How to Prepare for Your First Hijama Session

You have booked your first hijama (wet cupping) session and are wondering how to prepare? Here is a complete guide to making the most of your experience.

Before the session

Preparation begins 48 hours before your appointment with good hydration and sufficient sleep, then on the day itself with a light meal, comfortable clothing and open communication with your practitioner.

48 hours before

• Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water in the days leading up to the session
• Get enough sleep: a rested body will respond better to the treatment

On the day

• Eat lightly: avoid heavy meals 2 to 3 hours before the session
• Wear comfortable clothing: choose loose-fitting garments that allow easy access to the areas to be treated
• Arrive relaxed: take a few minutes to unwind before your appointment

What to tell your practitioner

As recommended by the Belgian Federal Public Service Health, during your first visit do not hesitate to inform your practitioner about:

• Your medical history
• Any medication you are taking (particularly anticoagulants)
• Your areas of pain or tension
• Any particular skin condition
• Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding

In my Brussels practice, I notice that patients who arrive well hydrated and relaxed respond much better to the treatment. Hydration really is the key: well-hydrated skin makes it easier for the cups to create suction, and a hydrated body eliminates the toxins mobilised during the session more efficiently. I also advise against coffee on the morning of the session, as caffeine can increase pain sensitivity and muscle tension.

During the session

During the session, you will go through four stages — consultation, skin preparation, application of the cups and aftercare — all in a calm and reassuring atmosphere.

What to expect

A typical hijama session proceeds as follows:

1. Initial consultation (5-10 min): discussion of your goals and assessment of your state of health
2. Skin preparation: cleansing and disinfecting the areas to be treated
3. Application of the cups (20-30 min): cups are placed and suction is created
4. Removal and aftercare: gentle removal of the cups and application of soothing oils

Sensations during the treatment

You will probably feel:

• A pulling or suction sensation (normal)
• Slight warmth in the treated areas
• Occasional tingling
• Gradual relaxation

Note: hijama should not be painful. If you experience significant discomfort, inform your practitioner immediately.

After the session

Aftercare is essential for maximising the benefits of hijama: drink plenty of water, rest, eat lightly and protect the treated areas for 24 to 48 hours.

The first few hours

• Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water to help your body eliminate toxins
• Avoid hot showers: wait at least 3 to 4 hours before showering
• Rest: your body is working to regenerate

The following 24-48 hours

• Avoid intense exercise: no strenuous sport for 24-48 hours
• Eat lightly: favour balanced, easy-to-digest meals
• Avoid exposure to cold: keep the treated areas warm

The marks: what to expect

The circular marks left by the cups are normal and temporary:

• Duration: 3 to 7 days on average (sometimes up to 10 days)
• Colour: from light pink to dark purple depending on the intensity of the treatment
• Meaning: a darker colour may indicate greater blood stagnation

Through my years of experience as a registered nurse, I have found that the marks are often the main source of concern for new patients. I always take the time to explain that the colour of the marks is actually valuable information: very dark marks in an area generally indicate significant blood stagnation, meaning the hijama has targeted a point that needed attention. Over the course of sessions, the marks generally become lighter, a sign that circulation is improving.

Recommended frequency

The frequency of sessions depends on your issue: one to two sessions may suffice for an acute problem, whilst a chronic problem requires three to six spaced sessions, followed by regular maintenance.

For optimal results:

• Acute problems: 1-2 sessions may suffice
• Chronic problems: 3-6 sessions spaced 1-2 weeks apart
• Maintenance: one monthly or quarterly session

Conclusion

Good preparation is the key to a successful hijama session. For more information on complementary care practices, consult the resources of Sciensano, Belgium's public health institute. By following this advice, you will optimise the benefits of your treatment and enjoy a pleasant, beneficial experience.

Ready to book your first session? Book your hijama session in Brussels and begin your journey towards wellbeing. To better understand the different techniques, read our complete guide to cupping therapy in Brussels. Also discover how to integrate hijama into a holistic approach to health.