Wet Cupping (Hijamat al-Damawiyya)
Traditional Sunnah Hijama with small superficial incisions to remove stagnant blood. The classical practice recommended by the Prophet ﷺ.
02 · The Sunnah Practice
Hijama (cupping therapy) is one of the oldest healing traditions in the world — used for over 3,000 years across Greek, Egyptian, Chinese and Arabic medicine. Modern clinical practice recognises 25+ distinct types across 5 categories. This page covers what hijama is, why it's needed, the conditions it treats, and the complete classification of methods we offer at Al Shifa, Markapuram.
Hijama is a therapeutic procedure in which sterile cups are applied to specific points on the body to create suction. The suction draws stagnant blood, fluids, and metabolic waste toward the surface, where they can either be absorbed naturally (dry cupping) or removed through tiny superficial incisions (wet cupping). The technique stimulates circulation, releases tight fascia, and supports the body's natural detoxification.
Modern lifestyles cause silent build-up of toxins, deep muscle tension, and reduced micro-circulation — particularly in patients with chronic pain, high blood pressure, hormonal imbalance, or sluggish metabolism. Long-term medication only manages symptoms; hijama works at the level of the blood, fascia, and lymphatic system. Patients commonly choose hijama when:
At Al Shifa Markapuram we regularly treat the following conditions using a combination of wet, dry, fire, sports and joint-area hijama (the specific protocol is selected during your consultation):
For acute conditions, 2–4 sessions over 4–8 weeks usually produce clear improvement. For chronic or maintenance care, hijama is traditionally done every 1–3 months. Your specific schedule will be set during the first consultation. The 17th, 19th, and 21st of the lunar month are the traditionally preferred dates — many patients also follow this pattern.
The 25+ types · classified
Different cupping techniques classified by how the cups interact with the skin and what therapeutic effect they produce.
Traditional Sunnah Hijama with small superficial incisions to remove stagnant blood. The classical practice recommended by the Prophet ﷺ.
Suction cups applied without incisions. Improves circulation, releases fascia, no blood drawn. Suitable for all patients.
Rapid suction-and-release cycles. Stimulates blood flow without leaving lasting marks. Ideal for sensitive skin.
Cups glide across oiled skin, combining cupping with myofascial release. Excellent for back pain and muscle tension.
The strength of vacuum applied — adjusted to patient tolerance, condition severity, and treatment area sensitivity.
Gentle suction for first-time patients, sensitive areas (face, neck), and elderly. Mild therapeutic effect.
Standard suction strength for most general conditions — back pain, fatigue, stress relief. The default for most sessions.
Heavy suction for chronic deep-tissue conditions — frozen shoulder, sciatica, persistent muscle knots. May leave temporary marks.
Rhythmic suction that pulses on and off. Mimics a heartbeat to enhance lymphatic drainage and circulation.
How the vacuum inside the cup is created — each method offers different control, intensity, and therapeutic experience.
Traditional method using a brief alcohol flame to heat air inside the cup, creating vacuum. Iconic and classical.
Hand-pump creates the vacuum — therapist controls suction strength precisely. Most common modern method.
Electric vacuum machine delivers consistent, programmable suction. Used for advanced or longer-protocol sessions.
Substances or tools combined with cupping to enhance specific therapeutic effects — from energy work to medicinal infusion.
Acupuncture needles inserted first, then cup applied over them. Combines two modalities for amplified results.
Burning mugwort (moxa) inside the cup adds gentle therapeutic warmth alongside suction. Deeply restorative.
Medicinal herbs infused into the cup release vapours absorbed through the skin. Targeted condition support.
Cups with embedded magnets — combines cupping with magnetic field therapy for enhanced energy flow.
Low-level laser light projected through specialised cups for non-invasive deep tissue stimulation.
Mild electrical current through the cup for trigger-point release and nerve stimulation. Modern hybrid.
Cups partially filled with warm water create unique pressure dynamics. Soothing for inflammation.
Cupping protocols tailored to specific body regions — each area has dedicated techniques, cup sizes, and application patterns.
Reflexology-based cupping on feet. Targets whole-body health through foot meridian points.
Targeted cupping for digestive issues, IBS, bloating, menstrual cramps and lower-body circulation.
Recovery-focused cupping for athletes — addresses muscle soreness, lactic acid buildup, and injury rehabilitation.
Small specialised cups for face — boosts circulation, reduces puffiness, naturally lifts and tones skin.
Protocols for women's health — menstrual disorders, PCOS support, fertility enhancement, postpartum care.
Protocols for men's health — prostate support, lower-back tension, fertility and reproductive wellness.
Additional cupping variations developed for niche therapeutic, aesthetic, or environmental contexts.
Beauty-focused application — anti-ageing, skin rejuvenation, cellulite reduction, scar therapy.
Pre/post-event athletic performance optimisation. Used by Olympic athletes for explosive recovery.
Cupping performed in water (warm pool or therapeutic bath) — buoyancy enhances relaxation and accessibility.
Ready when you are
Your first consultation includes a personal assessment to determine which Hijama type best suits your condition. Performed by a certified therapist — sterile, sunnah-respectful, drug-free.