Question 1

Is hijama safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Hijama is a safe and non-invasive medical procedure. We use high quality sterile, single-use, medical grade supplies and all re-useable equipment and surfaces are disinfected after each use.

Question 2

Does hijama hurt?

Accepted Answer

The actual process of blood removal via suction is itself non painful. The sensation of the incisions when they are being made can vary depending on each individual's pain threshold. Some people will feel something similar to a brief sting or paper cut. The incisions are made very lightly and only last for a few seconds. After they have been made, you will not feel anything.

Question 3

Will I loose a lot of blood?

Accepted Answer

No, not at all. Each individual person bleeds differently depending on the health of the area being cupped and the level of circulation of the blood. Some may naturally bleed a lot, whereas others hardly bleed at all. Both of these are completely normal.

Question 4

How long does a session last?

Accepted Answer

A Hijama session typically lasts for 1 hour. This is the time it takes from when the therapist arrives at the client's home, to when they leave and includes the time it takes for the client to complete all necessary paperwork and undergo a medical assessment before Hijama is preformed. In some cases, a session can take slightly longer than an hour.

Question 5

How long will the cuts take to heal?

Accepted Answer

The redness from the cups being applied should start to fade within 48 hours. The incisions take around 14 days to heal in most cases. The healing process can be assisted by the client applying olive or black seed oil over the cuts once a day, for five or six days, this will keep the skin supple whilst it heals.

Question 6

Are there any side effects?

Accepted Answer

There are no known adverse side effects of Hijama therapy. Some clients may experience soreness or fatigue for around 24 hours after treatment and may have visible bruises on their skin from where the cups have been applied. These bruises are known as ecchymosis marks and are a normal side effect of cupping and usually fade within a few days.

Question 7

What should I do after I've had hijama?

Accepted Answer

Clients are advised not to take a bath or shower for the first 24 hours after Hijama has been preformed. You are encouraged to rest, have something light to eat and avoid any strenuous exercise, although light exercise can be undertaken, such as going for a walk.

Question 8

How often can I have hijama?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended that people who are generally healthy and do not have any medical concerns, can have Hijama performed once every three months on an ongoing basis, for general good health purposes. For those clients seeking Hijama therapy on a more regular basis, it is advisable to have Hijama performed no more often than once a month.

Question 9

Can I have hijama if I'm pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Wet cupping during pregnancy carries an increased risk of resulting in miscarriage or inducing premature labour, therefore it is strongly recommended that all women who are pregnant avoid Hijama wet cupping until at least three months after they have given birth.

Question 10

Can I have hijama when I'm on my period?

Accepted Answer

A women's menses is a natural form of Hijama detoxification. Wet cupping does not need to be performed when you are on your period if you are healthy. However, if you are unwell, it can be performed after the heaviest flow days have passed.

Question 11

Can I have hijama if I'm diabetic?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your Diabetes type, whether you are a Type 1 or Type 2 and also depends on how insulin is being administered:
Type 1 diabetics who are on Injected Insulin are prohibited from having Hijama preformed altogether.
Type 1 diabetics who are on Pumped Insulin (background insulin), can have Hijama preformed but at a limited rate of a maximum of four large cups.
Type 2 diabetics who are not on insulin can undergo a full session of Hijama wet cupping.

Question 12

Can I have hijama if I'm taking blood thinners or have a blood-borne disease?

Accepted Answer

Warfarin, Heparin, Rivaroxaban, Fondaparinux are examples of anti-coagulant and anti-platelet drugs which reduce the ability for blood to clot. Clients who are taking blood thinners are recommended to stop taking the drugs for 72 hours before wet cupping is carried out. GP's advice must be sought prior to stopping medication.
Clients who have HIV, Hep B, Hep C or other blood disorders are recommended to avoid Hijama and have either dry cupping or massage cupping only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about cupping and our services