Wet cupping and hijama, explained properly

Hijama is a traditional therapy in which suction cups are applied to specific points on the body — usually the back and shoulders. After a few minutes the cups are lifted, very small superficial openings are made in the skin with a sterile single-use blade, and the cups are reapplied briefly to draw a small amount of blood, which is captured in disposable cups and disposed of safely. It is one of the practices of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and we deliver it as a complementary therapy in a clean, insured clinic — never as a replacement for medical care.

Most clients call the sensation unusual rather than painful. The suction feels like a strong, deep pull — similar to a firm massage — and the superficial openings feel like a brief pinprick lasting a second or two. Any soreness afterwards is like mild post-exercise tenderness and normally settles within 24 to 48 hours. Your practitioner checks in throughout and adjusts the suction to your comfort.

Plan for 60 to 75 minutes: a short consultation, around 20 to 30 minutes of cup time, wound care, and a few minutes of rest before you leave. First visits run slightly longer because we take your health history and explain every step before any cups are placed.

You complete a short intake form and talk through your health, medications and goals. You undress only as much as cup placement needs — privacy and modesty are respected throughout. The practitioner cleans the area, applies cups for a dry suction phase, makes light superficial openings with a sterile single-use blade, then reapplies the cups for the wet phase. The area is cleaned and dressed, and you leave with written aftercare. Read the full first-visit guide.

We do not perform wet cupping on pregnant women — the risk is increased and we will not take it. We normally suggest waiting at least three months after birth. Breastfeeding clients can usually be seen after consultation; mention it when booking and we will confirm in advance.

Not without prior medical clearance. If you take warfarin, heparin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, clopidogrel or a similar anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicine, speak to your GP or consultant first — and never pause medication on your own. If your clinician approves a managed plan, share it in writing when you book.

We can usually see clients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin. If you have type 1 diabetes or use insulin, speak to your GP before booking and tell us at consultation. Because healing can be slower, we discuss aftercare carefully and use a lighter approach where needed.

We generally ask female clients to wait until the heaviest days have passed — not because it is forbidden, but because most women find it more comfortable. If you are unsure on the day, message us and we will rebook you at no charge.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is reported to have practised cupping on the 17th, 19th and 21st of the lunar month (narrated by Anas ibn Malik, Jami at-Tirmidhi 2051), and many clients like to book on those dates — especially when they fall on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday. We are happy to check the upcoming dates with you. If you cannot make one, hijama remains beneficial on any day; the timing is a recommended Sunnah, not a requirement.

For general wellbeing, most healthy adults book once every three months. Some clients attend monthly for a short course after consultation before returning to a quarterly rhythm. We do not recommend wet cupping more often than once a month.

Hijama at Sincerity Cupping Clinic starts from £45. The exact price for each option — including male and female sessions — is shown before you confirm when you book on Fresha, so there are no surprises on the day. Every session includes the consultation, the treatment itself with single-use sterile equipment, and written aftercare; appointments take 60–75 minutes. If you want to talk through options first, message us on WhatsApp.

Yes. Female clients can request Sister Aisha in a female-only environment, and male clients are seen by Brother Abu Layla. Modesty and privacy are protected throughout — just mention your preference when you book so we schedule the right practitioner and room setup.

You will see round, reddish or purplish circles where the cups sat. They are not true bruises and do not normally hurt; the colour usually fades over 3 to 10 days. The faint marks from the wet phase typically heal within 7 to 14 days, supported by the written aftercare we send you home with.

Eat a light meal one to two hours before — not nothing, and not a heavy meal just before. Drink water during the day, wear loose clothing, and bring a list of any medications. If you are unwell, feverish, or have broken skin near the treatment area, get in touch and we will rebook you.

For the first 24 hours: no showers, baths, pools, saunas or gyms — keep the area covered, dry and clean, rest and stay hydrated. Light walking is fine; strenuous exercise waits 48 hours. Many clients also avoid heavy meat and dairy for a day. If you notice spreading redness, fever, increasing pain or discharge, contact us or your GP straight away. Read the full aftercare guide.

Yes. Both practitioners are fully insured, with over 20 years of experience each, and every session is consultation-led. We use single-use sterile blades and disposable cups for every client, and disinfect surfaces and reusable tools between appointments in line with best practice for blood-contact procedures.

We are at 330 Streatham High Rd, London SW16 6HH — easy to reach from across South London. Book online on Fresha, message us on WhatsApp, or call 07552 540000. Open every day, 10:00–19:00.