{"id":1354,"date":"2026-07-21T18:48:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T18:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ahmedshehta.com\/?p=1354"},"modified":"2026-07-21T18:48:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T18:48:00","slug":"benefits-and-contraindications-of-cupping-therapy-hijama-what-does-scientific-evidence-say","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ahmedshehta.com\/ar\/benefits-and-contraindications-of-cupping-therapy-hijama-what-does-scientific-evidence-say\/","title":{"rendered":"Benefits and Contraindications of Cupping Therapy (Hijama), What Does Scientific Evidence Say?"},"content":{"rendered":"

By:<\/strong> Dr. Ahmed Shehta Shaban<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Master of Physical Therapy \u2013 Cairo University<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consultant of Physical Therapy and Complementary Medicine<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cupping therapy (Hijama) is one of the most widely practiced methods of complementary medicine worldwide. In recent years, interest in cupping has grown significantly, accompanied by an increasing number of scientific studies examining its effectiveness for various health conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, as with any therapeutic modality, the most crucial question is not simply “Is cupping beneficial?”, but rather: In which conditions might it be helpful? And when should it be avoided?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modern medicine neither views cupping as a cure-all nor rejects it merely because it is a traditional practice. Instead, it evaluates cupping based on available scientific evidence on a case-by-case basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is Cupping Therapy?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cupping therapy is a therapeutic procedure that involves placing special cups on the skin to create negative pressure (suction). It is generally categorized into:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Dry Cupping:<\/strong> Relies solely on suction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Wet Cupping:<\/strong> Involves suction followed by superficial skin micro-incisions to release a limited amount of blood.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Both types must be performed using sterile equipment by a qualified, certified practitioner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    What Do Scientific Studies Say About Its Benefits? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate that cupping therapy may offer benefits for certain conditions, though the strength of evidence varies depending on the ailment<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1.Musculoskeletal Pain<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    There is moderate-quality evidence suggesting that cupping therapy can help alleviate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Neck pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Lower back pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Shoulder pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Certain cases of knee osteoarthritis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      It is typically most effective when integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan that includes exercises and physical therapy\u2014not as a standalone replacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      2.Headaches <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

      Some studies suggest that cupping may reduce the severity or frequency of certain types of headaches, particularly tension headaches. However, larger, high-quality trials are still needed to confirm these findings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      3. Certain Dermatological Conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      Research has explored cupping for conditions such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      • Herpes zoster (Shingles)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Acne<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Eczema <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        Current evidence does not support cupping as a primary treatment for these dermatological issues, but it may play a supportive role in select cases under medical supervision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        4.Chronic Pain<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

        Cupping may help reduce pain intensity and improve quality of life for some patients suffering from chronic pain, although individual response varies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Does Cupping Therapy Cure All Diseases? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        The simple answer is: No.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        There is no scientific evidence proving that cupping cures all diseases, nor is there evidence supporting its use as a substitute for proven medical treatments. Caution is strongly advised against claims suggesting it is a universal cure, as this contradicts the core principles of Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Is Cupping Therapy Safe?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        When performed by a qualified healthcare professional who strictly adheres to sterilization protocols and proper patient evaluation, cupping therapy is considered relatively safe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Nevertheless, mild side effects may occur, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        • Skin bruising<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Mild localized tenderness<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Minimal bleeding (in wet cupping)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Temporary dizziness in some individuals<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

          Serious complications are rare and are most often associated with poor hygiene, inadequate sterilization, or improper technique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Contraindications: When Should Cupping Be Avoided?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Absolute Contraindications (Do Not Perform) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            \n
          • Severe bleeding disorders<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Severe thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) <\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Unregulated use of blood thinners (anticoagulants)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Active inflammation, burns, or open wounds at the application site<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Infectious skin diseases in the treatment area<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Hemodynamic instability or unstable general medical condition<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

            Cases Requiring Prior Medical Consultation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

            Careful medical assessment is required before considering cupping for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              \n
            • Uncontrolled diabetes<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Severe anemia <\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Pregnant women (depending on the trimester and overall health status)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Frail elderly individuals<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Cancer patients<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Patients with unstable cardiovascular conditions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

              This does not mean cupping is completely banned for these groups, but the decision must be tailored individually after carefully weighing benefits against risks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

              How to Ensure Maximum Safety During Cupping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

              To ensure the highest safety standards, practitioners must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                \n
              • Use single-use, pre-sterilized equipment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Strictly adhere to infection control protocols.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Obtain a thorough medical history prior to treatment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Perform a clinical assessment before deciding to proceed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Advise the patient to consult a physician if any unusual symptoms develop post-session.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

                Conclusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                Cupping therapy is neither a miracle cure nor a practice devoid of value. Current scientific evidence indicates that it can be a useful adjunct, particularly for certain musculoskeletal pain conditions, while further research remains necessary for other applications. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                Ultimately, the success of cupping therapy relies on three fundamental pillars:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n
                1. Selecting the right patient and condition.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                2. Applying it correctly and safely.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
                3. Integrating it within a comprehensive medical care plan when appropriate, rather than using it as a replacement for proven medical treatments.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

                  Author\u2019s Note <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  \n

                  Over more than twenty years of clinical practice, I have come to realize that the best outcomes with cupping therapy are achieved when it is applied following a thorough medical evaluation, while respecting its limits and setting realistic expectations. The goal is not to prove that cupping works for everything, but to utilize it precisely where scientific evidence supports it, in a manner that delivers maximum benefit and optimal safety to the patient.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

                  Share Your Experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

                  Have you ever tried cupping therapy? What made you decide to try it, and was your experience positive or negative? Leave your thoughts in the comments below<\/strong>\u2014your feedback may help others make a more informed decision! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

                  Disclaimer: This article is intended strictly for health education purposes and does not replace professional medical consultation or advice regarding specific medical decisions.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                  By: Dr. Ahmed Shehta Shaban Master of Physical Therapy \u2013 Cairo University Consultant of Physical Therapy and Complementary Medicine Introduction […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1355,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1354","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ahmedshehta.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1354","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ahmedshehta.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ahmedshehta.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ahmedshehta.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ahmedshehta.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1354"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ahmedshehta.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1354\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1356,"href":"https:\/\/ahmedshehta.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1354\/revisions\/1356"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ahmedshehta.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1355"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ahmedshehta.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1354"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ahmedshehta.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1354"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ahmedshehta.com\/ar\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1354"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}