A method using vacuum cups placed on the skin; applied as adjunctive treatment for musculoskeletal pain within the framework of the Traditional and Complementary Medicine (TCM/GETAT) regulation.
Indication
- Muscle tension and myofascial pain syndrome
- Chronic low back and back pain (adjunctive treatment)
- Tension pain in the neck and shoulder region
- Adjunctive use in athletic trigger-point pain
- Complementary approach in certain headache types
Preparation
- It is recommended not to have eaten a heavy meal in the last 6 hours
- Current medications, especially blood thinners, should be reported
- Skin should be clean and free from cream or oil
- Not applied over areas with active skin infection, open wounds, or eczema
- Pregnancy, severe anemia, and bleeding disorders are screened for
How it's performed
- The patient is placed in a prone or side-lying position
- The application area is cleaned with skin antiseptic
- Dry cupping: vacuum cups are kept on the skin for 5-15 minutes
- Wet cupping (hijama): superficial scratches are made with a single-use sterile lancet, the cup is re-vacuumed, and a small amount of blood is drawn
- Sliding cupping: the cup is glided over oiled skin to create a massage effect
- The area is cleaned with antiseptic and covered with sterile dressing
Post-procedure
- Temporary bruising lasting 3-7 days at the application area is normal
- The dressing is kept dry for 24 hours
- Bathing and sauna are not recommended in the first 24 hours
- Treatment is typically repeated every 2-4 weeks
- If marked warmth, redness, or discharge appears, a physician should be consulted
Risks
- Temporary skin bruising and ecchymosis (expected finding)
- Local infection in wet cupping (reduced with sterile technique)
- Blistering or superficial marks on sensitive skin
- Vasovagal syncope (feeling faint)
- Contraindicated in those with bleeding disorders or severe anemia
FAQ
Does hijama treat diseases?
Hijama is not a stand-alone treatment; it is applied as an adjunctive method in musculoskeletal pain and certain symptom management. It does not replace treatment for conditions such as cancer or heart disease.
Who can perform it?
It is performed by physicians authorized by the Ministry of Health and holding a TCM cupping certificate, under appropriate clinical conditions. Applications by barbers or unlicensed healers are not safe.
What is the difference between wet and dry cupping?
In dry cupping only vacuum is applied; in wet cupping (hijama) small scratches are made on the skin and a small amount of blood is drawn. The physician decides which is appropriate.
When is it not performed?
It is not applied in areas with active infection, open wounds, advanced anemia, bleeding disorders, uncontrolled heart failure, pregnancy (in certain regions), and skin disease.
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