This is probably the question I get asked more than any other. Someone messages on WhatsApp, says they’ve been looking at the website, and asks: what’s the actual difference between dry cupping and Hijama? Are they the same thing? Which one do I need? So I thought I’d just write it out properly so you have somewhere to point people, and so you can figure it out yourself before you book.
Dry cupping: suction only, no incisions
Dry cupping is exactly what it sounds like. Cups are placed on the skin and a vacuum is created, either with a pump or, in the case of fire cupping, using heat. That suction lifts the skin and the tissue underneath, which can help loosen tight muscles, encourage blood flow to the area and ease localised tension.
There are no incisions. Nothing breaks the skin. It can leave marks, which tend to look more dramatic than they feel, and they usually fade within a few days. Most people find it deeply relaxing once they get used to the sensation.
I use dry cupping regularly in recovery sessions for gym-goers, runners and anyone carrying stubborn tension in the back, shoulders or legs. It’s also a good starting point for people who are curious about cupping but not quite ready for Hijama.
Hijama: wet cupping with small incisions
Hijama takes it a step further. The process starts with dry cupping to warm up the area, then very small, superficial incisions are made on the skin, and the cups are reapplied to draw out a small amount of blood from the surface tissue. The incisions are tiny, shallower than a paper cut, and the whole thing is done with single-use sterile equipment.
Hijama is rooted in Islamic tradition and has been practised across cultures for thousands of years. Many of my clients come specifically for the Sunnah aspect, booking on recommended Hijama dates as part of their regular practice. Others come purely for the physical benefits: many people find it helps with tension, general wellbeing and recovery in a way that feels different to dry cupping alone.
I won’t overclaim what Hijama does. I’m honest with every client about what it may support and where the evidence is stronger or weaker. What I can say is that the clients who return regularly tend to do so because they notice a genuine difference.
So which one should you book?
Here’s how I usually explain it. If you’re coming for tight muscles, gym recovery, general stiffness or you’re just curious and want to try cupping for the first time, dry cupping is the right place to start. You can always progress to Hijama once you know how your body responds to the suction.
If you’re coming for Hijama specifically, whether for Sunnah reasons, general wellbeing, or because you’ve had it before and want to continue, then book Hijama. If it’s your first time and you’re not sure, the Signature Hijama is where most first-time clients start and it includes a warm-up massage before the cups go on.
The two also work well together. In my Recovery Sessions, I’ll often use dry cupping alongside manual therapy and muscle scraping, then discuss whether Hijama would add value based on what I find during the session.
Any questions, just ask
If you’re still not sure which session is right for you, send me a message on WhatsApp before you book. I’d rather you come in having chosen the right thing than book something that isn’t quite what you needed.
You can see the full breakdown of sessions and pricing on our services page, or book directly online if you already know what you’re after. Either way, I’ll go through everything with you at the start of the session before anything begins.
