WELLNESS CUPS LTD Hijama Cupping Academy - Frequently Asked Questions

20 things I need to know about Hijama

1. What is Hijama?
Hijama, also known as Wet Cupping Therapy (WCT), Al-hijamah and Hejamat - is an ancient holistic therapy which involves removing blood from the body at certain therapeutic points to improve the natural immune system and cure several disorders.
The practice has been around for thousands of years and was used as a therapeutic and medicinal intervention on a global scale since the beginning of recorded history. Ancient Egyptians were the first to document the process of Wet Cupping/Hijama describing it as a useful way of removing pathogenic matter from the body. In the East, Hijama was always an integral part of the medical practices and remains so to this day. The ancient Chinese medical text, which is widely regarded as the oldest medical text in existence, the Nei Jing, or Inner Classic says that: “If there is stagnation it must be first be resolved through Hijama before the application of acupuncture or moxibustion.”
Today, Hijama has gained immense attention from celebrities and sports athletes and is widely used for health promotion, prophylaxis and treatment of a variety of diseases around the world.

2. How Hijama is performed?
Hijama therapy removes toxic and stagnant blood from the body. It expels negative, unhealthy elements from the body and allows it to replenish itself.
The treatment process involves the application of cups on various points of the body. A negative pressure (suction) is then created by using a hand pump. This is then followed by applying small, superficial incisions on various points of the body. This is performed by using a sterile, surgical blade. The cups are then reapplied and suction is applied again. The toxic blood is gradually drawn out, collected in a cup and then safely disposed. The cup is replaced again and suction is repeated several times to let blood drain.

3. How can Hijama help the body?
Hijama therapy is a very beneficial treatment, which is both, preventative and curative.
Hijama can assist with a wide range of health conditions, some of these conditions include:
Chronic or Acute Pain, Detoxification, Headaches, Arthritis, Inflammation, Digestive Health, Menstrual Health, Prostrate Problems and Hormonal Dysfunction, Insomnia, Anxiety, Chronic Fatigue, High Cholesterol, Constipation or IBS, Skin conditions, Allergies, High Blood Pressure.
Hijama is also useful for treating many muscular, skeletal, neurological, immune, cardio-vascular, respiratory, digestive and urinary issues.

4. I do not have any health issues, why should I undergo Hijama treatment?
Hijama is beneficial for detox and very good preventative measure.
Hijama therapy gets rid of acidic toxic waste which accumulates in our bodies (blood stasis) as we grow older. Sources of toxic waste include polluted air we breathe, toxic chemicals found in the food, drinks, water, household chemicals and toiletries, intoxicating drinks, narcotic drugs, junk food and smoking waste products of normal body metabolism, impact of trauma and accidents on our body and toxins from mental stress, anger, anxiety and depression.
The blood stasis (stagnated or congested blood) slow down or block supply of blood via blood capillaries which deliver much needed oxygen, nutrients, water, mineral electrolyte, vitamins, enzymes, hormones and immune system cells and antibodies to your cells, tissues and organ. The blockage also prevents the removal of carbon dioxide, metabolic waste products and toxic substance which are excreted via urine, lungs and skin.
As a result, your cells, tissues and organs cannot function at its normal healthy level and become progressively weak, inefficient and easily overcome by germs. This would cause tissue or organ to malfunction and infection to take place.
Therefore, you will experience symptoms of diseases such as aches and pain, numbness, fever, cough, stomach ache, constipation, diarrhea and headaches. If left untreated, further accumulation of toxic waste may lead to serious chronic diseases including hypertension, ulcers, diabetes arthritis, migraine, heart disease and stroke.

5. Is Hijama safe and hygienic?
Yes, Hijama is safe and we use sterile, single use supplies for each client. Surfaces are cleaned frequently using hospital grade disinfectants. Once the treatment is over, all clinical waste, medical items and sharps are disposed of in accordance with UK Laws and Regulations. We take full precautions during our treatment and follow Health and Safety Regulations to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable treatment.
After Hijama is completed, the cupped points are wiped with a no sting antiseptic wipe. Then a small amount of olive oil is massaged in. Since the scratches are so light, they close up by themselves very quickly, therefore there is no need to apply a wound dressing. We also provide aftercare advice on how best to take care of the skin whilst is it healing.

6. How many cups will the therapist apply and where?
Hijama is administered in many different locations of the body. The therapist will first assess and determine the purpose of the cupping treatment. The practitioner will go through a full consultation and health assessment alongside completing a diagram. The number of cups will depend on the size of your body and the location.

7. Is Hijama painful?
The treatment can be very therapeutic and certainly does not feel as bad as it looks. The removal of blood through suction itself is completely painless for all patients. 90% of patients do not feel any pain when the scratches are made, but some, depending on their pain threshold, may experience a ticklish sensation, and others may feel what resembles faint paper cuts. The scratches are very light and only designed to pierce the very top layer of the skin and are made within just a few seconds.

8. I have seen videos showing a lot of blood in the cups, is that how much blood is removed?
No, not at all. Hijama is not about removing lots of blood from the body. It is simply about breaking the skin's surface so that toxins can escape. Each individual person bleeds differently depending on the health of the area being cupped and the constitution of the blood. Some may naturally bleed a lot, whereas others hardly bleed at all. Both of these are completely normal.

9. Does Hijama cause bruising?
A cupping therapy session may leave painless marks from pulling up the stagnant blood, we call it “discolouration”, commonly mistaken for bruises. Cupping should not cause bruises. Bruises are caused by trauma, blood leaks into the surrounding tissue and as a result can be painful.

10. How long do the Hijama marks last?
Your cupping marks may be instant or develop over the first 24 hours. After 3 days, they start to disappear and should be gone after a week. The superficial scratch marks usually fade within three weeks.

11. Are there any side effects?
Whilst Hijama therapy has no major side effects, there may be some minor side effects that you should know about and understand.
There may be marks that will last for a few days including the production of circular discolourations where the cups were applied. The superficial scratch marks usually fade within three weeks and does not usually result in scarring, if the appropriate after care advice has been followed. However, a very small percentage of individuals may incur scarring due to their skin type or failure to follow the aftercare advice. Certain areas of the body are more sensitive than others, so there may be minimal discomfort due to the application of scratches to the patient’s skin surface. Other possible minor side effects include: fainting, nausea, feeling light headed post treatment (this is similar to the sensation one feels after a blood test). Cupping therapy encourages blood flow to the cupped area (hyperaemia) one may feel warmer as a result of vasodilation (widening of blood vessel) and slight sweating may occur followed by feeling cooler. All of these are completely normal.

12. Do I see the effects of Hijama immediately?
In most cases yes. However, sometimes you see the positive effects of Hijama after few days.

13. Will Hijama interfere with medication?
Hijama helps your body to work better and be healthier, you may find that you can reduce or stop medication in co-operation with your General Medical Practitioner or Hospital Consultant. Hijama takes toxins and bad blood out and unlike medicine nothing bad goes into your body.

14. What should I do before my Hijama treatment?
It is recommended to fast for a minimum of three hours before your treatment, this is because having food activates the blood circulation in digesting and transporting nutrients around the body. Drink 1-2 cups of water before your treatment to assist with detoxification. Shower at least 2-3 hours before your treatment and not just before your treatment. This will increase your blood circulation and relax your muscles before treatment.

15. What do I need to do after my treatment?
Avoid consuming acidic products such as: red meat and all dairy products (for 24 hours). You can eat fish, eggs, fruit, vegetables, small portion of chicken only – try to avoid if possible. Avoid all caffeine/carbonated drinks (for 24 hours). You should drink lots of spring water to stay hydrated. Avoid physical exercise/intercourse (for 48 hours). Avoid washing the affected area (for 24 hours) to remove any small risk of infection. Apply olive oil on the affected area twice daily for 2-3 weeks.

16. How often should I have Hijama treatment?
Hijama is not only used for ailments and diseases, but it is also a great preventative. It is up to an individual, some do it every 2 months as a preventative therapy, others have it done every 3 to 6 months or even after a year. It all depends on how you feel and your current state of health.
Our personal recommendation can only be given after the clinical practitioner has assessed you.

17. Can I have Hijama performed if I have a blood-borne disease or diabetes?
It depends on the unique details of your individual case and each case will be assessed on its individual merits. Please do not forget to bring your medications and medical treatment notes with you when you come for your treatment session.

18. Who cannot perform Hijama?
If you are taking blood thinning medications, are pregnant, advanced in age, weak or with a terminal illness.

19. How much do you charge and how long the appointment takes?
Hijama session costs £45, which includes consultation, massage, wet cupping - hijama and aftercare. You will be asked to complete the initial medical consultation form and pay a deposit of £20 to secure the appointment.
The appointment takes around 60 to 75mins.

20. Do you treat men and women?
At the moment, we are able to take appointments for females only (18+).

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