What should you know about Wahda hijama?

Cupping therapy uses cups to create suction on the skin. Dry cupping leaves the skin intact, while wet cupping involves skin puncture and blood exposure. The marks can last for several days and are not proof that a disease has been removed. Cupping may be discussed for muscle tension or upper-back pain, but it should not replace assessment of a new, severe, or unexplained symptom.

Use a trained practitioner who explains the method, obtains consent, and uses sterile or single-use equipment. Share your medicines and health history, especially blood thinners, bleeding problems, anaemia, diabetes, immune problems, pregnancy, and skin conditions. Do not have cups placed over broken or infected skin. Ask what aftercare is needed and how the practitioner handles accidental bleeding or sharps.

Seek medical advice for spreading redness, increasing warmth, pus, worsening pain, fever, persistent bleeding, or a wound that is not healing. Urgent care is appropriate for fainting, breathing difficulty, severe weakness, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Back pain with leg weakness, new bladder or bowel problems, or numbness around the groin needs urgent assessment regardless of whether cupping was performed.

Ask whether cupping is suitable for your diagnosis, whether dry or wet technique is proposed, and how it fits with physiotherapy or other treatment. Confirm the practitioner's training, infection-control process, expected skin changes, and when to report a reaction.