What hijama is
Hijama is a traditional method in which suction (vacuum) is created on the skin using special cups, after which a shallow incision is made in the skin to draw out a small amount of blood from the subcutaneous tissue. It has been used for centuries in Mediterranean and Islamic medical traditions, and in recent years it has become increasingly present in sports and rehabilitation circles as well — also known as “wet cupping.”
Hijama is not the same as cupping
Although both methods use cups, hijama and cupping are not the same thing and serve different roles. Cupping is the dry variant — it works through suction alone, with no blood-letting, and its focus is on myofascial work and relaxing the tissue. Hijama involves controlled blood-letting through a shallow incision and works systemically — on circulation, cleansing and metabolic processes in the body.
Mechanism and effect
The suction increases local blood flow and relaxes tension in the tissue. Many patients describe a feeling of lightness and reduced tension immediately after the session — particularly in the upper back and neck, where tension tends to build up the most.
The blood-letting in hijama also acts more broadly than just on the local zone — it helps the body eliminate accumulated metabolic waste, supports the liver and kidneys in the detoxification process, and may contribute to a better energy balance and metabolic regulation.
Cleansing and supporting the body
People often choose hijama to support the body’s cleansing and to help speed up the metabolism, particularly in conditions such as:
- Elevated cholesterol — as support alongside standard medical treatment and dietary changes
- Fatty liver (steatosis) — as part of a holistic programme to take some of the load off the liver
- Underactive thyroid — as support for energy and metabolic balance
- Chronic fatigue and a feeling of “heaviness” in the body without a clear medical cause
- Sluggish metabolism and complaints linked to poor circulation
Hijama is not a substitute for medical treatment — it’s used as a complement, alongside consultation with a doctor whenever a more serious condition is involved.
Who good candidates are
- People with chronic tension in the upper back and neck who don’t respond enough to massage
- People with elevated cholesterol, fatty liver or an underactive thyroid who want to support their body
- Athletes in a recovery phase who want to speed up regeneration between training sessions
- People with a feeling of “heavy” muscles, chronic fatigue and circulatory complaints
- As part of a holistic programme that includes other treatments as well
Who shouldn’t have hijama
Pregnant women, people on anticoagulant therapy (blood thinners), people with active skin infections, anaemia or certain chronic conditions. We always discuss contraindications before the treatment — there’s no procedure without that conversation.
What to expect
The session lasts 30–45 minutes. After hijama, characteristic dark circular marks remain on the skin and fade within 7–14 days — this is a normal consequence of the suction and blood-letting, not a bruise from an impact. Afterwards, the most common feeling is relaxation and lightness in the treated area.