Hijama glass cups: what to know

A glass cup is placed on the skin and suction is created, commonly with controlled heat or a suction device. The skin and superficial tissues are drawn upward. In dry cupping the skin is not pierced. In wet cupping, small punctures are made after the cup is removed and the cup is applied again.

The round marks come from temporary changes in the small blood vessels and usually fade with time, but soreness, blisters, burns, infection and scarring are possible. Glass must be intact, properly cleaned and sterilised when it is reused; equipment that contacts blood should be single-use or handled under approved infection-control procedures.

Tell the practitioner about blood-thinning medicines, bleeding disorders, diabetes, pregnancy, anaemia, allergies and skin problems. Do not have cups placed over broken or infected skin, varicose veins or areas with reduced sensation. Ask how heat is controlled if a flame is used.

Afterward, keep any punctures clean and avoid scratching or applying unapproved products. Mild tenderness can occur. For related muscle complaints, read [Back Muscle Spasm](/symptoms/back-muscle-spasm/) and [Upper Back Pain](/symptoms/upper-back-pain/).

Contact a clinician if pain worsens, a blister appears, redness spreads, the area becomes hot, pus develops, fever occurs or bleeding continues. Seek emergency help for breathing trouble, severe dizziness, collapse or a significant burn.

Ask which cupping method is proposed, whether the cups are safe and sterilised, how burns and bleeding are prevented, and whether your medicines or health conditions change the risk.