Cupping is the modern term for an ancient medical treatment in which a partial vacuum is created in cups that are positioned onto the surface of the body. The vacuum created by either heat or suction draws up skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle layers a few millimeters into the cups.The negative pressure that translates into the body’s tissues encourages blood flow, the release of toxins and the removal of waste and has been found to affect the body up to four inches deep through the tissues.The cups can be left in one place on the skin or moved around as part of massage cupping. The treatment can be utilized to influence the movement of bodily fluids such as lymph fluid, venous drainage and the reduction of stagnant flow. As the treatment uses negative pressure it lifts up muscles and tissues rather than pressing down on them like in conventional massage, it enables the treatment to massage tissues from the inside out. This has beneficial effects on muscles, fascia and skin as well as influencing the deeper organs.

Wet cupping is also an ancient medical technique popular amongst Arab cultures. It utilises the same principles of regular cupping therapy except it allows the release and removal of stagnant blood, toxins, inflammation and swellings through the application of small scratches or pin pricks over the areas where the suction is applied.This combination of cupping therapy and controlled bloodletting has been utilised for over 3000 years and was a practice the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) promoted and recommended as an inspiration from God. The practice of wet cupping was also an integral part of more recent medical practice as it developed in the Middle East and was used up until the 1800’s even in Europe. Although a simplified explanation wet cupping can be likened to a mechanical form of leaching allowing small quantities of blood to be released from swollen and painful areas of the body, to give relief, promote healing and to regain function.

When practiced in a clean and hygienic environment under the guidance of a qualified health professional both cupping and wet cupping are safe and relatively risk free. A screening of previous medical history and medications is always conducted to ensure that the treatment is suitable for the individual patient. Vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate are also conducted. In the case of wet cupping all materials used on each patient are single use and disposed of after each treatment eliminating any risks of cross contamination. The small pin pricks or light scratches created to release stagnant blood are so small that they do not release blood after the cups have been removed and are almost always dry by the end of each treatment. The quantity of blood removed is usually of a very minimal amount and this is usually no more than the quantity taken in a routine blood test. As a general precaution however patients iron levels are always taken into consideration.

Although wet cupping does involve small breaks in the surface of the skin that can be slightly uncomfortable the sensation is very short lived and quite minimal. Although subjective it is considered by most as being far less painful than having an injection and more comparable to having acupuncture.

Yes both regular and wet cupping can leave round bruise like marks on the surface of the skin that can stay for approximately two weeks but do gradually fade. In wet cupping this is accompanied by the pin marks or scratches that will completely fade within a similar time frame depending on the individual skin type.

Very few people do. Sometimes this happens to people who do not respond well to seeing blood. It is very rare that people feel sick, but if they do it is important to understand that Hijama is the fastest way to detoxify your body so it may go into a bit of shock. However, it is not dangerous and is not classified as a side affect.

Listen to your body; if you feel tired then rest. It is recommended to avoid doing anything that gets your adrenaline flowing, such as running or swimming or any other sport for a day or two. This will allows your body to restore balance and maximize the benefits of the treatment. In saying so, walking and getting on with your daily routines such as shopping etc is not a problem. But make sure to rest when you can.

It is not from the Sunnah to have a bath after cupping (hijama) and also a person may be harmed such as the wound may become infected. Therefore, bathing should be after the wound has healed a day or two after cupping (hijama).

Remember that everyone is different. There are some factors that will indicate the number of treatments you require: how long you have had your problem; if you have been on medication and for how long. Another factor could be your lifestyle, diet, exercise and even sleeping pattern.