What makes a man leave behind a stable career, a good salary, and all the comforts of corporate life… to pick up cups, blades, and the ancient art of hijama therapy (wet cupping in Singapore)?
In our latest Live Life Podcast, I sat down with Ahmad, better known as The Painsmith, a traditional hijama practitioner in Singapore. What followed was not just a chat about alternative healing and holistic health, but also a deep dive into life, courage, simplicity, and the meaning of true fulfilment.
This blog brings you the highlights of that inspiring conversation.
Roots in Tradition – From Grandma’s Hands to His Own
Ahmad’s story begins in childhood. At the age of six, he was already tagging along with his grandparents—both well-known traditional healers in Singapore. His grandfather was a spiritual healer and masseur, while his grandmother specialised in prenatal and postnatal massage.
As a little boy, Ahmad’s “job” was to carry items from house to house while observing treatments being done. He quickly became his grandmother’s young nurse, learning hands-on how to ease aches and pains. What started as on-the-job training at home became the foundation of his healing journey.
“I was exposed since young… My grandparents were known to be healers. From them, I saw how treatment was done, and I carried that knowledge with me.”
Bridging Tradition and Modern Science
One thing that struck me during our conversation was how Ahmad balances traditional medicine with modern understanding.
In the past, pain was often explained as “banyak angin” or “urat tersimpul.” But today’s generation demands explanations in terms of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and blood flow. Ahmad constantly upgrades himself with courses and study, so he can explain hijama therapy benefits in ways both the kampung makcik and a medical doctor can understand.
“If you don’t combine traditional terms with modern science, it’s hard to explain to people today. So I keep learning. When I say hijama, I explain simply: it detoxifies, regulates blood flow, and promotes healing.”
What Exactly is Hijama (Wet Cupping)?
For the uninitiated, hijama (wet cupping therapy) is a sunnah practice encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It involves making small incisions on the skin and using suction cups to draw out blood. Ahmad stresses that the main purpose is not just to remove “bad blood,” but to trigger the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
He explains it beautifully: when you get a cut, the body reacts by sending white blood cells and clotting agents to repair the tissue. Hijama cupping therapy does the same—it stimulates the body to heal itself.
There’s also dry cupping, which doesn’t involve incisions. Instead, it draws existing blood flow to specific areas to relieve muscle tension. Both methods have their benefits, but Ahmad emphasizes: hijama is about activating healing, not just draining blood.
Safety, Hygiene, and Professionalism
Because hijama is an invasive practice, Ahmad warns against DIY experiments or untrained practitioners. Hygiene, technique, and proper knowledge are critical. Without them, risks include infections, excessive blood loss, or even cutting too deep into veins.
“At least get proper training before practicing. YouTube can’t teach you everything. Experience is important.”
Ahmad uses modern disposable cups and hand pumps, ensuring both safety and precision. His priority? That clients leave feeling better, not worse.
From Firefighter to The Painsmith
Interestingly, Ahmad didn’t start his career in healing. He was once a firefighter (abang bomba), later moving into the oil and gas sector, handling safety, trauma response, and emergency management.
This gave him strong grounding in human anatomy and crisis care. But over time, climbing the corporate ladder left him burnt out. The higher he rose, the emptier he felt. The stress, endless meetings, and being “always on call” took away his peace.
So Ahmad made a bold decision—he left it all behind for a new calling in holistic health and hijama cupping therapy.
The Turning Point – A Motorcycle Journey
His real awakening came during a four-to-six-month solo motorcycle journey across Malaysia and Thailand. Riding through villages, kampungs, and unfamiliar roads, Ahmad found himself reflecting deeply on life.
He saw the humility of people with little but who were content. He also faced life-and-death moments on the road—times when he realised that life could end in an instant. These encounters planted a seed: life is short, fragile, and too precious to waste chasing material wealth.
“I realised I was replaceable in my old job. But in life, I just want to help people, spend time with family, and prepare for the afterlife. That’s more meaningful.”
The Courage to Leave Comfort Behind
Most people dream of quitting their jobs, but fear holds them back—fear of losing salary, benefits, or stability. Ahmad calls this the first step problem.
“Many say every year they want to leave, but they never do. The first step requires courage. Once you take it, your survival instinct kicks in. InshaAllah, you’ll end up with something—even if tough at first.”
His philosophy is simple: whether employed or self-employed, both are valid ways of earning halal rezeki. The key is being true to what you want in life.
Family, Support, and Meaning
Of course, such big decisions need support. Ahmad is grateful that his wife stood by him throughout. While his parents were initially skeptical, his wife trusted his drive and shared his vision.
He calls her his best friend, the one who plays devil’s advocate when he needs clarity, and his pillar of strength when things get tough.
Together, they believe in living life with meaning—helping others, spreading sunnah practices like hijama cupping, and leaving behind knowledge that continues to benefit even after death.
The Future of Hijama in Singapore
Looking ahead, Ahmad hopes hijama in Singapore becomes more recognised, standardised, and accredited. Currently, every practitioner does things differently. Having an association, he says, would ensure consistency, safety, and credibility.
International bodies already exist for accreditation, and he believes local practitioners should come together to harmonise practices. His own vision? To expand The Painsmith into a team, perhaps even an academy, training others in safe, holistic healing.
Living Life Simply
Perhaps the biggest lesson from Ahmad’s journey is this: life doesn’t need to be complicated.
We often chase more money, higher positions, and social comparisons. But Ahmad reminds us that peace of mind, family, and service to others are what truly matter. Age is just a number. If there’s something you want to do—just start. Don’t overthink the time it might take.
“Life is precious. Anything good you do—helping people, feeding your family—it’s all ibadah. Don’t waste your time. Live simply, with meaning.”
Final Thoughts
Talking to Ahmad was refreshing, because his story isn’t just about hijama therapy in Singapore—it’s about courage, reflection, and choosing meaning over materialism.
From a young boy watching his grandmother massage aching mothers, to a man who left the corporate race to heal others with his hands, Ahmad’s journey shows us the power of staying true to our values.
Hijama, at its heart, isn’t just a treatment. It’s a reminder to pause, cleanse, and allow our bodies—and our lives—to reset. And maybe that’s the real lesson: healing is not only physical. It’s also about the soul, the choices we make, and the courage to live life on our own terms.
