What is Cupping Therapy and Hijama? Differences Between Dry and Wet Cupping
Important Warning: This text has been prepared solely for general informational purposes. The information contained herein does not replace standard diagnosis and treatment; for personal evaluation, suitability, and potential risks, always consult a specialist physician.
Cupping therapy, which is among traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) practices, is a method that has been used in various ways across different cultures throughout history. Today, in the light of modern medical approaches, it is applied by physicians within the framework of specific rules and hygiene standards. This article will discuss what cupping therapy is, the differences between dry and wet cupping (hijama), the potential benefits of the application, and the risks that need to be considered.
What is Cupping Therapy and How is It Applied?
Cupping therapy is a treatment method performed on the principle of applying a vacuum to the skin. Negative pressure (vacuum) is created on the skin by using cups of various sizes depending on the anatomical structure of the area to be treated and the selected points.
While various methods have been used historically to create a vacuum, today mechanical vacuuming or heat-induced vacuuming techniques are generally preferred. The materials used during the procedure also vary. In modern clinical conditions, cups made of different materials such as plastic, glass, rubber, bamboo, ceramic, metal, and silicone can be used.
Cupping therapy is fundamentally divided into two main categories based on the method of application: Dry cupping therapy and wet cupping (hijama) therapy. The selection of the method to be applied is determined taking into account the patient's health status, with patient consent and the approval of the practicing physician.
What Are the Differences Between Dry and Wet Cupping (Hijama)?
Cupping therapy and hijama, which are frequently confused among the public or thought to mean the same thing, are actually distinguished from one another based on the effect of the application on skin integrity.
Dry Cupping Therapy
In dry cupping application, cups are placed on designated specific points and a vacuum is applied. The most distinct feature of this method is that it is performed without creating any cuts on the skin. It aims solely to gather the material beneath the skin into the cupping area through the vacuum effect.Wet Cupping (Hijama) Therapy
Wet cupping, or commonly known as hijama, is a cupping application performed by creating incisions on the skin. In this method, the skin is first vacuumed after disinfection. Vacuuming, in addition to providing a local anesthetic effect on the skin, helps gather the material under the skin to the surface. Then the cup is removed, and superficial cuts (incisions) are made parallel to the natural layers of the skin.In wet cupping therapy, the target area is the dermo-epidermal junction; meaning intracapillary blood and fluid components in the interstitial (intercellular) environment. Therefore, it is a medical necessity that the incisions remain limited to the epidermal layer and definitely do not cross the subcutaneous (sub-skin) layer. Following the incisions, vacuuming is applied again to complete the procedure, and the area is cleaned.
What Are the Potential Benefits of Hijama?
The potential benefits of cupping and hijama applications are based on stimulating the body's natural mechanisms. According to clinical observations and application principles, the potential benefits of cupping therapy are as follows:
Helping to clear toxic effects in peripheral and interstitial (intercellular) fluids.
Increasing the natural excretory functions of the skin.
Supporting and strengthening the immune system.
Restructuring the body's hemostasis (blood clotting and balancing) mechanism.
Increasing the microcirculation (capillary circulation) of the skin and muscles.
Contributing to body balance by stimulating the autonomic nervous system.
Who Can and Cannot Receive It?
Whether hijama and dry cupping therapy can be applied to an individual entirely depends on their general health status, chronic diseases, and current physical condition. These applications may not be suitable for every individual.
Although official health guidelines do not directly list a specific disease in which hijama is "strictly contraindicated" (cannot be applied), it is obvious that much greater caution must be exercised in certain patient groups due to the risks of infection and bleeding involved. For instance, whether cupping therapy can be performed on individuals with bleeding disorders, severe heart disease, active infections, or a history of severe anemia can only be clarified through a detailed anamnesis (patient history) taken by a specialist physician. There is no specific disease restriction information in the current guideline regarding this matter; the patient's suitability is directly under the approval and follow-up of the practicing physician.
What Are the Potential Side Effects and Risks?
As with any medical intervention, it is essential to meticulously follow infection control measures in cupping therapy. Some side effects may be observed during or after the procedure.
Mild and Temporary Side Effects: A feeling of discomfort, short-term numbness, and weakness may occur in the application area. This condition usually disappears completely within 15-20 minutes. Additionally, pain lasting a few days at the application site, small bruises, hematoma (blood pooling), pricking pain due to the cutting tool, mild circulatory complaints, dizziness, headache, and a state of post-procedure numbness may be observed.
Serious Complications (Rare): In case of non-compliance with sterilization rules or performance under unsuitable conditions, local or deep infections, and the transmission of infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV may occur. Allergic reactions against the materials used (cups, scalpels, etc.), readily healing vessel or nerve injuries, thrombophlebitis (blood clot formation in a vein), pulmonary emboli (blood clot in the lung), life-threatening bleeding, difficulty breathing, cramping, loss of consciousness, and even very serious complications like anaphylactic shock (allergic shock) have rarely been reported.
The presence of these risks clearly demonstrates why cupping therapy must be performed in a clinical environment by authorized and trained health professionals. Hijama procedures performed in environments far from hygiene standards, referred to as under-the-counter, can lead to life-threatening dangers.
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This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.