5 Benefits of Hijama: What the Sunnah Teaches and What Research Shows

Hijama (wet cupping) is a Sunnah practice with a long history in Islamic medicine. Below we set out five benefits people seek from Hijama, what the Prophetic tradition teaches, and what modern research can and cannot yet confirm. If you want to learn to perform Hijama safely and professionally, our IPHM-accredited Online Hijama Course covers the theory, hygiene, cupping points and a supervised practical assessment.

Quick glance: 5 benefits of Hijama

Following the Sunnah – The Prophet ﷺ was cupped himself and recommended cupping.
Removing stagnant blood – The classical understanding of how wet cupping restores balance.
Pain relief – Research suggests cupping may reduce chronic neck and lower back pain in the short term.
Relaxation – Many clients report feeling calmer and sleeping better after a session.
Local circulation and recovery – Suction increases blood flow to the treated area.

1. It is a Sunnah practised and recommended by the Prophet ﷺ

For Muslims, the first benefit of Hijama is that it follows the Sunnah. The Prophet ﷺ was cupped and paid the one who cupped him, and he said:

"The best medicines you may treat yourselves with are cupping and sea incense." (Sahih al-Bukhari 5696)

Performing Hijama with the right intention brings the reward of following the Sunnah alongside any physical benefit, which is why the Islamic grounding of your training matters as much as the technique.

2. It removes stagnant blood – the classical understanding

Hijama differs from dry cupping because small, superficial incisions allow a small amount of blood to be drawn into the cup. In classical Islamic and Greco-Arabic medicine, this is understood as removing stagnant or excess blood and restoring balance to the body, and many clients describe feeling lighter afterwards.

It is important to be precise here: this is a traditional understanding. Claims that cupping removes toxins or "detoxes" the body have not been established by clinical research, and a responsible practitioner does not present them as proven. See wet cupping vs dry cupping for how the two methods differ.

3. It may relieve pain

Back pain, neck stiffness and muscle tension are among the most common reasons people seek Hijama. Systematic reviews of randomised trials suggest cupping may reduce chronic neck and lower back pain in the short term, although many studies are small and more high-quality research is needed.

Hijama is a complementary therapy. It works alongside medical care, not in place of it, and anyone with ongoing or unexplained pain should also see their doctor.

4. It helps many people relax

Many clients report feeling deeply relaxed during and after a session, and some say they sleep better that night. These are common client experiences rather than clinically established outcomes, but the calm, unhurried setting of a well-run session is part of what people value about Hijama.

5. It increases local circulation and supports recovery

Cupping suction draws blood into the skin and underlying tissue, increasing blood flow to the treated area. This is one reason cupping is popular with people who train regularly, as part of their recovery routine. Read more in Hijama for athletes.

Hijama must be performed safely

Because Hijama involves incisions, it carries real risks when performed without training, including infection, excessive bleeding, scarring and fainting. It is not suitable for everyone, including people taking blood-thinning medication and those with bleeding disorders, and it needs particular care during pregnancy. Thorough client screening, sterile single-use equipment and correct aftercare are essential.

Learn to perform Hijama properly

Hijama is a Sunnah with real value when it is practised with knowledge, sound hygiene and honesty about what it can and cannot do. Our Online Hijama Course is IPHM-accredited, includes a complete starter kit and a supervised practical assessment, and gives you personal mentorship from Taher and Nadine until you are ready to practise.

Written by Nadine

Co-Founder, Reviving Hijama Academy

Nadine has been passionate about health and natural healing her entire adult life, with a particular expertise in female health, reproductive health, and fertility. She co-founded Reviving Hijama Academy alongside her husband Taher, and personally manages ongoing student support — answering questions daily and mentoring graduates as they build their own Hijama practices.