- Hijama combines suction with superficial scarification, performed with sterile single-use equipment.
- Many people report relief from muscular tension, heaviness and headaches; claims beyond that should be treated cautiously.
- Hygiene and screening are the difference between a professional procedure and a risk.
How a session runs
After a history and suitability check, points are selected for your complaint. Dry cupping prepares the area, brief superficial scarification follows with sterile single-use blades, and cups are reapplied for a short period. The area is then cleaned, dressed and you are given aftercare instructions.
History, medication review and suitability check before anything is placed.
Points chosen for your complaint and comfort, not a fixed template.
Suction cups draw the tissue for a few minutes to prepare the area.
Superficial scarification with sterile single-use blades, then brief re-cupping.
Antiseptic dressing, hydration, rest, and no gym or swimming for 24–48 hours.
Non-negotiable hygiene standards
- Single-use blades and cups, opened in front of you
- Gloves changed between clients, and a clean surface for every session
- Correct clinical waste disposal — not a household bin
- A practitioner who screens for bleeding disorders and medication before starting
Who should avoid or postpone it
- People on anticoagulants or with bleeding disorders
- Uncontrolled diabetes, or any active skin infection at the intended points
- Severe anaemia, pregnancy, or recent surgery in the area
- Anyone acutely unwell — reschedule rather than push through
What to expect afterwards
Circular marks last three to seven days and fade without treatment. Small healing points remain for a couple of days. Rest, hydration and a light meal afterwards are sensible; the gym, swimming and saunas wait 24 to 48 hours.
We deliberately do not present hijama as a treatment for named medical conditions. It is offered as a wellness and recovery therapy, alongside — never instead of — medical care.
- Hydrate well the day before and after
- Eat a light meal beforehand — do not arrive fasting and depleted
- Skip the gym and swimming for 24–48 hours
Myths vs facts
Frequently asked questions
Is hijama painful?+
The suction feels like a strong pull. The scarification is brief and superficial — most people describe it as a scratch rather than pain.
How often should it be done?+
Commonly every six to twelve weeks, adjusted to your reason for having it and how you respond.
Can women have hijama?+
Yes, with a female practitioner and appropriate privacy at Nayami Cosmyc.
Does it replace medical treatment?+
No. It complements medical care and should never delay a diagnosis or prescribed treatment.
Key takeaways
- Single-use equipment and proper screening are mandatory
- Marks are normal and fade within a week
- Positioned as wellness support, not a treatment for named diseases
References
- Nayami Cosmyc medical disclaimer
- Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists — patient guidance
Sumaiya is the founder of Nayami Cosmyc in Mumbai, where she runs both the clinic and the academy. She works across skin, hair, hijama and clinical nutrition, and writes the Knowledge Hub so patients can understand a treatment properly before they ever book one.
Author profile and articlesProfessional Treatments Available at Nayami Cosmyc
If what you have read about hijama sounds like your situation, these are the treatments Sumaiya most often uses for it at the Kurla clinic. Reading this guide is not a diagnosis — the point of an assessment is to work out which of these, if any, actually applies to you.
Need Professional Help?
If you are considering professional hijama therapy after reading this hijama guide, Sumaiya can assess your concern in person or online and recommend an appropriate treatment plan — including whether a simpler option would work better for you.
Hijama Therapy
Traditional wet cupping therapy for detox, pain relief and wellness.
Suitable for: Chronic pain (back, neck, shoulder) · Migraines and headaches · Fatigue and brain fog
- Pain and inflammation relief
- Detoxification
- Improved circulation
Expected results: Relief in pain, heaviness and sleep quality within 1–3 sessions
Treatment time: 45–60 min session
Clinical Nutrition
Evidence-based nutrition therapy tailored to your medical profile.
Suitable for: Adults with lifestyle conditions · Anyone seeking long-term healthy eating · Pre and post-surgical recovery
- Sustainable, measurable health improvements
- Plans built around Indian foods and routines
- Continuous monitoring and adjustments
Expected results: Clear change in energy, digestion and lab markers in 6–8 weeks
Treatment time: 45–60 min consultation
Products that support this at home
In-clinic work sets the direction; daily home care holds the result. These Nayami Cosmyc formulations are the ones we most often pair with hijama.
Where patients travel to us from
Our clinic sits in Vidya Vihar, minutes from Kurla — with dedicated pages for each Mumbai catchment area.
More on this topic from Sumaiya
Practical, India-specific writing from the clinic floor.
Still unsure what applies to you?
A short assessment is usually faster than another month of reading. Kurla, Mumbai — online consultations available.