Wet cupping therapy, also known as hijama, is a traditional and complementary medical practice that involves creating suction on the skin and then making small superficial incisions to remove a limited amount of blood. Cupping therapy may be performed as dry cupping or wet cupping; hijama generally refers to the wet cupping method. In Turkey, cupping therapy is included among traditional and complementary medicine practices and should be performed in authorized healthcare settings by trained professionals.
The main goal of wet cupping is to stimulate local blood flow, support tissue relaxation, and help reduce discomfort such as pain, stiffness, or muscle tension in selected individuals. However, it should not be considered a guaranteed treatment. The procedure should be planned according to the person’s general health status, symptoms, medical history, and current medications.
One of the most common reasons people consider wet cupping is pain management. Cupping therapy has been studied in relation to chronic pain, low back pain, neck pain, and knee osteoarthritis. A 2023 review reported that cupping therapy may help manage certain pain-related conditions, although the quality of evidence ranged from very low to moderate. For this reason, wet cupping should be presented as a supportive method rather than a definitive cure.
The suction effect created during cupping may stimulate the soft tissues in the treated area. This may help some people experience reduced muscle tension, stiffness, and restricted movement. It may be considered as a complementary approach for individuals with posture-related tension, sedentary work habits, physical strain, or chronic muscle tightness.
Cupping therapy is thought to stimulate blood flow in the area where it is applied. By creating negative pressure on the skin, the procedure may increase local circulation and support tissue relaxation. However, people with circulatory disorders, bleeding problems, or serious chronic diseases should be medically evaluated before considering wet cupping.
Some people report a feeling of lightness, relaxation, or reduced tension after wet cupping. This may be related to local circulation, muscle relaxation, and the individual response to the procedure. However, claims such as “removing all toxins from the body” or “treating every disease” should be avoided. Scientific sources note that while cupping may have potential benefits for some conditions, evidence remains limited for many uses.
Wet cupping may not be suitable for everyone. People with bleeding disorders, those using blood thinners, individuals with anemia, active infections, severe chronic diseases, pregnancy, or certain skin conditions may not be appropriate candidates. Cupping should also be avoided on areas affected by eczema, psoriasis, open wounds, or active skin irritation because it may worsen these conditions.
Temporary redness, bruising, tenderness, and marks on the skin may occur after wet cupping. If the procedure is not performed under sterile conditions, there may be a risk of infection. Since wet cupping involves blood removal, repeated or uncontrolled sessions may also increase the risk of anemia. NCCIH notes that cupping may cause side effects such as persistent skin discoloration, scars, burns, infections, and worsening of certain skin diseases.
Wet cupping therapy may be considered as a supportive method for pain, muscle tension, local circulation, and relaxation in selected individuals. However, it is not suitable for everyone, does not guarantee treatment results, and should not replace standard medical care. For safe use, a healthcare professional should evaluate the individual’s medical condition, and the procedure should be performed only in authorized settings under sterile conditions.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.
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