Cupping Therapy in Brussels: A Guide to Cupping

Cupping therapy, known in French as thérapie par ventouses and in Arabic as hijama, is gaining popularity in Brussels and across Belgium. Whether you are an expat or a resident, this guide explains everything about this age-old practice and how to access it in the European capital.

What is cupping therapy?

Cupping therapy is an age-old complementary medicine technique that uses cups to create suction on the skin, stimulating blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and the release of muscular tension.

Cupping therapy is a form of complementary medicine that places cups on the skin to create suction. This technique, practised for more than 3,000 years, is used in traditional Chinese medicine, Arab-Islamic medicine (hijama) and in many cultures across the world.

The principle is simple: the cups create a vacuum that draws up the skin and underlying tissues, stimulating blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and the release of muscular tension.

The different types of cupping

Two main cupping therapy techniques are practised in Brussels: dry cupping, without incision and focused on relaxation, and wet cupping (hijama), which combines suction and micro-incisions for a deeper action.

In Brussels, two main cupping therapy techniques are practised:

Dry cupping

The most widespread and gentlest form of cupping therapy:

• The cups are placed on the skin and air is drawn out to create a vacuum
• They remain in place for 5 to 15 minutes
• No incision is made
• Ideal for muscular relaxation, stress relief and sports recovery
• Leaves temporary circular marks (3 to 7 days)

Wet cupping (hijama)

The traditional technique used in hijama:

• After an initial suction, light superficial micro-incisions are made
• The cups are placed again to extract a small amount of stagnant blood
• The process aims to eliminate "impure blood" and stimulate regeneration
• Performed only by qualified professionals under strict hygiene conditions

Comparison: dry cupping vs hijama

Criterion	Dry cupping	Hijama (wet cupping)
Technique	Simple suction by vacuum	Suction + superficial micro-incisions
Incisions	None	Light micro-incisions (scarification)
Session duration	30 to 45 minutes	45 to 60 minutes
Sensation	Very mild (pulling sensation)	Mild (superficial prick)
Marks	Pink to purple circles, 3 to 7 days	More pronounced circles, 5 to 10 days
Main indications	Muscular relaxation, sports recovery, stress	Chronic pain, hormonal disorders, detoxification
Price (at the clinic)	€40	€40

In my Brussels practice, I choose the technique based on each patient's profile and needs. For a first session, I often recommend starting with dry cupping to become familiar with the suction sensation. Through my years of experience as a registered nurse, I have noticed that many patients who initially hesitate about wet hijama feel reassured after a first experience with dry cupping and then wish to go further. What matters is respecting each woman's pace.

The benefits of cupping therapy

Cupping therapy offers documented benefits in four main areas: pain relief, general wellbeing, women's health and aesthetics, as confirmed by clinical studies and clinical experience.

Scientific studies and clinical experience show that cupping therapy can help with:

Pain relief

• Chronic lower back and neck pain
• Migraines and tension headaches
• Muscular and joint pain
• Fibromyalgia

General wellbeing

• Reduction of stress and anxiety
• Improved sleep quality
• Renewed energy and vitality
• Strengthening of the immune system

Women's health

• Regulation of menstrual cycles
• Relief of menstrual pain
• Support for fertility
• Reduction of water retention

Aesthetics and skin

• Improved skin circulation
• Reduction of cellulite (dry cupping)
• A brighter complexion

How a session unfolds in Brussels

A cupping therapy session at our clinic in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe lasts between 45 and 60 minutes and includes five steps: welcome, preparation, application of the cups, removal and aftercare, and personalised advice.

Here is what to expect during your first cupping therapy session with us:

1. Welcome and case history (10 min): your practitioner takes your medical history, discusses your expectations and defines the areas to be treated.
2. Preparation (5 min): the skin is cleansed and disinfected. You settle in comfortably.
3. Application of the cups (20-30 min): the cups are placed on strategic points. You feel a suction sensation, generally well tolerated.
4. Removal and aftercare (5-10 min): the cups are removed, the skin is cleansed and soothing oils are applied.
5. Personalised advice: your practitioner gives you recommendations for the days to come.

Pricing and practical information

At our clinic in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe, we offer a single, transparent rate:

• Rate: €40 per session (dry cupping or hijama)
• Duration: 45 to 60 minutes
• Payment: cash or Bancontact
• Clientele: exclusively for women
• Practitioner: Soumaya, registered nurse

Who may practise cupping therapy in Belgium?

In Belgium, cupping therapy must be performed by a professional with recognised medical or paramedical training, using single-use sterile equipment and complying with strict hygiene standards.

In Belgium, cupping therapy is part of complementary care practices. It is essential to consult a qualified practitioner who:

• Holds recognised medical or paramedical training
• Uses single-use sterile equipment
• Complies with strict hygiene standards
• Carries out a full case history before each session
• Knows the contraindications and precautions of use

At our clinic, Soumaya is a registered nurse with specific training in hijama practice, guaranteeing safe and professional care.

Contraindications

Cupping therapy is not suitable for everyone. It is not recommended in cases of:

• Pregnancy
• Blood clotting disorders or use of anticoagulants
• Active skin infections in the areas to be treated
• Serious cardiovascular conditions
• Active cancer
• Severe anaemia

How to find us in Brussels

Our clinic is ideally located in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe and easily accessible from anywhere in Brussels:

• Address: Avenue de la Basilique 115, 1082 Berchem-Sainte-Agathe
• Public transport: accessible by bus and tram
• Parking: parking spaces available nearby
• Nearby municipalities: Anderlecht, Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Jette, Ganshoren, Koekelberg

Conclusion

Cupping therapy is an effective and accessible complementary care practice in Brussels. Whether you are seeking pain relief, stress reduction or simply looking to take care of yourself, cups offer a natural, ancestral approach supported by a growing body of scientific studies.

Ready to discover cupping therapy in Brussels? Book your first session online now. To learn more about the benefits, read our article on the scientific evidence for hijama.