HIJAMA (WET CUPPING) FAQ

Hijama is a traditional therapy where light suction cups are applied to specific points on the body to draw out small amounts of blood. It’s a sunnah practice of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and is known for supporting circulation, relieving tension, and promoting overall well-being.

Many clients seek Hijama for:

• Back, neck, shoulder, and knee pain
• Fatigue or general body tension
• Headaches or migraines
• Recovery support after illness or strenuous activity
• Overall detox and sunnah health maintenance

While Hijama can complement medical care, it’s not a replacement for professional diagnosis or treatment.

Yes. Hijama is a sunnah practice mentioned in authentic hadiths. At Masnad, our therapists uphold its spiritual and physical benefits with clinical hygiene, privacy, and professionalism.

The process involves:

1. Applying gentle suction cups to selected areas.
2. Making small, superficial incisions on the skin.
   
3. Drawing out stagnant blood before cleansing, then applying aftercare.

All tools are sterile and single-use, and hygiene protocols meet Australian standards.

Both dry cupping and Hijama use suction to draw blood and fluid toward the surface of the skin, which may help reduce muscle tension and support circulation.

Dry cupping uses suction only. The cups are applied and removed without any incisions, meaning the blood remains in the body and is processed naturally by your organs, such as the liver and kidneys.

Hijama (wet cupping) goes a step further. After suction is applied, small superficial incisions are made so a small amount of blood is released. Many people choose Hijama because it feels more thorough and is traditionally used to support deeper relief and overall wellbeing.

Your therapist will assess your health history and goals to advise which option is most appropriate for you.

Dry cupping may be recommended instead of wet cupping/Hijama when incisions are not appropriate or safe.

We typically opt for dry cupping if:

• You are taking blood-thinning medication
  
• You have low blood pressure
  
• You have poorly controlled diabetes or delayed wound healing
  
• Your skin is fragile, irritated, or slow to heal
  
• You are feeling unwell, run-down, or unable to tolerate blood removal
  
• You prefer a non-invasive option
  

Dry cupping still provides many benefits and can be a suitable alternative when Hijama is not advised. Your therapist will always prioritise safety and tailor the treatment to your individual needs.

Hijama is safe for many people when performed by trained practitioners, however it may not be suitable for everyone.

You should avoid Hijama or seek medical advice first if you:

• Are pregnant
  
• Have a bleeding or clotting disorder
  
• Are taking blood-thinning medication (unless cleared by your GP)
  
• Have very low blood pressure
  
• Have poorly controlled diabetes or issues with wound healing
  
• Have active skin infections, open wounds, or skin conditions in the treatment area
  
• Are feeling very weak, unwell, or malnourished
  

Children and older adults may also require extra caution and individual assessment.

Before every Hijama session, your therapist will review your medical history and confirm whether the treatment is safe and appropriate for you on the day. If Hijama isn’t suitable, your wellbeing always comes first, and alternative options can be discussed.

Hijama is safe when performed by trained practitioners using sterile, single-use equipment. Before every session, your therapist will review your medical history to ensure the treatment is appropriate for you on the day.

Some people may experience mild side effects such as temporary soreness, fatigue, or bruising at the cupping sites. These usually resolve within a few days. Your therapist will explain what to expect and provide aftercare advice.

Some clients feel tired or light-headed after Hijama, especially if they haven’t eaten properly or are dehydrated. This is usually temporary. We recommend resting, staying hydrated, and following the provided before-and-aftercare instructions.

When performed correctly, Hijama does not usually cause scarring. Marks are temporary and fade within several days. Scarring is rare and more likely if aftercare instructions are not followed.

• Eat a light meal 3-4 hours before your session.
  
• Stay hydrated with water.
  
• Avoid heavy exercise or large meals immediately before treatment.
  
• Shower beforehand, as you’ll need to avoid water exposure for several hours afterwards.

It’s generally best to avoid Hijama while fasting, as the treatment may cause lightheadedness or weakness. If this occurs, we may need to provide water or honey to support your safety, which would break your fast. For this reason, we recommend scheduling Hijama outside fasting hours to avoid any risk.

We recommend waiting until after your period or towards the end, as your body is already undergoing natural cleansing.

• Pregnancy: Hijama is not recommended during pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding: It can usually be done safely after six weeks postpartum once your body has recovered. Your therapist will guide you based on your individual health and stage.

Yes, you can. Some clients use Hijama as a supportive therapy alongside their usual medical care.

Hijama should be seen as a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment. If your blood pressure is poorly controlled or you have other medical conditions, we recommend speaking with your GP before booking.

Your therapist will always assess whether Hijama is appropriate for you on the day.

Hijama may be performed in some cases for people with low blood pressure, but extra care is required.

If you have low blood pressure:

• We recommend GP approval before treatment
  
• The number of cups used is usually reduced
  
• Treatment is adjusted to minimise the amount of blood removed
  
• You should continue all medications as prescribed
  
• Your therapist will monitor you closely during and after the session
  

If Hijama is not considered suitable on the day, your safety will always come first, and treatment may be postponed or modified.

Yes, Hijama may be suitable for people with well-controlled diabetes, but extra care is required. Hijama is not a cure for diabetes and should be used only as a supportive therapy alongside your usual medical care.

If you have diabetes:

• Continue taking all prescribed medications as normal
  
• We recommend checking with your GP, especially if your blood sugar levels are unstable
  
• Your therapist will assess suitability and may adjust the treatment for safety
  

Because diabetes can affect healing, Hijama should only be performed by trained practitioners, with careful aftercare.

The application of the suction cups feels like placing a vacuum cleaner on your skin, and the incisions feel like a light prick. Don’t worry; we have never had anyone unable to complete their hijama treatment due to pain. We do advise patients to perform slow, relaxed breathing during treatment as this will help ease tension in your muscles and encourage better blood flow.

Sessions generally last 30 minutes. But you can combine your hijama treatment with a physiotherapy, chiropractic or massage treatment beforehand.

This varies depending on your goals and condition. Typically, 5–12 cups are used, but your therapist will tailor the session to you.

Yes. Many clients benefit from combining Hijama with physiotherapy, chiropractic, or remedial massage as part of our Masnad Method. These therapies can help prepare the body by improving movement and circulation, allowing Hijama to be more effective. This integrated approach brings together sunnah-based care with modern, evidence-informed rehabilitation to support your overall wellbeing.

We recommend that Hijama is not performed on a child unless there is a very strong need and a lack of alternative options. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent and have a referral from their doctor.

• Avoid showering, or heavy exercise for 4 hours.
• Stay hydrated and eat nourishing meals.
• Keep the area clean and covered for the rest of the day. Your therapist will provide tailored aftercare advice before you leave.

Marks are usually mild and will fade within 5–10 days, depending on your skin type.

• For maintenance: every 3–6 months on the Sunnah days.
• For chronic pain or fatigue, more frequent sessions may be recommended initially. Your therapist will advise based on your goals.

Yes, you can. While the 17th, 19th, and 21st days of the lunar month are commonly referred to as the Sunnah (recommended) days, the narration relating specifically to these dates is considered weak. Hijama is therefore not restricted to these days alone.

If you are seeking Hijama for a specific health concern, such as back pain, migraines, or arthritis, it can be safely performed at any time, based on your needs and your practitioner’s advice. In these cases, waiting for the Sunnah days is not necessary.

However, if you are choosing Hijama for general wellbeing, detoxification, or to follow the practice of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, booking your session on the Sunnah days is a beautiful way to combine both the physical benefits and the spiritual intention.

After your Hijama treatment, we advise you to rest for a few days so the incisions heal properly and the cupping marks fade. Our therapists will assess your posture and lifestyle before your treatment. Your therapist will treat you holistically and may suggest other therapies to help bring you back to your optimal health, such as our in-house:

• Physiotherapy
• Exercise therapy
• Chiropractic
• Massage therapists
• Dietitian
• Naturopath

The Prophet ﷺ is commonly reported to have recommended Hijama on the 17th, 19th, and 21st of the lunar month (which correspond to different Gregorian dates each month).

It’s important to note that the narration specifically mentioning these dates is considered weak, and Hijama is not restricted to these days only. Hijama can be performed safely at any time, based on your health needs and your practitioner’s advice.

For those wishing to follow the Sunnah in intention, many choose to book on these dates for general wellbeing. Our team also regularly shares the commonly referenced Sunnah dates on our website and social media.

Although they’re often confused, Hijama and blood donation are very different in both purpose and method.

Blood donation involves removing circulating blood directly from a vein, which is then used for transfusion to help others.

Hijama, on the other hand, involves drawing a small amount of superficial blood from specific areas just beneath the skin using suction and light incisions. It is performed for therapeutic and wellbeing purposes, not for transfusion.

Because the technique, intention, and amount of blood removed are different, Hijama is not the same as donating blood and does not replace it.

Hijama may be used by some people as a supportive therapy for general wellbeing when trying to conceive. However, it’s important to first consult your GP or fertility specialist to rule out any underlying medical causes of fertility concerns. Hijama should be viewed as complementary care, not a replacement for medical advice or treatment.

Timing is important. For women trying to conceive, Hijama is generally not recommended during ovulation or the fertile window. The preferred timing is usually:

• A few days before menstruation, and
• Several days after menstruation, allowing the body time to recover before the fertile window begins.

This approach is typically followed over a number of cycles, depending on individual circumstances and practitioner advice.

For women with irregular or absent cycles, Hijama may be performed at various times during the month, ideally before ovulation, based on individual needs.

For men seeking fertility support, Hijama is sometimes performed in fortnightly sessions over several months, with treatment focusing on different areas of the body. This is aimed at supporting overall circulation and wellbeing.

Because early pregnancy may not be detected until 10–14 days after ovulation, we recommend waiting until your next menstrual cycle has started and taking a home pregnancy test before treatment to ensure safety.

Alongside any Hijama treatment plan, maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and supporting overall lifestyle habits are important factors in fertility and hormonal health.

No. Ruqyah is a spiritual practice used by some Muslims for religious healing.

At Masnad Health Clinic, our team are qualified health professionals who provide Hijama for general wellbeing and physical health support only, including pain management and injury care. We do not offer Ruqyah or any spiritual healing services at our clinic.

The cost of the Wet Cupping/Hijama Assessment and Treatment is $90. This includes all the single-use disposable cups. We generally apply 9-11 cups. However, this may vary depending on the location where you need treatment, your body type, or your medical history. If you have your own cupping set, then the cost is $75.

You can book online via this link on our website, or call us on (02) 9793 8840. Our team will help match you with a suitable therapist and answer any preparation questions.