Hijama sessions
Process, current cup-based prices and wet-cupping options.
HijamaHerts Cupping · FAQ · Hertfordshire
Hijama, cupping and massage FAQs
Straight answers about wet cupping (Hijama), dry or fire cupping, deep tissue massage, prices, preparation, aftercare and suitability.
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What is Hijama?
Hijama is blood cupping, commonly called wet cupping. Suction is applied first, small superficial scratches are made with sterile single-use equipment, then cups are reapplied to draw a small amount of blood. The process is explained before treatment starts.
What are the benefits of Hijama or wet cupping?
People commonly search for or book Hijama, wet cupping or blood cupping for back and lower-back tension, neck and shoulder tightness, sports or gym recovery, stress-related body tension, a general body refresh, Sunnah practice and overall wellbeing. These are reasons people choose the therapy, not proof that Hijama diagnoses or cures medical conditions. See our full Hijama benefits guide.
Does “wet cupping” mean gliding or massage cupping?
No. Wet cupping is the common English term for Hijama, also called blood cupping, where small superficial scratches allow a controlled small amount of blood to be drawn. Gliding or moving cupping uses cups moved across lubricated skin and involves no scratches or blood removal.
What’s the difference between Hijama, dry cupping and fire cupping?
Hijama is blood cupping, commonly called wet cupping, and includes superficial scratches. Dry cupping uses suction only. Fire cupping uses warmed glass cups to create suction. We offer all three and explain which approach fits your goal.
What is IASTM muscle scraping?
IASTM uses specialist tools over soft tissue to work on restricted or tight areas. It’s often combined with manual therapy and cupping within deep tissue sessions when appropriate.
Does Hijama hurt?
Most clients describe the scratches as brief and manageable and the cups as a pulling sensation. Pressure and pacing can be adjusted throughout the session.
How long do cupping marks last?
Marks commonly fade over several days, although skin response varies. Colour isn’t used to diagnose illness, toxins or a medical condition.
How often should I have Hijama?
There’s no fixed schedule that everyone needs. Some clients book occasionally for Sunnah or wellbeing reasons; others return when a particular area needs attention. We don’t recommend unnecessary frequent sessions.
Do I have to book on the Sunnah days?
No. The 17th, 19th and 21st of the Hijri month are traditionally recommended days, but Hijama can be booked on other days when you want treatment or recovery support.
What comes out during Hijama?
A small amount of blood is drawn after the superficial scratches. The amount, colour and consistency vary and aren’t treated as a laboratory result or diagnosis.
Does Hijama or wet cupping detox the body?
Some people search for Hijama detox, wet cupping detox or a body reset because they want to feel refreshed after a session. Hijama is traditionally associated with cleansing and wellbeing, but we don’t claim that it medically removes specific toxins or that the blood drawn can diagnose toxins. Clients may describe feeling lighter, relaxed or refreshed afterwards, although responses vary.
What Hijama options do you offer?
Wet cupping (Hijama) is priced by cup coverage: up to 5 cups is £50, up to 10 cups is £60 and up to 15 cups is £75. There are no fixed Hijama treatment durations.
What deep tissue sessions do you offer?
Targeted Deep Tissue is £75, Targeted Deep Tissue + Hijama is £95, Full Body Deep Tissue is £110 and Full Body Deep Tissue + Hijama is £135. Deep tissue sessions combine methods according to the areas being worked on.
How do I choose how many Hijama cups to book?
Choose the amount of coverage you want rather than trying to choose exact points. Up to 5 cups suits a small focus, up to 10 cups gives broader coverage and up to 15 cups is for several suitable areas.
How do I know whether to book Hijama or deep tissue massage?
If you mainly want wet cupping (Hijama), book a standalone Hijama session. If the main issue is muscular tightness, training recovery or movement restriction, a deep tissue session may fit better. WhatsApp us if you’re unsure.
What should I do before my appointment?
Arrive hydrated, avoid turning up faint or depleted, wear practical clothing and tell us about relevant medication, health conditions, pregnancy, recent procedures or a tendency to faint.
What should I do after Hijama?
Take it easy after treatment, stay hydrated and follow the aftercare given in clinic. Avoid strenuous exercise for around 24 hours and follow the specific guidance for the treated areas.
What if there’s no suitable appointment time online?
Message us on WhatsApp. The clinic is open seven days and we may be able to advise on the next suitable availability.
Is Hijama generally safe?
When performed appropriately with sterile single-use equipment and suitable screening, Hijama is generally well tolerated. It still involves the skin and a small amount of blood, so suitability and hygiene matter.
Is Hijama suitable during pregnancy?
Pregnancy requires individual assessment and some areas shouldn’t be treated. Please message before booking so we can advise whether a session is appropriate.
Can I have Hijama if I take blood-thinning medication?
Do not book wet cupping (Hijama) without discussing blood-thinning medication first. The increased bleeding risk may make Hijama unsuitable unless you have appropriate medical advice.
Who should check before booking Hijama?
Please message first if you have a bleeding disorder, severe anaemia, active infection, significant skin problems in the treatment area, recent surgery or procedures, pregnancy, uncontrolled chronic illness or a strong history of fainting.
When should I seek medical assessment instead?
Severe, unexplained or worsening pain, new weakness, significant numbness, bladder or bowel changes, chest pain, breathing difficulty, fever or other concerning symptoms should be medically assessed rather than treated as a routine cupping problem.
Can cupping be used around the neck?
Neck treatment requires care because of the anatomy in the area. We assess where symptoms are felt and use only methods and locations that are appropriate for a non-medical complementary therapy session.
Can I exercise after Hijama?
We normally advise avoiding strenuous training for around 24 hours after wet cupping so the treated skin and your body have time to settle.
Can Hijama diagnose or cure a condition?
No. We don’t diagnose disease from symptoms, cup marks or blood colour, and we don’t claim Hijama cures medical conditions. It can be used as complementary wellbeing or recovery care where suitable.
Where is the clinic?
Herts Cupping is at 6B Treatment Rooms, 6B St Brelades Place, St Albans, AL4 9RG.
What are your opening hours?
The clinic is open Monday to Sunday, 10:30am to 10:30pm, by appointment.
Is parking available?
Free parking is available within the complex. Use the address and arrival guidance in your booking confirmation.
Do you see clients from outside St Albans?
Yes. Clients travel from across Hertfordshire and surrounding areas. The clinic is based in St Albans and all sessions are one-to-one.
What’s the quickest way to contact you?
WhatsApp on 07466 307267 is usually the quickest way to ask about suitability, treatment choice or availability.
Can I ask a question before booking?
Yes. If you’re unsure what to choose, tell us the main area, how long it has been bothering you and whether you’re specifically interested in Hijama or recovery work.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Gift arrangements may be possible on request. Message the clinic before purchasing so we can confirm the current options.
What if I need to change or cancel my appointment?
Please give at least 24 hours' notice. Cancellations or rescheduling with less than 24 hours' notice are subject to 50% of the booked treatment price. Missed appointments and cancellations at or after the appointment start time are charged at 100%. See the Booking, Cancellation & Clinic Policy for the full terms.
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Use these when you want more detail than a short FAQ answer.
First-time Hijama
Preparation, what happens and what to expect afterwards.
First-time guideHijama aftercare
Practical before-and-after guidance for wet cupping.
AftercareBenefits of Hijama
Balanced guidance on commonly reported benefits, evidence and safety.
Benefits guideSunnah Hijama days
Current monthly dates and the Islamic context behind them.
Sunnah daysWhat is Hijama?
A clear explanation of wet cupping and how it differs from dry cupping.
What is Hijama?Need a straight answer?
Still have a question?
Message us before booking and we’ll point you towards the right page or session.