What is Hijama? What to expect at your first session

Hijama (حجامة) is the Arabic name for wet cupping, a traditional therapy practised across many cultures and recommended in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). At Your Healing Studio, it is carried out by a physician trained in clinically applied Hijama, using the same hygiene standards you would expect in any medical setting.

How it works

1. Cups are applied to specific points on the skin, usually on the back, creating gentle suction.
2. Small, superficial scratches are made on the skin with a sterile, single-use blade.
3. The cups are re-applied to draw out a small amount of blood.
4. The skin is cleaned and dressed.

A session usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. Most people describe the feeling as a firm pulling sensation rather than pain.

What does the research say?

Some studies suggest cupping may help with certain types of pain, such as neck and lower back pain, and many people find it relaxing and restorative. However, much of the research is small or of mixed quality, so we are careful not to overstate the benefits.

Hijama is best seen as a complementary practice. It does not replace diagnosis, medication or other treatment from your doctor.

Is it right for me?

Before your first session we take a short health history. Hijama may not be suitable, or may need to wait, if you:

• are pregnant
• have anaemia or a bleeding disorder
• take blood-thinning medication
• have uncontrolled diabetes, heart disease, or a weakened immune system
• have a skin infection, wound or rash where the cups would go
• are unwell with a fever

If you are unsure, message us before booking and we'll talk it through.

How to prepare

• Eat a light meal two to three hours before, and drink water.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Bring a list of any medicines you take.

Many people choose the traditionally recommended days in the lunar month (the 17th, 19th and 21st). We are happy to book around these, but Hijama can be performed on other days too.

Aftercare

• Keep the area clean and dry for the rest of the day.
• Rest, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous exercise and very heavy meals for 24 hours.
• Mild marks from the cups are normal and fade over a few days.
• Contact us if you notice increasing redness, warmth, swelling or discharge.

Book your session

Hijama is offered onsite at our Rawalpindi studio, a short drive from Islamabad. Read more about Hijama or book a time. If you'd like to learn to practise it yourself, see our Hijama course.