Hijama for ladies in Islam: what to know

Hijama is a form of cupping therapy. A practitioner places cups on the skin to create suction. Dry cupping leaves the skin intact; wet cupping, often called hijama, adds small skin pricks before suction so a small amount of blood enters the cup. Religious practice and personal preference can shape the choice, but neither should replace assessment of a medical problem.

Women may wish to ask for a female practitioner, a private treatment room and clear coverage of areas not being treated. Discuss pregnancy, heavy menstrual bleeding, anaemia, diabetes, skin disease, medicines that affect clotting and any history of fainting before treatment.

Choose a trained provider who explains the method, obtains consent and uses a fresh sterile lancet and properly disinfected or single-use equipment. Do not allow treatment over infected, broken or inflamed skin. Eat and drink according to the provider's advice, wear loose clothing and arrange support if you have previously felt faint during procedures.

Cupping can leave temporary circular marks, tenderness or minor bleeding. Keep treated skin clean and follow aftercare instructions. For muscle symptoms, you can also read about [Back Muscle Spasm](/symptoms/back-muscle-spasm/) and [Upper Back Pain](/symptoms/upper-back-pain/).

Seek prompt medical advice for bleeding that does not settle, increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, worsening pain, marked weakness or fainting. Emergency help is appropriate for trouble breathing, chest pain, confusion or collapse. Contact a clinician before further sessions if you develop repeated bruising or feel unusually tired.

Ask whether hijama is suitable with your diagnosis and medicines, whether wet or dry cupping is safer for you, how the provider controls infection, and which symptoms should lead you to stop treatment.