What to Expect at Your First Hijama Session

Hijama (wet cupping) is a gentle, time-honoured therapy, and a good practitioner will make your first session feel unhurried and reassuring. Knowing what happens ahead of time removes most of the nerves.

Before anything begins, your therapist reviews your health intake form: medical conditions, medication such as blood thinners, allergies, and whether you are pregnant or nursing. Be honest and thorough — this is how your therapist keeps you safe.

The session itself usually starts with dry cupping to warm the area and bring blood to the surface. Small, superficial scratches are then made, and the cups are reapplied for a few minutes. Most people describe the sensation as a light scratching followed by a pulling pressure rather than pain.

Afterwards, the points are cleaned and dressed. You will be advised to rest, hydrate well, avoid heavy meals and strenuous exercise for the remainder of the day, and keep the cupped areas dry.

Mild tiredness the same evening is common and usually passes by the next morning. If anything concerns you after your session, message your therapist on WhatsApp — and always keep your doctor informed about complementary therapies you receive.