Frequently Asked Questions

Hijama is wet cupping — a traditional therapy rooted in prophetic and Islamic medicine. It uses light suction cups placed on the skin, followed by small superficial incisions to draw out stagnant blood. Sessions are performed in a private, fully sterile environment using 100% single-use medical-grade equipment. For a full explanation of the process, benefits and what to expect, see our What is Hijama page. Ready to book? View Hijama sessions and pricing.

Many clients come to us for back pain, neck and shoulder tension, sports recovery, general muscle tightness and Sunnah-based wellbeing. Hijama may support circulation, help release deep muscular tension and encourage the body's natural recovery processes. It is not a medical treatment and does not diagnose or cure conditions. For a detailed, evidence-honest guide, see our Benefits of Hijama page.

Dry cupping uses suction only, with no incisions — suitable for muscle tension and recovery work. Fire cupping uses heated glass cups to create deeper suction with a warming effect. Wet cupping (Hijama) adds small superficial incisions after initial suction to draw out stagnant blood. All three are available at Herts Cupping. You can compare the options on our cupping therapy services page, or read more about dry cupping and fire cupping. We will recommend the best option after your consultation.

IASTM stands for Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation — commonly called muscle scraping or Graston-style therapy. It uses medical-grade steel tools to work through fascial adhesions and restricted soft tissue that hands alone cannot reach. It is particularly effective for stubborn tightness, poor mobility and training-related restriction. IASTM is offered as part of selected recovery sessions where suitable. See the full details on our IASTM page or view our cupping massage and recovery sessions.

Most clients describe cupping as a mild pulling or pressure sensation. For Hijama, the small incisions feel like a very light scratch — much less uncomfortable than most people expect. Everything is explained before we start, and sessions are always adjusted to your comfort level. First-timers usually tell us it was easier than they anticipated.

Cupping marks typically fade within 3 to 7 days. They are not bruises — they are a normal response to suction and are completely painless. Lighter marks generally suggest better circulation in that area. Darker marks indicate more tension or stagnation was present. They do not cause lasting discolouration.

It depends on what you are coming in for. For general wellbeing and maintenance, once a month is common. For specific tension, chronic back pain or sports recovery, some clients come every two to three weeks until things settle. We will advise you at the end of your first session based on how your body responds.

If you are in pain or dealing with active tension, we recommend getting treatment when you need it rather than waiting. The Sunnah dates — traditionally the 17th, 19th and 21st of the Islamic lunar month — are preferred for preventative and wellbeing sessions. However, therapeutic Hijama for pain or recovery does not need to be delayed. Please note Sunnah dates vary monthly; contact us for the current month's dates.

During Hijama, a small amount of blood is drawn from superficial skin incisions after suction has been applied. In traditional cupping language this is often described as stagnant blood. We avoid making strong claims that specific toxins are removed, because that would need medical testing. The aim is to create a controlled local response and support the body's natural recovery process. Read more in our What is Hijama? guide.

After Hijama, the skin has tiny superficial openings, so it is better to keep the area clean, dry and covered while it settles. Hot showers, baths, saunas and steam can irritate the skin and may increase sensitivity. We usually recommend avoiding hot showers on the same day, especially after wet cupping. Full guidance is on our before and aftercare page.

Dark cupping marks are usually a normal response to suction. They can be more noticeable where an area is tight, restricted or has had reduced local movement. They are not a medical diagnosis and they are not the same as injury bruising. Marks normally fade within a few days. If you have a skin condition, bruise very easily or take blood thinning medication, please speak to us before booking.

Practitioners sometimes use the word stagnation to describe areas that feel tight, restricted or slow to respond under suction. It is a traditional therapy term, not a formal medical diagnosis. A darker mark or stronger tissue response can suggest that the area needed work, but it does not prove a specific illness or internal problem.

Cupping is not a cure and should not replace medical care. Many clients use it because it may help ease muscle tension, support local circulation and encourage relaxation. Some people feel lighter, looser or more mobile after a session. If you have severe, unexplained or worsening symptoms, you should seek medical advice first.

No. Cupping should not be sold as a fat loss treatment. It may temporarily change how an area feels because of suction, circulation and tissue response, but it does not remove body fat. For weight loss, nutrition, activity, sleep and medical support where needed are more relevant.

Cupping should not be applied directly over open wounds, active skin infection, inflamed skin, varicose veins, recent fractures, unexplained swelling, the eyes, genitals, or areas where a medical professional has advised against pressure or suction. We assess suitability before treatment and avoid areas that are not appropriate.

We offer three Hijama options, standalone cupping and sports recovery sessions:

• Starter Hijama — £50 (30 to 45 mins, up to 5 cups, targeted areas)
• Signature Hijama — £65 (45 to 60 mins, up to 10 cups, most popular)
• Advanced Hijama — £75 (60 to 75 mins, extended coverage)
• Clinical Dry Cupping — £35 (20 to 30 mins, no incisions)
• Traditional Fire Cupping — £45 (20 to 30 mins)
• Targeted Recovery Session — £75 (60 mins, cupping + IASTM, one area)
• Targeted Recovery + Hijama — £95 (60 mins, cupping + IASTM + wet cupping)
• Full Body Recovery — £110 (90 mins, full body cupping and scraping)
• Full Body Recovery + Hijama — £135 (90 mins, full combined session)

Returning clients who rebook within 8 weeks qualify for a reduced rate. Full details and booking are on our Hijama sessions page. You can also compare all services on our sessions and pricing page.

A quick guide: if you want Hijama for Sunnah practice or general wellbeing, start with Signature Hijama. If you have recurring tightness or training-related soreness in one area, Targeted Recovery + Hijama is the most popular choice. If you have multiple areas or long-standing tension, Full Body Recovery + Hijama gives the most thorough coverage. Not sure? Message us on WhatsApp and we'll point you in the right direction before you book.

Yes. A female practitioner is available for female clients in a fully private, comfortable setting. Please WhatsApp us before booking to confirm her availability for your preferred date and time.

Stay hydrated, eat a light meal two to three hours beforehand and avoid heavy exercise on the day. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that gives easy access to the areas being treated. If it is your first visit, come with any questions you have — we will walk you through everything before starting. Full preparation guidance is on our Before and Aftercare page.

Rest for the remainder of the day where possible, drink plenty of water and avoid heavy exercise, hot baths and saunas for 24 hours after wet cupping. Keep the treated areas covered and warm. Some clients feel lighter or slightly tired — both are normal responses. Written aftercare is provided after every session. Full guidance is on our Before and Aftercare page.

Message us on WhatsApp or call and we will try to find something that works. We can sometimes accommodate sessions outside regular booking hours depending on availability, including early mornings and late evenings.

Yes, when performed in a professional clinical setting. At Herts Cupping, every session uses 100% single-use sterile disposables — nothing is ever reused. The clinic follows strict hygiene protocols, and all clinical waste is disposed of through certified medical waste channels. Cupping and Hijama are not suitable for everyone, which is why every session begins with a full consultation to check for contraindications.

Important: Hijama and wet cupping are not recommended during pregnancy. Please consult your GP or midwife before booking if you are pregnant, may be pregnant or are in the early postnatal period.

Dry cupping may be considered in specific circumstances for some clients in later pregnancy, but only with prior medical clearance and at the practitioner's discretion. Please contact us to discuss your situation before booking.

If you are on anticoagulant medication such as warfarin, aspirin or heparin, or if you have a blood disorder, please consult your GP before booking wet cupping (Hijama). Hijama involves small superficial incisions and may not be suitable for clients on certain medications. Dry cupping does not involve incisions and may be an alternative — please discuss this with us before booking.

Cupping and Hijama are not suitable for everyone. You should not book without speaking to us or your GP first if you have any of the following:

• Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
• Uncontrolled diabetes or blood disorders
• Anticoagulant medication (blood thinners)
• Active skin infections, wounds or inflammation at the treatment area
• Fever or acute illness
• Active cancer or undergoing cancer treatment
• Severe or unexplained pain requiring medical assessment

If you are unsure, message us before booking and we will advise you honestly. We would rather help you make the right decision than take a booking that is not appropriate for your situation.

We recommend avoiding intense exercise for at least 24 hours after a wet cupping session. Light walking is fine, but give your body time to recover. After dry cupping or muscle scraping sessions, most clients can return to training the next day, though this depends on how your body responds. We will give you specific aftercare guidance based on your session.

Leaving cups on too long can increase redness, soreness, blistering risk and skin irritation. This is why cupping should be timed and monitored properly rather than left on for as long as possible. More suction or longer treatment is not automatically better.

Cupping can be used around the neck and upper shoulders by a trained practitioner, but it must be done carefully and not over sensitive structures. We avoid unsafe areas, use controlled suction and adjust the session around your symptoms, comfort and medical history.

People who are pregnant, severely anaemic, on blood thinning medication, have uncontrolled diabetes, active skin infection, blood disorders, fever, active cancer treatment or unexplained severe symptoms should not book Hijama without speaking to us and seeking medical advice where appropriate.

No clinic should claim that Hijama reduces creatinine or treats kidney disease. If your creatinine is raised or you have kidney concerns, you need medical assessment through your GP or specialist. Hijama may be used by some clients for general wellbeing, but it should not be used as a replacement for kidney care.

We are based at 6B Treatment Rooms, 6B St Brelades Place, St Albans, AL4 9RG. It is a private, dedicated treatment room located within a shopping complex with a free car park. We regularly see clients from across Hertfordshire including Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield, Harpenden and surrounding areas.

No. Our clinic is based in St Albans, but clients travel from across Hertfordshire including Harpenden, Hatfield, Hemel Hempstead, Watford, Welwyn Garden City, Borehamwood, Radlett, Redbourn and surrounding areas. We are the only dedicated Hijama clinic in Hertfordshire, so many clients choose us because they want a professional clinic setting rather than a home-based setup.

Yes. There is a free car park in the shopping complex where the clinic is situated, so you do not need to rely on street parking or paid town-centre car parks. If you need directions before your appointment, message us and we will point you to the correct parking area.

We accept card payments (excluding AMEX), cash and bank transfer. Payment is taken after your session.

Yes, on a case-by-case basis. If you would like to gift a session to someone, get in touch and we will arrange it for you. You can also book on their behalf and we will handle the details.

We ask for at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations and no-shows may be subject to a fee. We understand that things come up — please just let us know as early as you can and we will always try to accommodate a rescheduled appointment.