How Painful Is the Hijama Procedure?

Hijama, also known as cupping therapy, is an ancient healing practice that has been used for centuries in various cultures around the world. In recent years, it has gained popularity not just for its therapeutic benefits, but also due to increasing awareness and acceptance of alternative medicine. For individuals considering Hijama in Dubai.
What Is Hijama?
Hijama is a traditional therapeutic method that involves creating suction on the skin using cups. This suction is often followed by small incisions on the skin to draw out what practitioners refer to as "stagnant blood" or "toxins." It’s rooted in several historical healing systems, including traditional Chinese medicine and Islamic healing practices, where it's considered a Sunnah (a practice of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him).

There are two main types of Hijama:

Dry Cupping – Only suction is applied, and no blood is drawn.

Wet Cupping – Suction is followed by small incisions to remove a small amount of blood.

This article focuses primarily on wet cupping, which is the form that typically raises questions about pain.

Step-by-Step Breakdown: Where Does Pain Occur?
Understanding where discomfort might arise requires breaking down the Hijama procedure into its steps:

1. Cup Placement and Suction The practitioner first applies cups (usually glass, silicone, or plastic) to the skin. Suction is created either manually or with a pump. This suction pulls the skin upward into the cup, stimulating circulation and preparing the area for incisions.

Pain Level:
Most people describe this part as tight or uncomfortable, but not painful. It’s often compared to the sensation of a deep tissue massage or the pressure from a firm vacuum. For some, it's even relaxing.

1. Making Incisions Once the suction phase is complete, the practitioner removes the cups and makes small, shallow cuts on the skin using a sterile surgical blade or lancet. These incisions are usually 1–3 millimeters deep and are meant to be superficial.

Pain Level:
This part can cause mild stinging, like a series of quick pinches or scratches. Pain perception here depends on individual tolerance and the body part being treated. Areas with thinner skin or more nerve endings (like the neck) may feel slightly more sensitive.

1. Reapplying the Cups After the incisions, the cups are reapplied to draw out blood. The suction resumes, and the "stagnant" or "dirty" blood is pulled into the cups.

Pain Level:
Some people experience a burning or stretching sensation, especially if the incisions are fresh or the suction is strong. Others say it's more of a dull ache or throbbing.

1. Post-Procedure Sensation After removing the cups and cleaning the area, mild discomfort may persist. Bruising and sensitivity can last for several days.

Pain Level:
Most report soreness similar to post-workout muscle aches, not sharp or debilitating pain.

Factors That Influence Pain Perception

1. Pain Tolerance
   Everyone experiences pain differently. What feels like a tickle to one person could be quite uncomfortable for another. People with higher pain thresholds generally find Hijama to be manageable or even painless.

2. Treatment Area
   Sensitive areas like the spine, neck, or behind the knees may be more painful due to more nerve endings and thinner skin. Less sensitive areas like the back or thighs are usually better tolerated.

3. Practitioner Skill
   An experienced practitioner will know how to minimize discomfort using precise incisions, clean techniques, and appropriate suction strength.

4. Skin Type and Hydration
   Hydrated, elastic skin tends to bruise and hurt less. On the other hand, dry or sensitive skin may react more strongly.

Is the Pain Worth It?
Most individuals who undergo Hijama report that any discomfort is temporary and outweighed by the benefits. Commonly cited benefits include:

Relief from chronic pain (back pain, headaches, joint pain)

Improved circulation

Reduced inflammation

Enhanced mental clarity

Detoxification

For many, the pain is a minor inconvenience compared to the physical and emotional relief experienced afterward.

Testimonials: What Do People Say?
Here’s a summary of anecdotal feedback from people who’ve undergone Hijama:

“It looked scary, but I didn’t feel much at all.”

“The suction felt strange, but not painful. The cuts were more like tiny scratches.”

“I was nervous, but the pain was minimal and the relief was amazing.”

“I’ve done Hijama multiple times. The first session was the scariest because of the unknown, but it turned out to be manageable.”

These testimonials reflect a general trend: the fear of pain is often worse than the pain itself.

Common Myths About Hijama Pain
Let’s debunk some myths:

“It’s like getting stabbed.”
False. The incisions are shallow and controlled. It's nothing like surgery or injury.

“It leaves permanent scars.”
Most marks fade within a week or two. With proper aftercare, scarring is rare.

“The blood loss is excessive and painful.”
Only a small amount of blood is drawn, typically no more than during a routine blood test.

**Tips to Minimize Discomfort
If you're concerned about pain, try these tips:

Hydrate well before your session to keep your skin supple.

Avoid caffeine or stimulants that may increase sensitivity.

Stay relaxed—tension can heighten pain perception.

Communicate with your practitioner about your comfort level during the procedure.

Follow aftercare instructions to reduce soreness and speed up healing.

FAQs:
**Is Hijama more painful than acupuncture or massage?
It depends on the person. Massage can be more painful if it’s deep tissue, while acupuncture involves fine needles. Hijama includes suction and small cuts, so it may feel more intense than acupuncture but less painful than some deep massages.

** How long does the pain last after Hijama?
Mild soreness or bruising can last between 1 to 5 days. Pain typically subsides within 24–48 hours, especially with proper aftercare.

** Can I take painkillers before or after Hijama?
It’s generally not necessary, but you can take mild pain relievers like paracetamol afterward if needed. Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen before the session, as they can thin the blood.

**What if I have a low pain tolerance?
Inform your practitioner beforehand. They can use a gentler technique and avoid very sensitive areas to help ease the process.

**Is there bleeding during Hijama, and is that painful?
Yes, in wet cupping, blood is drawn after small incisions. Most people describe it as a tingling or light stinging, not severe pain.

**Can I do Hijama regularly without increasing the pain?
Yes. In fact, regular sessions may result in less pain over time as your body becomes accustomed to the procedure and toxins are reduced.

**Final Thoughts
Hijama is not a pain-free procedure, but for the vast majority of people, it’s mild and tolerable. Discomfort is brief and localized, and most participants find that the benefits far outweigh the temporary sensations. If you’re considering trying it—whether for chronic pain, detoxification, or overall wellness—don’t let the fear of pain hold you back. Understanding what to expect and choosing a skilled practitioner can make the process smooth, beneficial, and empowering.