Booking your first hijama session is easy. Knowing what actually happens once you walk through the door is what settles the nerves. This is the whole visit, in order, exactly as it runs at our Streatham clinic.
Before you arrive
Eat a light meal one to two hours beforehand — arriving on an empty stomach is the most common first-timer mistake, and arriving straight after a heavy meal is the second. Drink water through the day, wear loose clothing that gives easy access to your back and shoulders, and bring a list of any medications you take.
If you take blood thinners, are pregnant, or have a condition you're unsure about, check the suitability list before booking rather than on the day. If you wake up unwell or feverish, message us — we'll rebook you at no charge.
The consultation
First visits begin with a short intake form and an unhurried conversation: your health history, medications, what brings you in, and any privacy or practitioner preferences. Female clients are seen by Sister Aisha Mejri in a female-only environment; male clients by Brother Abu Layla. Nothing is placed on your skin until your questions are answered and suitability is confirmed. Occasionally the honest answer is "not today" — and we'd rather say so than proceed.
The dry phase
You undress only as much as cup placement needs, and the practitioner cleans the area. Cups are applied with light suction for a few minutes. Most people describe the feeling as a strong, deep pull — unusual rather than painful, a little like a firm massage held in place. The practitioner checks in with you and adjusts the suction strength as you go.
The wet phase
This is the part first-timers worry about most, and the part most say afterwards was easier than expected. The cups are lifted and very small, superficial openings are made with a sterile single-use blade — it feels like a brief pinprick that lasts a second or two. The cups go back on briefly to draw a small amount of blood, which is captured in disposable cups and disposed of safely. The blade and cups are opened in front of you and never reused.
Dressing, rest and aftercare
The area is cleaned and dressed, you rest for a few minutes with some water, and the practitioner talks you through your written aftercare before you leave. In short: keep the area covered and dry for 24 hours, skip showers, pools, saunas and the gym, rest well and stay hydrated. The full aftercare guide covers the first 48 hours in detail.
How long the whole visit takes
Plan for 60 to 75 minutes, slightly longer for a first visit because of the fuller consultation. You can travel home straight afterwards — just take it gently, wear loose clothing and head home to rest rather than running errands.
What you'll see on your skin
Round, reddish or purplish circles where the cups sat. They're not true bruises, they don't usually hurt, and they fade over 3 to 10 days. The faint marks from the wet phase typically heal within a week or two.
Ready to book?
Choose a slot online on Fresha, or message us on WhatsApp first if you want to check suitability or ask about Sunnah dates. One thing to remember above all: cupping is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical care — and any clinic that tells you otherwise is one to avoid.