Muscle & joint comfort
May help ease neck, shoulder and back tightness and support relief in some musculoskeletal pain.
Hijama · Cupping Therapy
Hijama — the classical art of cupping
A time-honoured therapy from the Unani tradition, practised with modern standards of hygiene, care and safety.
What is Hijama?
An ancient therapy, carefully practised
Hijama (Arabic for “to draw out”) is a form of cupping therapy used for centuries in Greek, Unani and Prophetic medicine. Cups are placed on specific points on the skin and a gentle vacuum is created, drawing the skin and underlying tissue upward.
In Unani medicine it is one of the key regimenal therapies (Ilaj-bil-Tadbeer), traditionally used to help remove morbid matter and improve local circulation.
Dry cupping
Suction only, without any scratches. Often used for muscular tightness and relaxation.
Wet cupping
After brief suction, tiny superficial scratches are made and cups re-applied to draw a small amount of blood.
Possible Benefits
Why people choose Hijama
Traditional texts and many patients describe the following benefits. Scientific research on cupping is still developing, and experiences vary from person to person.
Circulation
Traditionally used to encourage local blood flow in the treated area.
Relaxation
Many people report feeling lighter, calmer and more relaxed after a session.
Headache support
Used in Unani practice as a supportive therapy for some types of recurring headache.
Traditional detox
In Unani theory, wet cupping helps draw out morbid humours and restore balance.
Sunnah practice
For many Muslim patients, Hijama is also valued as a practice of the Prophetic tradition.
Hijama is a complementary therapy. It is not a cure for any disease and should not replace diagnosis or treatment from your doctor.
The Procedure
What happens during your session
A typical session takes around 30–45 minutes, including consultation and rest.
Consultation & consent
The Hakeem reviews your health history, medicines and blood pressure, checks whether Hijama is suitable, explains the process and takes your consent.
Point selection & preparation
Points are chosen according to your concern. The skin is cleaned with antiseptic, and new, single-use sterile cups and blades are opened in front of you.
Suction
Cups are applied and gentle suction is created for a few minutes. You'll feel a tight, pulling sensation.
Superficial scratches (wet cupping only)
Cups are removed and tiny, shallow scratches are made on the skin surface. Cups are re-applied to draw out a small amount of blood.
Cleaning & dressing
Cups are removed, the area is cleaned and an antiseptic or traditional oil is applied. All disposables are safely discarded as biomedical waste.
Rest & guidance
You rest for a few minutes, have a drink of water, and receive written aftercare advice before leaving.
Aftercare
Looking after yourself afterwards
- Rest, and avoid heavy exercise or lifting for the rest of the day.
- Keep the area clean and dry; avoid bathing the area for a few hours, or as advised.
- Eat light, easy-to-digest meals; drink plenty of water.
- Avoid very oily, spicy or heavy food, and dairy-heavy meals for the day.
- Keep warm and avoid cold drafts or cold showers straight after.
- Contact us if you notice increasing redness, swelling, pus, fever or feel unwell.
Sunnah Dates
A note on the Sunnah days
In the Prophetic tradition, Hijama is recommended on the 17th, 19th and 21st days of the Islamic (lunar) month, with Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mentioned as preferred days. Many patients like to book on these dates.
| Traditional recommendation | Details |
|---|---|
| Lunar dates | 17th, 19th, 21st of the Hijri month |
| Preferred days | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday |
| Time | Morning, on a light stomach |
These dates are a matter of religious tradition. Hijama can be performed on other days when medically appropriate. Sunnah dates book up quickly — please reserve early. Female patients should not have Hijama during menstruation.
Ask about Sunnah datesSafety First
Who should avoid or postpone Hijama?
Hijama is not suitable for everyone. Please tell us honestly about your health and medicines — we will decline or postpone treatment if it is not safe for you.
Hijama is generally not advised if you:
- Are pregnant
- Have a bleeding disorder (e.g. haemophilia) or low platelets
- Take blood-thinning medicines (e.g. warfarin, apixaban, clopidogrel) — unless cleared by your doctor
- Have severe anaemia, very low blood pressure or are very weak
- Have an active infection, fever, or skin wounds, rashes or varicose veins at the site
- Are undergoing cancer treatment, dialysis, or have serious heart, liver or kidney disease — without your specialist's approval
Take extra care / tell us if you:
- Have diabetes (wound healing and blood sugar need attention)
- Are menstruating — we usually postpone until afterwards
- Are elderly, or bringing a child — suitability is assessed individually
- Have recently donated blood, had surgery or a vaccination
- Tend to faint at the sight of blood, or feel anxious about needles
- Have a pacemaker or any implanted device
Our hygiene promise: new, sterile, single-use cups and blades for every patient; gloves and antiseptic protocols; safe disposal of biomedical waste. Never accept Hijama with reused blades or cups.
Hijama FAQs
Common questions about cupping
Most people feel a tight pulling sensation from the cups and a brief sting during the tiny superficial scratches in wet cupping. Discomfort is usually mild and short-lived.
Yes, round marks where the cups were placed are normal. They are not bruises from injury and usually fade within a few days to about two weeks.
This depends on your health and purpose. Many people have it occasionally or at intervals of a few weeks to months. The Hakeem will advise what is appropriate for you — more is not necessarily better.
Yes, with full privacy. Please let us know when booking if you prefer a female therapist and we will do our best to arrange it. Hijama is generally avoided during menstruation and pregnancy.
Traditionally, Hijama is performed on a light or empty stomach. We usually advise avoiding a heavy meal for 2–3 hours beforehand, but please eat something light if you are diabetic or prone to dizziness — tell us at booking.
Book your Hijama session
Reserve a slot — including Sunnah dates — and our team will confirm the time and share preparation advice.