What Is Hijama? A Guide to Wet Cupping Therapy
Hijama is a form of wet cupping with deep roots in prophetic and Islamic medicine. It involves light suction followed by small, superficial incisions to draw out stagnant blood and cellular waste. The therapy has been practised for thousands of years and continues to be used widely for pain relief, muscle recovery, and general wellbeing.
We perform all Hijama sessions in a private, fully sterile clinical environment using 100% single-use medical-grade equipment. Every session is one-to-one, fully tailored, and includes a consultation and written aftercare.
See our Hijama sessions from £45 →Understanding the Basics
Hijama comes from the Arabic word "hajm", meaning suction. Small cups are applied to the skin to create a vacuum, drawing blood to the surface and stimulating circulation in the surrounding tissue.
While valued as a Sunnah practice, Hijama is increasingly used by people across Hertfordshire to manage physical strain, relieve muscular tension, and support recovery after exercise or injury.
The Sunnah Tradition
For our Muslim clients, Hijama holds both spiritual and physical significance. We provide a professional, respectful clinical setting that honours the tradition.
"Indeed, the best of remedies you have is Hijama."
Sahih al-Bukhari 5683
See What a Session Looks Like
This short video shows what happens during a cupping session in a professional clinic setting.
Seen Cupping on Social Media?
That's fair if you're not sure what to make of it. There's a lot of content out there that doesn't represent the therapy well. What we'd say is this: cupping has thousands of years of history and genuine clinical interest behind it.
What actually matters is the environment it's performed in, the training of the person doing it, and the care taken before, during, and after. If you've got questions, we're always happy to talk you through it before you commit to anything.
The Three Core Methods
We use three different cupping techniques. Here's how they work and when each one is used.
Wet Cupping (Hijama)
After applying suction, small superficial incisions are made to draw out stagnant blood and cellular waste. This is the deepest form of cupping therapy and the one with the longest historical tradition. Performed in a fully sterile environment with single-use equipment.
Dry Cupping
Cups are placed on the skin to create a vacuum. The suction increases local blood flow and helps decompress tight muscle tissue. No incisions are made. Good for general tension, mobility issues, and as a warm-up before deeper work.
Dynamic (Moving) Cupping
Oil is applied to the skin and a cup with light suction is glided across the muscle tissue. It works like a reverse deep tissue massage, lifting the fascia to release stubborn knots and stiffness. Particularly effective for larger muscle groups.
Want to try it? Our Hijama sessions start from £45.
View Sessions & PricingWhat Clients Commonly Report
These are the outcomes our clients most frequently describe after regular cupping sessions.
Understanding the Marks
The circular marks left after a session are not bruises. They're a normal response to the suction and are technically known as erythema. The colour varies from light pink to dark purple depending on your circulation, the level of tension in the area, and the condition of the tissue.
Lighter marks generally indicate better circulation in that area. Darker marks suggest more stagnation was present. Both are completely normal and painless.
They typically fade within 3 to 7 days. Most clients say they feel noticeably lighter and more relaxed in the treated area once the marks have cleared.
Hygiene & Safety
We use 100% single-use, medical-grade disposables and sterile cups for every session. Nothing is reused. The clinic follows strict sanitation protocols to ensure there is zero risk of cross-contamination.
Common Questions
If you're new to cupping, these are the things most people ask before their first session.
Is Hijama painful? +
Most clients describe it as a mild pulling sensation rather than pain. The incisions involved in wet cupping are very superficial, more like a light scratch. It's much less invasive than most people expect, and we go at your pace throughout.
How long do the marks last? +
Cupping marks typically fade within 3 to 7 days. They're not bruises and they're completely painless. The colour depends on your circulation and how much stagnation was present in that area. Darker marks generally just mean the tissue needed more attention.
Is Hijama safe? +
Yes, when performed in a clean, professional environment. We use only medical-grade, single-use sterile disposables for every session. Nothing is reused. The clinic follows strict sanitation protocols so there's no risk of cross-contamination.
What's the difference between Hijama and Chinese cupping? +
Both use suction cups to improve circulation. The main difference is that Chinese cupping typically refers to dry cupping (suction only, no incisions), while Hijama specifically means wet cupping, which involves superficial incisions to draw out stagnant blood. We offer both at the clinic.
Do I need to wait for Sunnah days to book? +
If you're in pain or dealing with tension, we'd always recommend getting treatment when you need it rather than waiting. The Sunnah dates (17th, 19th, and 21st of the Islamic month) are traditionally preferred for preventative sessions, but recovery and pain relief shouldn't be delayed.
How often should I have cupping? +
It depends on what you're coming in for. For general wellbeing and maintenance, once a month is common. For specific issues like chronic back pain or recovery from training, some clients come every two to three weeks until things settle. We'll advise you on what makes sense after your first session.
Still have questions? Message us on WhatsApp and we'll talk you through it. No pressure.
If You've Been Thinking About It, Let's Talk
No pressure to book straight away. Whether it's your first time or you've had Hijama before and want a better standard of care, we're here to help.