home, or on the beach during the summer holidays, it often looks sociable and innocent. The scent is sweet and less harsh than cigarette smoke, leading many people to believe it is less harmful. However, studies show something completely different. Did you know, for example, that a single hookah session of about an hour can be comparable to smoking dozens of cigarettes? That makes shisha not only harmful but, in the long term, even life-threatening.

What makes shisha so dangerous?

Shisha may seem harmless due to the relaxed atmosphere, sweet flavors, and social aspect, but during a hookah session, the body ingests many harmful substances. People inhale not only tobacco smoke but also carbon monoxide, tar, and heavy metals released by the heated coals.

Smoking shisha can cause serious damage to the lungs. This includes chronic bronchitis, respiratory problems, asthma, and even lung cancer. Additionally, the carbon monoxide from the water pipe reduces oxygen levels in the blood, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Nicotine addiction is also much more common than people think, especially among young people who regularly smoke shisha together.

Furthermore, many people do not realize that sharing mouthpieces also poses health risks. Infections and diseases such as herpes or hepatitis can be spread more easily as a result.

You can also read more information about the harmful effects of smoking on Hijama & Cupping Nederland.

Shisha versus cigarettes

Some people think that shisha is less harmful than cigarettes, but that is a dangerous misconception. During a hookah session, you often inhale much more smoke than with a regular cigarette. Moreover, the coals used contain extra toxic substances that penetrate deep into the lungs.

Because a session often lasts a long time, the body ingests harmful substances for an extended period. Many young people underestimate this danger because the smoke feels smoother and smells sweeter than regular tobacco.

Why young people are extra vulnerable

Manufacturers make shisha extra attractive with flavors such as strawberry, apple, or mint. The packaging and marketing are also entirely aimed at a young audience. This creates the impression that hookah smoking is trendy and safe, while the health risks are actually enormous.

As a result, young people in particular run a greater risk of nicotine addiction and health problems later in life. What starts as socializing with friends can eventually develop into a harmful habit that is difficult to quit.

What can you do?

Awareness is the first step. By sharing this information with young people, friends, and family, more people can understand how harmful shisha smoking really is. Healthier choices often start with the right knowledge.

In addition, many people choose to provide extra support to their bodies after prolonged exposure to smoke and harmful substances. Vitamin C is often used because of its powerful antioxidants, which help reduce damage caused by free radicals.

More and more people are also choosing hijama as natural support for the body. For women who want to provide extra support for their health during the Sunnah days, this session may be of interest:
Fitrah Reset Session Sunnah Hijama for Women.

Sunnah days

During the upcoming Sunnah days, it is especially popular to undergo a hijama treatment at Hijama and Cupping Rotterdam and Hijama and Cupping Utrecht. The upcoming days stand out:

Wednesday 18 December
Friday 20 December
Sunday 22 December

These days are traditionally seen as suitable times to support the body in eliminating waste products. Book your treatment in time and make use of your alternative budget before the year is over.

Book your hijama appointment today and start 2025 feeling fresh and more balanced.

Over de auteur

Najat Haddouch is orthomoleculair therapeut, hijama expert en founder van Islamic Medicine Academy.

Gespecialiseerd in:

• darmgezondheid
• hormonen
• chronische vermoeidheid
• islamitische geneeskunde

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