Hijama is also known as ‘wet cupping.’ The word Hijama is derived from the Arabic word ‘Hajm’ which means ‘sucking.’ This is because the suction cups are placed on the body to circulate blood flow, and then are taken off by a Practitioner who makes small superficial incisions to ‘suck’ out stagnated blood and cleanse the body.

“Indeed, the best of remedies you have is cupping.” (Anas Bin Malik, Sahih Bukhara 5371).

Hijama is highly recommended as a therapy in Islamic Prophetic Medicine.

Hijama is very beneficial and can ease a variety of health conditions. It can be used to alleviate:

• Chronic or acute pain

• Headaches

• Arthritis

• Inflammation

• Digestive health

• Menstrual health

• Infertility

• Prostate problems and hormonal dysfunction

• Insomnia

• Chronic fatigue

The most significant benefit is that it detoxifies the body from any stagnated blood and makes room for more oxygenated and nutritious blood, which ultimately improves overall health and wellness.

• Various muscular aches (back, shoulder, neck, and knee pain)

• Infertility (for both males and females)

• Athletic aches, muscle tension, stiffness

• Skin conditions (acne, eczema)

• Chronic fatigue/lack of energy

• Underactive or overactive immune system conditions (Fibromyalgia, Lupus, MS, RA, Psoriasis)

• Feminine ailments (PMS, heavy periods)

• Neurological disorders (Migraine, Epilepsy, seizures)

• Respiratory disorders (influenza, cough, smoking cessation)

• Gastrointestinal disorders (bowel diseases, constipation)

The incisions are small superficial cuts that do not surpass the first layer of the skin and are made using a sterile surgical blade. Many people actually find it ticklish. The incisions should not hurt when performed by a Certified Hijama Practitioner, but some people may find it uncomfortable or describe it as an unusual sensation. At most, it should feel like small scratches.

Not to worry – no one has ever felt that they can’t complete the treatment due to pain or discomfort. It is recommended to perform slow and relaxed breathing while receiving treatment as it eases tension and encourages blood flow.

Each treatment is tailored to our clients. We base our assessment on your weight, and we ensure we do not exceed more than 10% blood removal of your body weight. For an indication, blood donations remove 15%.

If you are taking blood-thinning medications such as aspirin or warfarin, then you cannot receive a Hijama treatment as the incision site will not close properly, which may increase your risk of infection.

Please consult your doctor and they will advise if you are allowed to stop taking blood-thinning medications for a short period in order to receive Hijama or if this is not possible. We will need a referral from your doctor under this circumstance.

It is also not recommended for someone with a terminal illness, or someone undergoing chemotherapy.

• It is recommended to be fasting from food 1-2 hours before your treatment

• Drink 1-2 cups of water before your treatment to assist with detoxification and blood flow

• Before your treatment, take a bath or shower. This will increase your blood circulation and relax your muscles before treatment

• Shave or clip the hairs around the areas you want hijama performed before your appointment (if necessary)

• Wear something comfortable and lightweight

According to Prophetic Medicine, it is recommended to receive Hijama on specific dates in the month. These dates are based on the 17th, 19th and 21st of the lunar calendar which coincides with the period following the full moon. There is great wisdom behind Hijama on these specific dates. The natural gravitation of the moon affects all forms of life, we are not separate to our environment. Just how the moon affects the tide in the ocean, the moon’s gravitational pull also affects our blood circulation. During the middle of the month, our blood is naturally agitated which makes releasing the toxic blood a lot more efficient on those days (the 17th, 19th and 21st of the month).

Yes, of course! Hijama is still beneficial at other times, it is just highly recommended on the ‘Sunnah’ days.

Our consultations vary depending on the treatment.

If it is your first appointment or you haven’t been to the clinic in over six months, please arrive 10 minutes early to fill out our ‘health check’ form before your treatment.

Depending on your skin type and colour, the cupping marks should start to fade in colour within the first week of treatment. Generally, they should completely disappear within 10-14 days.

No cups are re-used, everything is single use and sterile, and disposed of in accordance with medical standards in a medical waste bin.

This depends on what type of treatment is required, we happily discuss this with you during consultation. Each treatment is tailored to your individual needs.

Generally depends on individual needs, most treatments are fortnightly or monthly depending on the reason treatment is being sought. Reach out and we can discuss how often it is recommended based on an assessment of conditions/ailments/lifestyle.

General recomendations:

* Avoid milk for the first 12 hours.

* Avoid exposure to wind, cold, wet and damp conditions.

* Avoid strenuous exercise (weight lifting) for 12 hours.

* Avoid caffeine for 12 hours.

* Avoid dairy products and processed meat for 12 hours (As this uses a lot of the body’s energy to digest the foods)

* Avoid hot temperatures, baths, saunas for 24 hours as it may sting.

* Avoiding rubbing the location of the cupping marks for the first 24 hours, pat dry with a towel after showering.

Wet cupping scars usually heal within two to seven days and can sometimes take up to two weeks depending on individual skin reaction. 

We recommend the the following guidelines after each wet cupping treatment for optimum healing and recovery.

* Drink plenty of water or coconut water (herbal teas are also a good option)

* Avoid milk for the 12 hours.

* Apply olive oil, black-seed oil or sheabutter cream on cupping sites if dry & agitating.

* Rest during the first 12 hours of treatment.

* Keep body warm and avoid exposure to wind, cold, wet and damp conditions.

* Avoid exercise for 12 hours.

* Avoid caffeine for 12 hours.

* Avoid dairy products, processed meat, fish and fish oil for 12 hours. (As this uses a lot of the body’s energy to digest the foods)

* Avoid hot temperatures, baths, saunas for 24 hours as it may sting.

Pregnancy: No.

Hijama is not to be performed during pregnancy as it is not known whether it is safe to do so. Risks of miscarriage or premature labour are common concerns. If you are experiencing any aches or pains, we recommend other natural therapies such as Chiro or Physio.

Menstruating: Yes, it is safe for women to have Hijama done while on their menses. There is no Islamic or Medical prohibition unless a woman is experiencing a heavy menstrual period and is not feeling well. Sometimes the change in hormones may mean your experience of the treatment is heightened, so it may be best to postpone.

Postpartum: Yes, but with a waiting period.

We recommend waiting at least 2 months after giving birth before performing hijama to allow the body to settle and regain strength.

As a note, Hijama is an excellent detox after childbirth, especially for women who have taken the epidural injection during labour and are left with long term back pain.

Breastfeeding: Yes.

For those struggling to conceive, it is important to consult your GP to check for any underlying issues before seeking Hijama. It is recommended to avoid performing Hijama when a female is on her fertile days and when ovulating, also known as the ‘fertile window’. This window will vary depending on the individual’s cycle.

After ovulation has occurred, there is a chance that conception has taken place but may not show up on a home pregnancy test until 10-14 days later. Wait until the regular menstrual cycle has started before performing Hijama but always ask the patient to take a home pregnancy test before the Hijama.

The optimal time to perform Hijama for fertility is from the first day of the menstrual cycle until the fertile days start (allow time for recovery from Hijama, before the fertile window). Along with a Hijama treatment plan, advise the client to monitor general diet and lifestyle choices and make necessary changes.

It is important to note that it is also beneficial for a man to receive Hijama treatment if there are fertility issues or you are struggling to conceive.

We strongly recommend that Hijama is not performed on a child unless there is a very strong need and a lack of alternative options. For children under the age of 16, they must be accompanied by a parent, and we need a referral from their doctor.