Rooted in Tradition, Grounded in Care.
NorthLight Hijama is a women-led, women-centered cupping studio offering hijama (wet cupping) and dry and fire cupping for women across Central Minnesota and the South Metro (Burnsville). We’re here for women who want natural, non-pharmaceutical support for pain relief, stress relief, inflammation, and a body that feels “stuck” or overwhelmed.
My name is Theresa “Aziza” Richter, and I became a hijama practitioner because I witnessed what real relief can look like. In 2018, while living in Denver, my husband struggled daily with sciatic pain. After one hijama session, his relief was dramatic—nearly immediate—and I realized there was an entire healing tradition many women in the U.S. had never been introduced to.
Hijama is well-known across many MENA and Islamic cultures as both preventative care and wellness support. When I tried it for myself—mainly for stress and anxiety—I was surprised by how gentle and calming the experience felt. I left with a sense of peace I hadn’t felt in years, and it changed the way I understood the body’s ability to recover when it’s supported instead of pushed.
That turning point led me to pursue certification and eventually open NorthLight Hijama in Minnesota. My mission is to make hijama a respected, accessible option—especially for women who feel unheard, dismissed, or simply tired of managing symptoms without understanding what’s underneath them.
Hijama (wet cupping) is a traditional practice that uses gentle suction cups and tiny, superficial scratches on the skin to support the body’s natural cleansing response. Many women choose cupping therapy to support circulation, lymphatic flow, tension release, and overall balance—especially when stress and inflammation start stacking up over time.
Most clients describe the session as strong pressure and a pulling sensation, followed by a noticeable sense of release. We check in throughout your treatment and adjust suction for comfort. The goal is always to create a safe, respectful experience that feels manageable and empowering.
What sets NorthLight Hijama apart is the combination of women-only care and a whole-body approach. We don’t chase perfect points—we focus on thoughtful cupping placement that supports the body’s natural pathways, helps reduce stagnation, and encourages the kind of recovery that often shows up as steadier energy, lighter tension, and a calmer nervous system.
NorthLight Hijama serves women in two locations—Central Minnesota and Burnsville—because both communities deserve access to women-led holistic care. This work is personal to me, and it’s rooted in the belief that healing starts when a woman finally has space to exhale and feel heard.
If you’d like to learn more about my full story and the heart behind this work, you’re welcome to read the full interview linked below.