Preparing for Your First Hijama Session
A step-by-step guide covering the intake form, what happens during the session, and how to prepare in the twenty-four hours before.
ReadSection 1
What is Hijama?
Understand wet and dry cupping, where the practice comes from, and its place in the Sunnah.
Hijama is a traditional form of cupping therapy. Cups are placed on selected areas of the body to create gentle suction.
Wet cupping
- After brief suction, a trained practitioner makes very shallow, controlled skin scratches before applying the cup again.
- A small amount of blood is drawn into the cup using sterile, single-use equipment.
Dry cupping
- Suction is applied without breaking the skin.
- Cups may remain in one place or be moved with an appropriate lubricant.
History and Sunnah context Cupping has been practised in several healing traditions for centuries. Hijama has particular significance in Islamic tradition, where authentic narrations describe the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) receiving and recommending cupping. It should still be delivered with modern hygiene, informed consent, and appropriate clinical judgement.
Section 2
Health Benefits & Conditions
Explore common reasons people seek hijama, from muscle tension to general wellbeing.
People commonly seek cupping as a complementary therapy for relaxation, recovery, and general wellbeing. Individual responses vary, and research is still developing.
Common reasons for booking
- Muscle tightness, stiffness, and post-exercise soreness
- Back, neck, and shoulder tension
- Relaxation and stress management
- A temporary feeling of improved local circulation
- General wellness as part of a balanced self-care routine
Hijama is not a replacement for diagnosis, prescribed medicine, emergency treatment, or ongoing care from a qualified medical professional. Ask your doctor about persistent, severe, or unexplained symptoms.
Section 3
Safety & Contraindications
Check when hijama should be avoided or requires medical guidance before you book.
Hijama is not suitable for everyone. Tell your practitioner about all medical conditions, medicines, allergies, and recent procedures before treatment.
Seek medical advice before booking if you:
- Take anticoagulants or blood-thinning medicines
- Have a bleeding or clotting disorder, severe anaemia, or low platelet count
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Have uncontrolled diabetes, significant heart disease, or another serious condition
- Have a weakened immune system or heal slowly
- Recently had surgery, donated blood, or experienced major blood loss
Treatment should not be performed over infected, inflamed, sunburned, wounded, or otherwise damaged skin. It should also be postponed if you are feverish, acutely unwell, severely dehydrated, or unable to give informed consent.
This guide is general education, not individual medical advice. In an emergency, contact the Mauritian emergency services or attend the nearest medical facility.
Section 4
Pre-Hijama Care
Prepare safely with practical guidance on food, hydration, clothing, and medicines.
Before your appointment
- Drink water regularly and arrive well hydrated.
- Follow your practitioner’s fasting advice. Many practitioners suggest avoiding a heavy meal for 2–3 hours beforehand rather than prolonged fasting.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows access to the treatment area.
- Shower beforehand and avoid applying oils or lotions to the intended cupping area.
- Avoid intense exercise immediately before your session.
- Bring a list of medicines and disclose allergies, pregnancy, bleeding concerns, and relevant health conditions.
Do not stop prescribed medicine unless the clinician who prescribed it tells you to. Contact your practitioner before travelling if you feel unwell or your health circumstances have changed.
Section 5
Post-Hijama Care
Know how to look after treated areas and what to expect while your skin recovers.
After your session
- Rest, drink water, and eat a light, balanced meal when comfortable.
- Keep wet-cupping sites clean and dry according to your practitioner’s instructions.
- Wash your hands before touching the area and do not pick at small scabs.
- Avoid swimming, saunas, strenuous exercise, and friction over treated skin until advised it is safe.
- Wear clean, loose clothing over the area.
Circular marks, mild tenderness, and temporary fatigue can occur and usually settle gradually. Healing time varies. Seek prompt medical advice for worsening pain, spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, persistent bleeding, fever, fainting, breathing difficulty, or any symptom that concerns you.
Section 6
Downloadable Guides
Find practical take-home guides to read before and after your session.
Take-home materials
- Download the practical guides below to prepare for your session and care for yourself afterwards.
- Share them with family members who are supporting you on the day.
- Bring any questions from these guides to your practitioner before treatment begins.
Take it with you
Downloadable guides & learning materials
Save practical guides for later or continue learning through our selected videos.
For Clients
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