Hijama (also called Hijama Wet Cupping, HWC) is a traditional, holistic therapy that uses gentle suction cups and tiny superficial scratches on the skin to encourage the body’s natural cleansing response. Many women choose Hijama to support pain relief, circulation, lymphatic flow, stress release, and overall well-being.

Wet cupping (Hijama / HWC): cups + light, superficial scratches to draw a small amount of fluid.

Dry cupping: suction only (no scratches).

Fixed cupping: cups stay in one place
Moving cupping: cups glide with oil for muscle release + lymphatic support

Note: Bloodletting is considered a separate treatment style from Hijama in many training systems. At NorthLight, we focus on safe, professional Hijama wet cupping and supportive dry cupping methods.

Women commonly seek Hijama as a supportive wellness option for:

Pain & tension

chronic back/neck/shoulder tightness
headaches or migraine patterns
joint aches and stiffness
old injury tightness or “stuck” areas

Stress & nervous system overload

burnout, anxiety-like tension, feeling “wired and tired”
poor sleep or restlessness
stress-related muscle guarding and fatigue

Hormonal & cycle-related concerns (supportive care)

menstrual heaviness, cramping patterns, PMS-like discomfort
hormonal imbalance symptoms (bloating, mood swings, fatigue)

Digestive & inflammation patterns

sluggish digestion, bloating patterns
feeling “inflamed,” heavy, or puffy
overall detox/reset goals

Important: Hijama is not a medical diagnosis or a guaranteed cure. Many clients use it as part of a broader wellness plan (hydration, nutrition, rest, stress management, and medical care when needed).

Clients often choose Hijama because it may support:

circulation and local blood flow in tight, stagnant areas
the body’s lymphatic movement (your natural “drainage” and cleanup system)
a shift from stress-mode to relaxation-mode
reduced “pressure” feeling in the body and head for some clients
a greater sense of lightness, calm, and recovery

When you’re stressed, your body can get stuck in sympathetic mode (“fight or flight”): higher tension, shallow breathing, digestive slowdown, tight muscles.

A well-paced Hijama session—combined with calm breathing, hydration, and rest—often encourages a parasympathetic shift (“rest and digest”): slower breathing, softer muscles, calmer mood, and better recovery. Many clients leave feeling unusually relaxed or sleepy, which is a good sign your nervous system is downshifting.

Hijama is traditionally described as supporting cleansing and balance through:

Circulatory system (surface capillaries, local stagnation)
Lymphatic system (fluid movement and “drainage” support)
Musculoskeletal system (tight fascia/muscles, tension patterns)
Nervous system (stress response and relaxation response)
Immune support practices (through rest, hydration, and recovery habits)

In Islamic medicine language, this also connects with balance, moderation, and lifestyle practices that support the whole person (mind, body, and soul).

Your first appointment is designed to feel safe, calm, and fully guided:

Check-in + intake (your goals, symptoms, stress, lifestyle, and comfort level)
Body assessment (we focus on the root cause and the body systems involved)
Cupping plan tailored to you (gentle for first-timers)
Treatment (dry cupping and/or wet cupping depending on your plan)
Aftercare instructions + next-step recommendations

Most clients say it is very manageable and describe it as strong pressure + a tight pulling sensation, followed by relief. The scratches used in wet cupping are very light and superficial. We check in throughout your session and adjust suction for comfort.

Wear comfortable clothing. For back/shoulder treatments, a two-piece outfit is easiest. You will always be draped for modesty, and only the treatment area is exposed.

For best results, we recommend:

Come with an empty stomach (ideal)
Either fast in the morning, or eat a light meal 2–3 hours before
Hydrate well the day before + day of
Avoid heavy, greasy, or very sugary meals beforehand
Sleep as best as you can the night before
Wear clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area
If you’re nervous: practice slow breathing on the way in

Why an empty stomach matters: your body can focus on recovery and circulation rather than heavy digestion.

For the next 24–48 hours:

Rest and keep your schedule lighter if possible
Hydrate (water + mineral-rich foods)
Eat nourishing meals (warm, balanced, whole foods)
Avoid intense workouts for 24 hours
Avoid hot baths/sauna for 24 hours (showers are usually fine)
Keep the area clean and covered for the recommended time-frame
Mild soreness is normal—think “post-treatment tenderness”

Many clients feel calm, sleepy, or emotionally lighter after. That can be part of the body’s reset response.

Our approach is inspired by holistic Hijama training that prioritizes:

Lymphatic drainage + detox support
Body systems (not “perfect points”)
Circulation + oxygenation
Stress reduction + whole-body balance

Instead of only asking “Where does it hurt?”, we also ask:

What body system is involved (digestive, hormonal, nervous, immune)?
Which organs are under stress?
What lifestyle factors are contributing (sleep, hydration, stress, diet)?

No. Hijama is not acupuncture. Many systems teach that exact pinpoint locations are not required. We use proven zones (especially lymph-rich areas) and your target area of pain/tension to guide cup placement safely and effectively.

“Sunnah points” are commonly used locations mentioned in Islamic tradition where Hijama was performed. They’re often used for a general cleanse and upper-body reset—especially around the upper back, shoulders, and neck.

Commonly used areas include:

Back of the neck / cervical area (often near C7)
Upper back / “Kahil” (upper thoracic area)
Shoulder blade areas (often called heart/lung spots)

We use these areas thoughtfully and safely, based on your goals and health history.

A Three-Point Sunnah Cleanse focuses on the upper back, shoulders, and neck—often chosen for:

stress + tension
upper back/neck tightness
overall well-being reset
a “starter session” for first-time clients

This is a structured, full-body-support style session designed to help the body “reset” through circulation + lymphatic support, often used for general detox support, fatigue, inflammation patterns, or when you’re not sure where to start.

This is a popular “kickstart” plan for deeper support. Traditionally, it’s structured as:

Week 1: Seven-Point Organ Cleanse
Week 2: Legs & Feet Cleanse
Week 3: Head & Neck Cleanse

This format supports whole-body cleansing over a normal detox window (about 21 days), while keeping each session manageable.

Many clients choose Hijama to support:

neck/shoulder tension patterns
stress-related headaches
“heavy head” or pressure sensations

We often focus on areas that may influence head/neck tension and nervous system calm—such as the upper back/neck and supportive zones near the shoulders and scalp (when appropriate).

Head cupping is a specialized option and not for everyone. If it’s appropriate, we use very gentle techniques and prioritize safety, comfort, and consent. If head work isn’t a fit, we can still support your goal through upper back/neck work and extremity drainage (like legs/feet).

Some traditional frameworks suggest that when your body isn’t actively digesting a heavy meal, it may respond more comfortably to Hijama treatments. We’ll guide you based on your body and health history.

Hijama is generally well-tolerated when performed professionally, with proper screening and hygiene. Your results and experience vary based on health history, medications, hydration, stress level, and more.

NorthLight Hijama uses strict professional safety practices, including:

single-use sterile blades for wet cupping
gloves and medical-grade sanitation
proper skin prep before/after cupping
safe handling and disposal of sharps and bio-waste
clean, private treatment space with client modesty prioritized

We may postpone or modify treatment if you have:

fever/active infection, or you’re currently very unwell
uncontrolled bleeding disorders
have severe anemia, very low blood pressure, or fainting concerns
certain blood-thinning medications (case-by-case)
have uncontrolled chronic conditions that require physician oversight
pregnancy (we require specific screening and may limit areas)
open wounds, unhealed incisions, or active skin infections at the treatment site
have recent surgery or fragile skin conditions

If you’re unsure, book a consultation or message us—your safety comes first.

Dry cupping can often be done around many areas. Wet cupping requires more caution. We do not perform wet cupping directly over open wounds or unhealed skin. If an area is too sensitive, we can often work nearby or on the opposite side to support your body safely.

Most clients heal with minimal to no visible marks beyond temporary circles. Wet cupping scratches are superficial, but skin varies. Following aftercare reduces irritation and supports clean healing.

No. As a Certified Hijama Practitioner, I do not diagnose, prescribe, or instruct you to stop medications. Hijama is a traditional wellness practice that may support the body’s natural healing processes. Always work with your licensed healthcare provider for medical diagnosis and treatment.

Also, we do not claim to “cure” conditions. We support your body and your lifestyle in a holistic way.

Many clients report:

deep relaxation and calm mood
a sense of “lightness”
reduced tension or pain
mental clarity
It’s also common to feel sleepy or hungry afterwards.

Some people feel temporary detox-like effects after cupping (for example: fatigue, mild headache, emotional release, or body aches). This is not guaranteed, and it varies widely. Rest, hydration, and gentle food choices can help.

We avoid wet cupping on the exact same spot until the skin is fully healed. If you need follow-up sooner, we can usually treat nearby (above/below/next to the previous site).

In Prophetic Medicine tradition, Hijama is especially recommended on the 17th, 19th, and 21st days of the Islamic lunar month (often called the Sunnah days).

Why these days? Traditional Islamic/Unani understanding connects the lunar cycle to the movement of body fluids. After the full moon, as the moon begins to wane, it’s believed the body is in a better phase for releasing stagnant build-up.

Good news: If you can’t hit the exact Sunnah days, Hijama can still be beneficial on other days, especially when you’re in pain or need support.

Traditionally, the early morning (after sunrise) is preferred—many clients feel it supports better recovery and energy for the day. Practically, we’ll schedule based on your life and your body.

It depends on your goals and how long you’ve been dealing with the issue.

Common patterns:

Relief-focused: 1 session, then reassess
Chronic tension / long-term patterns: a short series (example: 3 sessions spaced out)
Wellness maintenance: periodic sessions seasonally or monthly (many clients align with Sunnah days)

We’ll always keep it realistic, gentle, and based on how your body responds. We’ll recommend a plan based on your goals, symptoms, and how your body responds.

Hijama is rooted in Prophetic Medicine and is deeply meaningful for many Muslim clients. At NorthLight Hijama, we welcome all women who want a respectful, professional, wellness-focused experience. If you want spiritual elements (dua, intention-setting, Sunnah timing), we can include that. If you prefer a strictly wellness approach, we can keep it that way too.

Water
A light snack (for after, if you tend to get lightheaded)
Any relevant health notes/medications list
An open mind and a willingness to rest after

Hijama is a complementary wellness treatment and does not replace medical care.
We do not diagnose medical conditions or advise stopping medications.
If you have a health condition or take prescription medications, please consult your provider and tell us during intake.

If you’re ready for your first session, we’ll make it simple, private, and supportive—from intake to aftercare. Book your appointment today and choose the option that fits your goal (stress + tension relief, targeted pain support, or a full-body cleanse plan). Your body deserves a reset—and you deserve care that honors both wellness and dignity.

Your Questions, Answered

NorthLight Hijama