You've probably seen those circular marks on athletes like Michael Phelps and wondered: what is cupping therapy? Hijama, or wet cupping, is an ancient Islamic healing practice that's gaining recognition in modern sports medicine for its powerful recovery benefits.
Unlike dry cupping (which only uses suction), Hijama involves small controlled incisions that allow the removal of stagnant blood—triggering your body's natural healing response.
How Does Hijama Work? The Science Behind It
When muscles are injured or overworked, metabolic waste products accumulate—lactic acid, inflammatory compounds, and damaged cells. Poor circulation in these areas prevents natural healing.
Hijama creates controlled micro-trauma that triggers multiple healing responses:
- Enhanced Blood Flow: Fresh, oxygen-rich blood rushes to the area
- Detoxification: Removes stagnant blood and inflammatory waste
- Immune Activation: Stimulates white blood cells and healing factors
- Pain Relief: Triggers endorphin release (natural painkillers)
- Reduced Inflammation: Lowers inflammatory markers in treated areas
What Conditions Does Hijama Treat?
At Revive Clinic in Lahore, we successfully use Hijama therapy for:
- Chronic Pain: Back pain, neck pain, joint pain, migraines
- Sports Injuries: Muscle strains, tendonitis, recovery enhancement
- Inflammatory Conditions: Arthritis, fibromyalgia symptoms
- Circulation Issues: Varicose veins, poor blood flow
- Respiratory Problems: Asthma, bronchitis (complementary treatment)
- Stress & Fatigue: Improves energy and overall wellbeing
Recent studies show patients combining Hijama with physiotherapy experience 40% faster recovery compared to physiotherapy alone.
What to Expect During Your Hijama Session
A typical session at Revive follows this protocol:
Before Treatment (5-10 minutes)
- Health assessment and medical history review
- Identification of treatment points based on your condition
- Explanation of the procedure and what to expect
During Treatment (20-30 minutes)
- Thorough sterilization of treatment area
- Application of cups to create suction
- Small superficial incisions (less painful than it sounds!)
- Reapplication of cups to extract stagnant blood
- Cleaning and bandaging of treatment points
After Treatment
- Post-care instructions provided
- Most patients report immediate tension relief
- Mild soreness may occur (like after a deep massage)
- Marks typically fade within 1-2 weeks
Is Hijama Painful?
Most patients describe the sensation as:
- Suction phase: Tight pulling sensation (not painful)
- Incision phase: Quick pinch, less than a blood test
- Extraction phase: Mild discomfort, very tolerable
- After treatment: Soreness similar to deep tissue massage
Who Should NOT Get Hijama?
Hijama is not recommended if you have:
- Blood clotting disorders (hemophilia)
- Currently taking blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin)
- Active skin infections or wounds
- Severe anemia
- During pregnancy
- Recent surgery (wait 6-8 weeks)
How Often Should You Get Hijama?
Treatment frequency depends on your condition:
- Acute injuries: 1-2 sessions, 1 week apart
- Chronic pain: Monthly sessions for 3-6 months
- Maintenance: Every 2-3 months
- Preventive health: 2-4 times per year
Why Choose Revive for Hijama Therapy?
- Certified Hijama specialist with 10+ years experience
- Strict hygiene protocols with disposable, sterile equipment
- Integration with physiotherapy for comprehensive healing
- Comfortable, private treatment rooms
- Personalized treatment plans based on your specific needs
Ready to experience the healing benefits of Hijama? Book your consultation at Revive Clinic, Lahore's trusted center for integrative pain management.
