You Don't Need to Be Nervous
Most patients who walk through our door for the first time are a little apprehensive. The term "cupping" sounds clinical, and descriptions of the procedure can sound more dramatic than the reality. The truth is that for the vast majority of patients, a Hijama session is mild, calm, and deeply relaxing.
This guide will walk you through every stage — from how to prepare the evening before, to what happens after you leave — so that you arrive informed and at ease.
Before You Arrive
A little preparation makes a meaningful difference to your experience and the effectiveness of your session.
Eat a light meal 2–3 hours before
Arriving on a completely empty stomach can make you feel light-headed during or after the session. Equally, a very heavy meal can cause discomfort when lying down. A moderate meal 2–3 hours beforehand is ideal.
Drink plenty of water
Good hydration makes your session more comfortable and helps your body process the treatment more effectively. Aim to drink 1.5–2 litres of water in the hours leading up to your appointment.
Wear loose, accessible clothing
The most common treatment areas are the upper back and shoulders. Wear a loose shirt, top, or clothing that can easily be moved aside. Avoid tight-fitting garments or anything you'd prefer not to get oil on (in rare cases).
Avoid heavy exercise on the day
Your body needs to be in a relatively calm state for the best results. Strenuous exercise before a session can affect circulation patterns and make you more sensitive to the treatment.
Avoid caffeine and smoking
Both affect circulation. If possible, limit caffeine intake on the morning of your appointment and avoid smoking for several hours beforehand.
Arriving at the Clinic
Hijamah Clinic is located at 23a Greatorex Street, Whitechapel, London E1 5NP — a short walk from Whitechapel tube station on the District and Hammersmith & City lines.
When you arrive, you will be warmly welcomed and shown to a private, comfortable treatment room. The space has been designed to feel calm and unhurried. There is no clinical waiting-room atmosphere — from the moment you enter, the intention is to help you settle and relax.
Whitechapel station (District / Hammersmith & City line) is a 3-minute walk. There is also limited street parking on Greatorex Street and surrounding roads.
The Consultation
Before any treatment begins, your practitioner will sit with you and take time to understand your health history, any current symptoms or concerns, and what you are hoping to achieve from your session. This is not rushed.
Questions you may be asked include:
- Any current medications, especially blood thinners or anticoagulants
- Known conditions such as diabetes, skin disorders, or bleeding disorders
- Whether you are pregnant or trying to conceive
- Areas of pain, tension, or concern
- Previous experience with Hijama, if any
Based on this consultation, your practitioner will map out the cupping points most appropriate for your needs — balancing the Sunnah points with your individual presentation.
Stage One: Dry Cupping
The session typically begins with dry cupping. Glass or plastic cups are placed on the skin and suction is created, gently drawing the skin and superficial muscle upward into the cup. No incisions are made at this stage.
Most patients describe this as a warm, pulling sensation — similar to a deep-tissue massage. The cups are usually left in place for 3–5 minutes, during which blood flow to the area increases significantly and the tissue begins to release.
This initial stage prepares the body for the wet cupping phase and is also a complete treatment in its own right for some conditions.
Stage Two: Wet Cupping (Hijama)
After dry cupping, the practitioner will make very small, superficial scratches on the skin using a sterile, single-use lancet. These are shallow — they do not penetrate deeply — and are made precisely at the cupping points identified in your consultation.
The cups are then reapplied. The suction draws out a small quantity of stagnant blood — dark in colour, often thicker than normal circulating blood — which is safely collected in the cups.
The entire process at each point takes only a few minutes. Multiple points may be treated in a single session, depending on your needs.
All equipment used at Hijamah Clinic is sterile and single-use. Cups are fully sanitised between patients. Your practitioner wears gloves throughout. These are non-negotiable standards we uphold at every session.
How It Feels
The honest answer: most patients are surprised by how little it hurts. The scratches are superficial and brief. You will feel the pressure of the cups and a mild drawing sensation. Some areas may be more sensitive than others depending on the tension held there.
Many patients find themselves falling into a deeply relaxed state during the session — particularly during the dry cupping phase. It is not unusual for patients to feel drowsy, warm, and very calm by the end.
"Most patients describe the sensation as a mild pulling or tightening, similar to a deep-tissue massage. The scratches are very superficial and brief."
— From our patient aftercare notesAfter the Session
Once the treatment is complete, the areas are carefully cleaned and covered. Your practitioner will review your aftercare with you in detail (see our aftercare guide for full information).
The most common immediate experience after Hijama is a feeling of lightness and calm — as though a weight has been lifted. Some patients report mild fatigue in the first few hours, which is normal and passes.
You will be advised to:
- Drink plenty of water immediately after leaving
- Keep the treated areas covered and dry for 24 hours
- Rest if possible, and avoid strenuous activity for the remainder of the day
- Avoid cold water, air conditioning, and cold air on the treated areas
Any marks from the cups — circular bruising or redness — are completely normal and typically fade within 3–7 days.
We look forward to welcoming you. If you have any questions before your visit, please don't hesitate to message us on WhatsApp — we are always happy to put your mind at ease.