Hijama therapy — also known as cupping therapy — is one of the oldest healing practices in the world, now re-emerging in modern medicine for its profound benefits in pain relief, detoxification, and relaxation. At Pure Physio, we combine the wisdom of this ancient art with evidence-based physiotherapy, offering Hijama therapy in Delhi that is safe, hygienic, and clinically guided.
1 | What Is Hijama Therapy?
Hijama (Arabic for “sucking”) is a therapeutic practice that involves placing suction cups on the skin to draw out stagnant blood and toxins. It has been used for over 3,000 years across Egyptian, Greek, and Islamic medicine traditions — even recommended by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) for pain and illness relief.
Modern medicine now recognizes the physiological basis behind this ancient therapy: increased microcirculation, improved lymphatic drainage, and muscle relaxation. That’s why Hijama therapy in Delhi has become increasingly popular among patients seeking natural, side-effect-free recovery.
2 | How Hijama Works Scientifically
During a Hijama session, suction cups create negative pressure on targeted skin areas. This gentle vacuum pulls blood to the surface, triggering your body’s healing response by:
- Increasing local oxygen supply and nutrient delivery
- Stimulating immune system activity
- Clearing metabolic waste and toxins from tissues
- Reducing inflammation and muscular tightness
- Balancing autonomic nervous system function (stress control)
From a physiotherapy standpoint, Hijama acts as a powerful adjunct to manual therapy, improving muscle pliability and pain tolerance — ideal for chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, neck stiffness, and fatigue.
3 | Benefits of Hijama Therapy for Pain & Wellness
Whether you’re an athlete recovering from muscle fatigue or an office worker battling stiffness, Hijama therapy provides both immediate and long-term benefits.
- 🌿 Pain relief: Decreases muscular tension and nerve compression.
- 🩸 Detoxification: Removes cellular waste and stagnated fluids.
- 💆♂️ Relaxation: Reduces cortisol levels and enhances sleep quality.
- ⚡ Improved circulation: Boosts oxygen and nutrient flow to tissues.
- 🏋️♂️ Faster recovery: Assists in post-workout or post-surgery rehab.
- 🧠 Headache & migraine relief: Through neurovascular regulation.
“Hijama bridges traditional healing and modern rehabilitation — addressing not just symptoms, but restoring balance to the entire body.” — Dr Manish Sharma, PT
4 | Types of Hijama Therapy
There are several methods of Hijama, each with its own therapeutic focus. At Pure Physio, we perform both dry and wet cupping depending on the patient’s condition and medical suitability.
🩺 Dry Cupping (Massage or Static)
Suction cups are applied without any incision. This form is ideal for muscle tension, back pain, and relaxation — similar to deep-tissue massage but with enhanced blood flow.
💧 Wet Cupping (Therapeutic Hijama)
After mild sterilization and micro-skin incisions, cups are applied to extract stagnated blood. This helps detoxify the body, reduce chronic inflammation, and restore energy flow. It is always performed using **sterile, single-use equipment** under medical supervision.
🔥 Fire Cupping (Traditional)
Rarely used now, this method involves briefly heating the cup interior to create suction. We use modern vacuum systems for safety and hygiene instead.
💪 Modern Physiological Cupping
This advanced method integrates Hijama principles with physiotherapy goals — targeting myofascial trigger points, improving flexibility, and accelerating rehabilitation outcomes.
5 | The Physiotherapist’s Role in Safe Cupping
Cupping therapy may appear simple — but in the wrong hands, it can cause burns, infection, or scarring. That’s why it’s crucial to get it done by certified practitioners trained in anatomy, sterilization, and pressure regulation.
At Pure Physio, our sessions are conducted by BPT and MPT (Neuro) qualified physiotherapists who understand:
- Which areas to cup and which to avoid (e.g., over arteries, nerves, or wounds)
- How much suction to apply for specific muscle groups
- Post-care to prevent soreness or bruising
- When to combine cupping with stretching, needling, or electrotherapy
6 | Step-by-Step: What to Expect in a Hijama Session
Patients often wonder what actually happens during a session. Here’s a transparent look at the step-by-step procedure at Pure Physio:
- Consultation & Assessment: We begin by understanding your medical history, medications, and current symptoms.
- Preparation: Skin is disinfected and disposable cups are arranged.
- Cupping Application: Cups are placed on selected points (usually 5–10 minutes).
- (If Wet Cupping) Controlled micro-incisions allow gentle extraction of stagnated blood.
- Post-Care: Antiseptic applied, mild massage given, and recovery instructions provided.
Each session lasts about 30–40 minutes and is followed by light stretching and hydration advice. The effects — deep relaxation, pain reduction, and clearer energy — are often felt immediately.
7 | Clinical Integration: Hijama + Physiotherapy
At Pure Physio, we use Hijama not as an alternative, but as a complement to physiotherapy. This integration delivers deeper, longer-lasting results by addressing both the **symptoms (pain, stiffness)** and the **root causes (muscle imbalance, poor circulation)**.
Common combined protocols include:
- Hijama + Dry Needling for myofascial release
- Hijama + Manual Therapy for posture correction
- Hijama + Neurorehab for spasticity and tone management
- Hijama + Electrotherapy for chronic pain conditions
This holistic model ensures that patients receive a customized plan — balancing ancient healing with modern medical insight.