Tension headache and migraine
In 70 patients with chronic tension or migraine headache, headache severity fell by 66% three months after wet cupping, with 12.6 fewer headache days a month.
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Hijama (cupping) for migraine and headaches
Short answer: wet cupping (hijama) is one of the best-studied natural approaches to migraine and tension headaches. In one study of 70 patients, headache severity fell by 66% and patients had 12.6 fewer headache days a month three months after treatment. Cups on the upper back, shoulders and neck release the tension that so often starts the pain — most patients find attacks come less often and less strongly over a short course.
- Migraine, tension and neck-driven headaches
- Fewer, milder attacks over a course
- Works alongside your medicines
66% lessHeadache severity, 70 patients (2008)
12.6 fewerHeadache days a month
3–5 sessionsTypical course, 2–3 weeks apart
₹200Per cup · consultation free
Is this for you?
Patients come to us with
- Migraine two or more times a month
- Headaches that start in the neck or shoulders
- Throbbing pain with light or sound sensitivity, or nausea
- Tension headaches from screens, stress or poor sleep
- Headaches that painkillers only briefly relieve
- Heaviness of the head
- Headaches around periods (women)
How it helps
Why cupping helps migraine
Many migraines and most tension headaches are tied to tight muscles at the base of the skull, neck and shoulders. Cupping releases that tension, improves blood flow to the area and calms the over-sensitive pain nerves. In Unani medicine, hijama on the upper back is a classic treatment for heaviness of the head — and the Sunnah records the Prophet ﷺ being cupped on the neck and between the shoulders (Tirmidhi 2051).
Most patients notice the attacks coming less often first, then less strongly. Cupping is most useful between attacks, as part of a plan with sleep, water and screen habits.
Important — 1-minute check
Is this headache safe for cupping?
Some headaches are emergencies. Answer honestly — nothing is sent anywhere.
By type of headache
Cupping for each kind of headache
| Headache type | Points usually used | Typical course |
|---|---|---|
| Migraine | Al-kahil (between the shoulders), neck, shoulders | 3–5 sessions |
| Tension headache | Tops of the shoulders, upper back, neck | 2–4 sessions |
| Neck-driven headache | Neck, shoulder blades, upper back | 3–4 sessions |
| Heaviness of the head | Upper back; head point only if the doctor advises | 2–4 sessions |
| Period-related headache | Upper back and shoulders, timed with your cycle | 3 sessions |
See every point on the hijama points chart. For women, sessions are planned around your period.
The points
Where the cups go for headaches
Most cups go on the upper back, shoulders and neck — the Sunnah point al-kahil between the shoulders is the usual first. Head cupping on the crown is a traditional Unani point, used only when Dr. Siddiqui judges it suitable.
Marks on the upper back are covered by everyday clothing.
- Al-kahil — between the shoulders
- Tops of the shoulders and the neck
- Crown of the head only when advised
- Wet cupping where suitable, dry otherwise
Your visit
What happens at your appointment
About 45–50 minutes, consultation included. Nothing is done before you have been examined.
- 1Consultation
Dr. Saeedul Hasan Siddiqui takes your history, checks medicines and reports, and examines you — free.
- 2Your points
Upper back, shoulders and neck — the Sunnah point al-kahil first — usually about 5 cups.
- 3Cupping
Done by Dr. Siddiqui or our trained therapists under his supervision, with single-use cups and blades. Female therapists for women.
- 4Clean and dress
Skin cleaned and dressed; used items go to clinical waste.
- 5Aftercare and review
Written aftercare, phone support, and a review at your next visit. See the aftercare guide.
Your plan
Help cupping work: simple habits
Every day
- Sleep and wake at regular times
- 2–3 litres of water
- Regular meals — do not skip breakfast
- Screen breaks every 30–45 minutes
- A headache diary: date, trigger, strength
After a session
- Rest for the rest of the day
- No screen-heavy work that evening
- Drink water; eat lightly
- Gentle neck and shoulder stretches
- Gym and sauna after 48 hours
What research shows
Research on cupping for migraine and headache
Wet cupping has been studied for migraine in several countries, with encouraging results.
Migraine — review of trials
A review of randomised trials found wet cupping had a higher overall effective rate than drug treatment, and wet cupping with medication relieved pain quickly and improved quality of life.
Neck pain
A meta-analysis of 18 trials found cupping reduced neck pain and improved function compared with no treatment. Side effects were mostly mild and temporary.
Chronic pain
Across 18 trials and 1,172 patients, cupping produced a large short-term reduction in chronic pain compared with no treatment.
Trusted by elite athletes
Why Olympic athletes use cupping
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, swimmer Michael Phelps — the most decorated Olympian in history — and other athletes competed with the round marks of cupping on their backs and shoulders. Elite athletes and sports physiotherapists around the world use cupping for muscle recovery, tightness and range of movement between hard training sessions.
The same technique is available at our clinic — with a doctor’s assessment first, single-use cups, and a plan built around your body rather than a fixed package.
- Faster muscle recovery
- Looser, freer movement
- Used by Olympic swimmers since Rio 2016
Session at a glance
- Session length30–40 minutes
- Typical course3–5 sessions, 2–3 weeks apart
- MethodWet cupping on the upper back where suitable; dry cupping otherwise
- AftercareRest, hydration and no screen-heavy work for the rest of the day
₹200 per cup — a typical session is about 5 cups (₹1,000), with the consultation included. Your exact number of cups is confirmed after the examination. See prices.
When we will not treat you
- You take blood thinners, or have a bleeding or clotting disorder.
- You are pregnant.
- There is an active skin infection or open wound at the site.
- You have uncontrolled diabetes, severe anaemia, or are undergoing chemotherapy.
If hijama is not the right treatment for your condition, I will tell you at the consultation and refer you to a conventional doctor. I would rather lose a booking than treat someone I should not.
Your doctor
Dr. Saeedul Hasan Siddiqui, B.I.M.S.
Unani physician, B.I.M.S. from Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi (1981), with over 40 years of hijama practice in Delhi-NCR. He examines every patient before treatment and supervises every session.
Consultations in Hindi, Urdu, English and Arabic.
- Free consultation with the doctor
- Cupping by him or trained therapists under his supervision
- Female therapists for women
- Single-use cups and sterile blades
FAQ
Cupping for migraine — your questions
Is hijama good for migraine?
Yes — in one study of 70 patients, headache severity fell by 66% and there were 12.6 fewer headache days a month three months after wet cupping. A review of trials also found wet cupping effective.
Can cupping stop a migraine that has already started?
Some patients feel relief during an attack, but cupping works best between attacks to make them less frequent.
Where are the cups placed for migraine?
Mostly the upper back (al-kahil), shoulders and neck; the crown of the head only when the doctor advises.
How many sessions do I need?
Usually 3–5, 2–3 weeks apart. Most patients notice fewer attacks within the first two or three sessions.
Is wet or dry cupping better for migraine?
Wet cupping (hijama) is the form studied most for migraine; dry cupping is used when wet is not suitable.
Do I keep taking my migraine medicine?
Yes. Never stop prescribed medicine because of cupping. Tell us what you take — some medicines affect whether wet cupping suits you.
Can cupping help tension headaches?
Yes — tension headaches come from tight neck and shoulder muscles, exactly where cupping works best.
Is head cupping necessary?
No. Most headache treatment uses the upper back and shoulders; head points are used only when Dr. Siddiqui judges them suitable.
Will the marks be visible?
Upper-back marks are covered by clothing. If you have an event, tell us and we will adjust the points.
Can women have cupping for period-related headaches?
Yes, with a female therapist — sessions are timed after your period. See hijama for ladies.
How much does it cost?
₹200 per cup, consultation free — usually about 5 cups (₹1,000). Price calculator.
Fewer headaches start with one visit
Book a free consultation — 100 m from Okhla Vihar metro, Saturday to Thursday, 11 AM–7 PM.