Home Procedures Cupping therapy (hijama)
GETATCupping therapy (hijama)
Cups placed on the skin surface to create localized negative pressure. It is one of the traditional and complementary medicine methods defined by the Turkish Ministry of Health; a consultation is held beforehand.
What cupping therapy is
Cupping therapy works by placing glass or single-use plastic cups on the skin and reducing the air inside them to create localized negative pressure. It is carried out dry or wet; in the wet form, very superficial scratches are made on the skin surface. Which form is used is determined at the consultation.
Regulatory framework
Cupping therapy is carried out only by a physician certified by the Turkish Ministry of Health, in a licensed treatment unit, and within the indications the Ministry defines. It does not replace the medical treatment a physician has prescribed.
Who it is suitable for
Suitability is determined at the consultation, which takes account of general health, current medicines, blood results and any chronic conditions.
- People assessed within the indications defined by the Ministry
- People who have told the physician about their medicines and chronic conditions
- People who have had the requested tests and brought the results
How it is carried out
The procedure is carried out in a licensed unit by the physician, with single-use materials. It does not begin before informed consent is taken.
- The treatment area is determined and cleaned with antiseptic
- Cups are placed and the negative pressure is set
- The cups are left for the determined time, then removed
- The area is cleaned and covered again; aftercare instructions are given in writing
What to expect afterwards
Round areas of discolouration appear where the cups made contact and usually settle within a few days. There may be short-lived tenderness. Outcomes vary from person to person and the number of sessions is determined after the consultation.
After the procedure
You will be asked to avoid hot showers, Turkish baths, saunas and swimming pools on the day. Keep the area clean and dry. Call the practice if anything unexpected occurs.
Who it is not suitable for
Cupping therapy is not carried out in the situations below. The list may grow at the consultation; the decision rests with the physician.
- Bleeding or clotting disorders and regular use of blood thinners
- Severe anaemia and generally poor condition
- Active infection, an open wound or skin disease in the treatment area
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Uncontrolled chronic illness and active oncological treatment
Frequently asked
Questions about cupping therapy (hijama)
Does it hurt?
The pulling sensation created by the cups varies from person to person. In the wet form, the moment the superficial scratches are made is felt briefly. If you feel uncomfortable, the procedure is paused.
How long do the marks last?
Round areas of discolouration appear where the cups made contact and usually settle within a few days. The time varies from person to person.
How many sessions are needed?
The number of sessions and the interval between them are determined after the consultation. Giving a number in advance would not be right; the plan is reviewed as it goes.
What should I do before the procedure?
Bring a list of your medicines and any recent blood results. Whether you need to fast beforehand is explained when you book.
Does it replace my medical treatment?
No. Traditional and complementary medicine methods do not replace the medical treatment a physician has prescribed. Do not stop your medicines without your physician's advice.
Who carries out the procedure?
It is carried out in a licensed unit by a physician holding the relevant certificate. Consultation, decision and procedure are handled by the same physician.
The consultation comes first
Book an appointment for a suitability assessment; the decision to proceed is made after the consultation.