Wet Cupping & Hijama
Conditions We Treat with Cupping
Detoxification
Digestive Disorders
Fertility Issues
Headaches
Hormonal Issues
Musculoskeletal Issues
Pain
Respiratory Conditions
Skin Conditions
Stress
What is Hijama & Wet Cupping and How Does it Work?
Hijama and wet cupping, is an ancient healing practice from Chinese and Islamic medicine, used for over 1,400 years across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. It involves placing cups on specific skin points to create suction, followed by small incisions to draw out blood, believed to remove toxins and stagnant blood to promote healing. The therapy aims to improve circulation, boost immunity, and relieve blockages.
Modern views suggest wet cupping may enhance blood flow, reduce inflammation, and support pain relief, potentially aiding conditions like chronic pain and fatigue. As a complementary therapy, hijama is valued for its holistic approach and minimal side effects, like temporary bruising. Sessions last 30-60 minutes, tailored to individual needs, often promoting relaxation, though scientific evidence is limited.
What to Expect With Wet Cupping & Hijama
1. Initial Consultation - Your practitioner will have a brief discussion about your health goals, medical history, and any concerns to tailor the session to your needs.
2. Hygienic Procedure - We use single-use, sterile, and disposable cups and lancets for wet cupping to ensure safety and hygiene
3. Session Experience: The treatment lasts 30-60 minutes. After going over your health goals and chief complaints we will begin the hijama and wet cupping session by applying olive oil to the skin and performing moving cupping. This technique helps to bring circulation over a broad area and helps with lymphatic drainage & movement.
Then stationary cups area applied to the various areas around the back, head, or limbs for several minutes. The stationary cups are applied in this method to concentrate the blood flow into the area. After the stationary cups are removed the area is cleaned with alcohol wipes before the site is lanced. The cups are then reapplied over the lanced area for 5-15 minutes.
For Muslim patients, and for those that request the experience, Islamic prayer can be played over the speakers in the room and Ruqyah can be recited aloud during the treatment.
4. Post-Treatment Benefits - Afterward, you may feel looser muscles, reduced stiffness, and improved mobility due to enhanced blood flow. Many experience a refreshing energy boost and deep relaxation, with some believing it aids in toxin release through the lymphatic system.
5. Aftercare and Nourishment - After the treatment your practitioner will provide simple aftercare tips, such as staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous activity. To conclude the session in line with tradition, you’ll be offered honey water and dates, providing natural nourishment and a moment of reflection.
6. Long-Term Benefits - With regular sessions, you may notice reduced pain, better sleep, and enhanced overall well-being, aligning with the holistic goals of hijama.
Some of the Top Benefits of Cupping
For thousands of years, cupping has been used to treat and relieve muscular tension. These treatments can provide relief by relaxing the fascia around the muscles, improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and reducing stress.
Pain Relief
For back, neck, and muscular pains, cupping therapy delivers effective relief by generating suction that lifts tissues, eases tight fascia, and accelerates healing. It's particularly helpful for persistent discomfort in these areas, with evidence showing notable reductions in pain levels when used alone or alongside standard care. Many individuals notice improved movement and less soreness shortly after treatment, positioning it as a gentle option over drugs.
Muscle Relaxation
Muscle relaxation comes naturally with cupping, as the suction softens tense areas, dissolves knots, and restores flexibility. Athletes and those with ongoing strain find it particularly soothing, mimicking a deep tissue massage that lingers. The result is often greater range of motion and diminished fatigue, supporting daily activities with ease.
Improved Circulation
Through boosted circulation, cupping effectively cuts down inflammation by pulling fresh blood to inflamed zones, supplying essential nutrients and clearing out waste. This is especially useful for joint issues or post-injury swelling, where enhanced vascular activity aids in quicker tissue mending. Clinical insights reveal its role in lowering inflammatory markers, offering sustained comfort naturally.
Stress Relief
Stress melts away with cupping's help, as it engages the body's rest response, drops stress hormones, and encourages a tranquil state. This makes it great for easing anxiety or insomnia, building emotional steadiness over time. Consistent use can heighten resistance to life's pressures, all in a side-effect-free way.
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Michael was very knowledgeable and professional. It was a very nice experience. We discussed regarding healthy food I am eating He recommended some food to try to help me with my weight and stress. It was a very productive discussion about stress, food. He also told me about cupping and what he’s doing next and if I was comfortable. I really recommend him.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Cupping therapy typically does not cause significant pain during the procedure; most people describe it as a feeling of tightness or pulling on the skin, similar to a deep tissue massage. However, sensitivity varies—some may experience mild discomfort, especially in tender areas or if the suction is strong, but it's generally tolerable and even relaxing for many. After the session, you might feel slight soreness or see temporary bruising (like hickeys), which fades in a few days and is a normal sign of increased circulation. If performed by a licensed practitioner, the process is safe and shouldn't be painful, though communicating any discomfort allows adjustments.
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A basic cupping treatment is 15 minutes long, and there are 30, 60, and 90 minute options available as well. These other options include acupuncture, tuina massage, or both.
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It depends on what we are treating, but if you want your full back to be cupped then you will have to remove your top
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We accept cash, check, and credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover).
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At this time we are not accepting insurance, but we can give you an invoice/superbill to give to your insurance company for reimbursement.