Wet cupping care with calm, clarity and sincerity

Wet cupping, known as hijama in Arabic, is a traditional therapy in which a practitioner applies light suction cups to specific points on the back, shoulders or other areas of the body. After a few minutes of suction the cups are removed and very small superficial scratches are made on the skin. The cups are then re-applied for a short time to draw a small amount of blood, which is captured in single-use disposable cups and disposed of safely. Hijama is one of the practices of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. At Sincerity Cupping Clinic we deliver it in a clean, focused, insured setting in Streatham, South London.

Most clients describe the sensation as unusual rather than painful. The suction feels like a strong, deep pulling on the skin, similar to a deep tissue massage on tight muscles. The superficial scratches made during wet cupping are very light and feel like a brief pinprick or paper-cut sensation that lasts a second or two. Soreness afterwards is comparable to mild post-exercise tenderness and usually settles within 24 to 48 hours. Our practitioners check in with you during the session and adjust suction strength to your comfort throughout.

A standard wet cupping appointment takes about 60 to 75 minutes. That includes a brief consultation at the start, the cupping itself (around 20 to 30 minutes of total cup time), wound care, and time to rest before you leave. First visits run slightly longer because we go through your health history, medications and goals before any cups are applied.

On arrival you complete a short intake form and the practitioner asks about your health, medications and goals. You undress only as much as is needed for cup placement, with privacy and modesty respected at all times. The practitioner cleans the area, applies cups for a few minutes of suction-only (the dry phase), then briefly removes them, makes superficial scratches with a sterile single-use blade, and reapplies the cups for the wet phase. After the cups are removed the area is cleaned and dressed. You receive written aftercare guidance before you leave.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is reported to have practised cupping on the 17th, 19th and 21st of the lunar month (narrated by Anas ibn Malik, Jami at-Tirmidhi 2051). Many clients choose to book on these dates, especially when they fall on a Monday, Tuesday or Thursday. We are happy to help you check the upcoming Sunnah days when you book. If you cannot make a Sunnah date, hijama remains beneficial on any day — the timing is a recommended Sunnah, not a requirement.

For general well-being most healthy adults book hijama once every three months. Some clients with specific concerns attend monthly for a short course before returning to a quarterly rhythm. We do not recommend hijama more often than once a month. Your practitioner will discuss the right cadence for you at consultation.

Yes. We serve both men and women and arrange same-sex practitioner and treatment-room setup wherever requested. Female clients can ask for a female practitioner in a female-only environment. Modesty and privacy are protected throughout the session. Please mention your preference when you book so we can schedule the right slot and practitioner.

We generally ask female clients to wait until the heaviest days of their period have passed before having hijama. It is not forbidden, but most women find scheduling around their cycle more comfortable. If you are unsure where you are in your cycle on the day, please message us before the appointment and we will rebook at no charge.

We do not perform wet cupping on pregnant women. The risk is increased and we will not take it. We typically recommend waiting at least three months after birth before resuming. Breastfeeding clients can usually be booked after consultation — please mention it at booking and we will confirm in advance.

Clients on blood-thinning medication (such as warfarin, heparin, rivaroxaban, apixaban, clopidogrel or similar anti-coagulant or anti-platelet drugs) cannot have wet cupping without prior medical clearance from their GP or consultant. Please never stop blood thinners on your own — always speak to your prescribing clinician first. If they advise a managed pause, share that in writing with us at booking.

We can usually serve clients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes who are not on insulin. Clients with type 1 diabetes or those using insulin should speak to their GP before booking and inform us at consultation so we can adjust the session. Wound healing can be slower for some people with diabetes, so we will discuss aftercare carefully and use a lighter touch where needed.

You will see round, reddish or purplish circles of discolouration where the cups sat. These are not true bruises and do not normally hurt. The colour usually fades over 3 to 10 days depending on skin type and circulation. Faint scratch marks from the wet phase typically heal within 7 to 14 days. We send every client home with clear written aftercare to support good healing.

Eat a light meal one to two hours before your session — do not arrive on an empty stomach or immediately after a heavy meal. Drink water during the day. Wear loose clothing that allows easy access to the back or shoulder area. Bring a list of any medications you take. If you are unwell, have a fever, or have any open skin condition near the cupping area, please get in touch to rebook for another day.

For the first 24 hours avoid showering, baths, swimming pools, saunas and gyms — keep the cupping area covered, dry and clean. Rest, sleep well and stay hydrated. Many clients prefer to avoid heavy meat and dairy for 24 hours. Light walking is fine; strenuous exercise should wait 48 hours. Wear loose clothing to prevent friction. If you notice spreading redness, a fever, increasing pain or any discharge from a scratch, contact us or your GP straight away.

Yes. Our practitioners are fully insured and have a combined 40 years of hands-on experience. We use single-use sterile blades and disposable cups for every wet cupping client, and surfaces and reusable tools are disinfected between clients in line with best-practice hygiene standards for blood-contact procedures.

Sincerity Cupping Clinic is at 330 Streatham High Rd, London SW16 6HH, a short journey from Streatham, Streatham Hill, Streatham Common, Balham, Brixton, Tooting, Clapham, Norbury, Tulse Hill, West Norwood, Herne Hill, Dulwich and across South London. You can book online via the booking link on this site, by WhatsApp at https://wa.me/447552540000, or by phone on 07552 540000.