What Is Hijama? A Guide to Wet Cupping Therapy
Hijama is a form of wet cupping with deep roots in prophetic and Islamic medicine. It involves light suction followed by small, superficial incisions to draw out stagnant blood. The therapy has been practised for thousands of years and continues to be used widely for pain relief, muscle tension, and general wellbeing.
Unlike massage or physio which pushes into tight muscles, cupping lifts and decompresses the tissue. That's why many clients come to us when other treatments haven't given lasting relief.
At our clinic in St Albans, we perform all Hijama sessions in a private, fully sterile environment using 100% single-use medical-grade equipment. Every session is one-to-one, fully tailored, and includes a consultation and written aftercare.
Hijama sessions: £50 · £70 · £90
View sessions & book →Understanding the Basics
Hijama comes from the Arabic word "hajm", meaning suction. Small cups are applied to the skin to create a vacuum, drawing blood to the surface and stimulating circulation in the surrounding tissue.
While valued as a Sunnah practice, Hijama is increasingly used by people across Hertfordshire to manage physical strain, relieve muscular tension, and support recovery after exercise or injury.
The Sunnah Tradition
For our Muslim clients, Hijama holds both spiritual and physical significance. We provide a professional, respectful clinical setting that honours the tradition.
"Indeed, the best of remedies you have is Hijama."
Sahih al-Bukhari 5683
See What a Session Looks Like
This short video shows what happens during a cupping session in a professional clinic setting.
Seen Cupping on Social Media?
That's fair if you're not sure what to make of it. There's a lot of content out there that doesn't represent the therapy well. What we'd say is this: cupping has thousands of years of history and genuine clinical interest behind it.
What actually matters is the environment it's performed in, the training of the person doing it, and the care taken before, during, and after. If you've got questions, we're always happy to talk you through it before you commit to anything.
The Three Core Methods
We use three different cupping techniques. Here's how they work and when each one is used.
Wet Cupping (Hijama)
After applying suction, small superficial incisions are made to draw out stagnant blood. This is the deepest form of cupping therapy and the one with the longest historical tradition. Performed in a fully sterile environment with single-use equipment.
Dry Cupping
Cups are placed on the skin to create a vacuum. The suction increases local blood flow and helps decompress tight muscle tissue. No incisions are made. Good for general tension, mobility issues, and as a warm-up before deeper work.
Fire Cupping
Traditional glass cups where a flame briefly heats the air inside before being placed on the skin. The cooling air creates suction. No open flame touches the body. Particularly effective for deep chronic stiffness and cold weather aches.
What to Expect During a Session
If you've never had Hijama before, here's exactly what happens from start to finish. No surprises.
STEP 01
Consultation
We talk through your symptoms, goals, and medical history. This is how we decide which areas to treat and which approach is right for you.
STEP 02
Preparation
The treatment area is prepared and, where appropriate, percussive therapy is used to relax the tissue before cupping begins.
STEP 03
Cupping & Hijama
Cups are applied to create suction. For wet cupping sessions, small superficial incisions are then made and the cups reapplied to draw out stagnant blood.
STEP 04
Aftercare
The area is cleaned with antiseptic. You leave with written aftercare guidance covering what to expect over the next few days and how to support your recovery.
Who Is Hijama Suitable For?
Hijama works well for a wide range of people. We carry out a full consultation before every session to make sure it's appropriate for you.
Commonly helps with
- Back pain, shoulder tension, and neck stiffness
- Post-training soreness and gym recovery
- Desk posture strain and restricted mobility
- General fatigue and feeling run down
- Clients wanting to follow the Sunnah practice
- People who have tried massage without lasting results
May not be suitable if you
- Are pregnant
- Are on blood-thinning medication
- Have a blood clotting disorder
- Have active skin infections in the treatment area
- Have severe anaemia
- Are under 18
If you're unsure whether Hijama is right for you, just message us. We'll talk you through it before you book anything.
What Clients Commonly Report
These are the outcomes our clients most frequently describe after regular cupping sessions.
What About the Marks?
Cupping often leaves circular marks on the skin. These are not bruises. They are a sign of increased blood flow in the area and typically fade within three to seven days depending on your circulation and how much tension was present.
The colour varies from light pink to dark purple. Darker marks generally indicate more stagnation in that area. They are completely painless.
If you have an event or occasion where you need to keep your back clear, just let us know in advance and we can plan around it.
Aftercare Guidance
You'll receive written aftercare when you leave. Here's a summary of what to do and what to avoid in the 24 hours after your session.
Do
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat light, nutritious food
- Rest and allow your body to recover
- Keep the treated area clean and dry
- Contact us if you have any questions
Avoid for 24 hours
- Heavy exercise or gym sessions
- Hot showers, baths, or saunas
- Swimming pools
- Direct sunlight on the treated area
- Caffeine and processed foods (where possible)
Frequently Asked Questions
If you're new to Hijama, these are the things most people ask before their first session.
Does Hijama hurt?
Most people describe it as a strong pulling sensation rather than pain. The superficial incisions feel like a very light scratch. It's much less invasive than most people expect, and we go at your pace throughout.
How is Hijama different from dry cupping?
Dry cupping uses suction only, with no incisions. Hijama (wet cupping) adds small superficial incisions after the initial suction to draw out stagnant blood. Both improve circulation, but Hijama goes deeper. If you're unsure which is right for you, we'll help you decide during the consultation. Learn more about dry cupping.
How long do the marks last?
Typically three to seven days. They are not bruises and are completely painless. The darker the mark, the more stagnation was present in that area. They fade on their own without any treatment needed.
How often should I have Hijama?
For general maintenance and wellbeing, once every four to six weeks works well for most people. If you're dealing with a specific issue, we can discuss a more targeted plan during your consultation. There's no fixed rule.
Do I need to fast before my session?
It's recommended to avoid eating a heavy meal for two to three hours before your session. Light food is fine. Drink water as normal.
Is Hijama safe?
Yes, when performed by a trained practitioner in a clinical setting. We carry out a full consultation before every session to check suitability. We use 100% single-use, medical-grade sterile equipment. Nothing is reused.
Can I have Hijama during pregnancy?
We do not perform Hijama on pregnant clients. If you are pregnant and interested in cupping, please speak to your GP first and contact us to discuss your options.
Do I need to wait for Sunnah days to book?
The Sunnah dates (the 17th, 19th, and 21st of the Islamic month) are recommended for preventative sessions. However, if you're in pain or dealing with a specific issue, you should book whenever you need to. Recovery doesn't wait for a calendar.
Is Hijama the same as Chinese cupping?
Both use suction cups, but they differ in method. Chinese cupping typically refers to dry cupping (no incisions). Hijama specifically refers to wet cupping, which includes the removal of stagnant blood through superficial incisions. We offer both at our clinic.
Do you have a female practitioner?
Yes. We have a dedicated female practitioner for ladies who holds a Diploma in Hijama Cupping Therapy (D2D Therapies, IPHM approved). Please WhatsApp us first to confirm her availability before booking.
Need More Than Cupping Alone?
If your pain or tightness keeps coming back after Hijama, our Cupping Massage & Deep Tissue therapy goes further. It combines cupping with deep tissue massage, muscle scraping and hands-on therapy in the same session.
Targeted Cupping Massage
60 mins · From £75 dry / £95 with Hijama
For ongoing tightness or recurring pain.
Full Body Cupping Massage
90 mins · From £110 dry / £135 with Hijama
Multiple problem areas or full body tension.
Start With Hijama. Upgrade If Needed.
Sessions from £50 at our private clinic in St Albans. We'll guide you during your session. No guesswork.