Hijama and Female Fertility: Benefits and Testimonials

Fertility is an intimate and sometimes painful subject for many women. Alongside conventional medicine, more and more women are turning to complementary approaches such as hijama (wet cupping) to support their fertility. What are the mechanisms at play and what do the studies say?

Fertility and complementary medicine

Complementary medicine such as hijama is drawing growing interest from women on a fertility journey, as a complement to conventional medical follow-up, to improve pelvic circulation and reduce the stress associated with conception.

According to the World Health Organization, infertility affects roughly 1 couple in 6 worldwide. Faced with this challenge, complementary medicine — of which hijama is part — is attracting increasing interest. Cupping therapy in no way replaces specialist medical follow-up, but it can be a valuable support on a conception journey.

How hijama can support fertility

Hijama supports female fertility by acting on four main axes: pelvic circulation, hormonal balance, reduction of reproductive inflammation and stress management — all key factors for encouraging conception.

Hijama works on several mechanisms that may positively influence female fertility:

Improving pelvic circulation

Applying cups to the lower back and abdominal area stimulates blood flow in the pelvic region. A better blood supply to the uterus and ovaries can contribute to:

• Better quality of the endometrium (uterine lining)
• Optimal delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the reproductive organs
• Improved ovarian function

Hormonal regulation

Hormonal imbalance is one of the common causes of difficulties in conceiving. Preliminary research suggests that hijama can:

• Help to regulate the menstrual cycle
• Reduce cortisol levels (the stress hormone, which can disrupt ovulation)
• Favour a hormonal environment more conducive to conception

Reducing inflammation

Chronic inflammation of the reproductive system can interfere with conception. Through its anti-inflammatory action, hijama can help reduce inflammation in the pelvic area, creating a more favourable environment for implantation.

Stress management

Stress is recognised as a factor that can affect fertility. It can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which is responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle. Hijama brings about deep relaxation that can:

• Reduce the anxiety linked to the conception journey
• Improve sleep quality
• Ease physical and emotional tension

What I observe in my patients on a fertility journey is, above all, the impact of stress on the body. Many arrive at the clinic tense, worn down by months or even years of trying. Through my years of experience as a nurse, I have learned to tailor my sessions to each phase of the cycle. I focus on the sacral area and the lower lumbar zone during the follicular phase, because it is at that time that stimulating pelvic circulation can have the greatest effect on the quality of the endometrium. Several of my patients have reported more regular cycles and a renewed sense of calm after only three or four sessions.

The scientific studies

Research on hijama and fertility is still preliminary, but several studies show positive effects on uterine circulation, cycle regularity and fertility parameters when used alongside medical treatments.

Although research on hijama and fertility is still limited, several studies are worth mentioning:

• A pilot study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine observed an improvement in fertility parameters in women following regular cupping therapy sessions alongside their medical treatment.
• Research on acupuncture and cupping therapy shows positive effects on uterine circulation, measured by Doppler.
• Several case studies report successful conceptions in women who had integrated hijama into their IVF preparation protocol.

Important note: these results are encouraging but preliminary. Larger-scale studies are needed to confirm these observations.

Hijama protocol for fertility

The hijama protocol for fertility is based on targeted treatment points on the pelvic and lumbar area, with a schedule synchronised with the menstrual cycle to maximise the benefits.

At our clinic in Brussels, we offer tailored support for women on a fertility journey:

Treatment points

• Lower lumbar area: over the kidneys and the reproductive system
• Sacral area: to stimulate pelvic circulation
• Lower abdomen: dry cupping to encourage uterine circulation
• Upper back: traditional points for overall energetic balance

Recommended timing

The timing of sessions is important in a fertility context:

• Follicular phase (days 5-12 of the cycle): the ideal period to stimulate pelvic circulation
• Avoid: sessions during menstruation and after ovulation if you are actively trying to conceive
• Frequency: 1 session per cycle for 3 to 6 months

Testimonials

Several of our patients in Brussels have shared their experience:

"After two years of unsuccessful attempts, I started hijama alongside my medical follow-up. My cycles became more regular and I felt much more relaxed. I conceived naturally after 4 months of regular sessions." — Fatima, 32

"My gynaecologist noted an improvement in the quality of my endometrium after a few hijama sessions. It gave me hope on my assisted-reproduction journey." — Nadia, 35

These testimonials reflect individual experiences and do not guarantee the same results for everyone.

Important precautions

Hijama in a fertility context requires certain precautions:

• Always inform your practitioner of your plans to conceive
• Do not replace medical follow-up with hijama alone
• Avoid hijama in the case of confirmed or suspected pregnancy
• Coordinate sessions with your menstrual cycle
• Inform your doctor or gynaecologist about your complementary approach

Conclusion

Hijama can be a natural and soothing complement on a fertility journey. By improving pelvic circulation, supporting hormonal balance and reducing stress, it creates more favourable conditions for conception. However, it does not replace specialist medical follow-up and must be performed by a qualified professional.

Would you like to explore hijama as part of your fertility journey? Book an appointment at our clinic in Brussels. Soumaya, a registered nurse, will support you with gentleness and professionalism. Also discover the scientific benefits of hijama.