Sonny Bill turns to hijama for head knock recovery

Cape Town - Sonny Bill Williams has gone back to the traditional Middle Eastern medical treatment hijama, as he looks to recover from a head knock.

According to the Stuff website, the star Blues midfielder posted a photo on Twitter of him receiving the treatment - also known as cupping - where heated glass cups are used to draw blood through small incisions.

Williams famously underwent hijama after the 2015 Rugby World Cup final and it is believed to help alleviate aches and pains. It is unsure whether the method will help with concussion.

American swimming superstar Michael Phelps also underwent cupping during the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Williams left the field just before half-time of the Blues' 40-33 Super Rugby victory over the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday  for a head injury assessment, and didn't return to the field.

"God willing I'll be all right, and I'm sure I will be," Williams told Australia's Daily Telegraph.

"The doctors did a great job, I passed the test at half-time, but they said because I still felt a bit foggy it was better for me to sit down.

The Blues are currently bottom of the ultra-competitive New Zealand Super Rugby Conference, despite having eight more points than the Australian Conference table-topping Brumbies.

The Blues will look to continue on their winning ways when they host the Cheetahs in Auckland on Friday, May 12 at 09:35 (SA time).

Time some #hijama ???? pic.twitter.com/PmC4XjDmwJ

— Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams) May 7, 2017