Short answer: most people have only circular marks that fade within 7–10 days and mild tenderness for a day or two. Wet cupping (hijama) breaks the skin, so it also carries a small, real risk of infection. Serious problems are rare and are mostly linked to unscreened patients or reused equipment. This guide covers everything — what is normal, what is not, how recovery goes day by day, what research shows, and who should not have cupping at all.
Information here is educational and does not replace medical advice.
Answer these honestly. Your answers stay on your phone — nothing is sent anywhere.
Knowing the difference is the most useful thing you can take home. Most complications come from aftercare, not from the session itself.
Call +91 99117 66622. If you feel very unwell, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
A typical course after a standard session. Wet cupping follows the same pattern, plus care of the small incision sites.
Suction feels like a firm pull. In wet cupping, the incisions feel like a slight pinch. If you feel light-headed, tell us — the session is stopped and you rest.
Round red to purple marks appear where the cups sat. Wet cupping sites are cleaned and dressed. Keep the area clean and dry for 24 hours; drink water and rest.
Mild soreness, like after a deep massage, is common. No gym, swimming pool or sauna for 48 hours. Small incisions close on their own.
Marks turn lighter — sometimes yellow-brown at the edges, like any healing bruise. Normal daily activity is fine.
Most marks fade in 7–10 days. Darker marks can take a little longer. If a mark is still clearly visible after two weeks, let us see it.
Sessions are usually spaced one to three weeks apart so the tissue fully recovers. Facial cupping, which leaves little or no mark, is the usual exception.
| Side effect | Dry / fire cupping | Wet cupping (hijama) |
|---|---|---|
| Skin | Suction only, no cuts | Small superficial incisions |
| Marks | Round marks, fade in about a week | Round marks plus small incision lines |
| Tenderness | Mild, a day or two | Mild, a day or two |
| Light-headedness | Uncommon | Occasionally, during or just after — the session is stopped |
| Infection risk | Very low (skin not broken) | Low but real — controlled with single-use, sterile technique |
| Burns | Possible with fire cupping if done carelessly | Not applicable (pump cups) |
| Blood loss | None | A small, controlled amount — far less than a blood donation |
| Who performs it | Trained therapist under Dr. Siddiqui’s supervision | Dr. Siddiqui personally, always |
Many patients are treated with dry cupping alone. Wet cupping is used only when Dr. Siddiqui judges it more appropriate. Read about fire cupping.
Across hundreds of clinical trials, cupping has a strong safety record. The few problems reported are almost always linked to poor technique, reused equipment or patients who were not screened — exactly what our protocol prevents.
A review of 135 randomised trials found cupping — alone or combined with other treatment — effective for conditions including herpes zoster, facial paralysis, acne and cervical spondylosis, with no serious side effects reported.
A systematic review of 22 studies concluded that “the incidence of adverse events is very low”.
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.
The US National Institutes of Health notes possible side effects such as skin discolouration, scars, burns and infection, mostly with poor technique — and that marks are temporary.
These are uncommon. Almost all are linked to poor technique, reused equipment or patients who were not screened.
Bacterial skin infection at incision sites; and, where equipment is shared without sterilisation, blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B and C (NCCIH).
Reported after repeated wet cupping (NCCIH).
Burns with careless fire cupping; occasionally scarring or long-lasting skin discolouration.
Eczema or psoriasis can flare where cups are placed; anxious or unfed patients can faint.
NCCIH also reports very rare severe events such as bleeding inside the skull after cupping on the scalp. Cupping marks can be mistaken for injury — tell your doctor about recent cupping if you need medical care.
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We decline to treat. Do not stop your medicine to have hijama.
We do not treat pregnant patients — several cupping points are avoided entirely. Tell us if you might be pregnant.
Controlled diabetes is often fine, with care around wound healing. Uncontrolled diabetes is not. Bring recent sugar readings.
Severe anaemia rules out wet cupping. Mild anaemia is assessed case by case — bring a recent blood report.
We never cup over affected or broken skin. Other areas may still be possible.
Under 12s are treated only if referred by their doctor.
We do not cup over surgical sites or recent implants. Tell us about any operation.
Tell us. Dry cupping may suit you better, and you lie down throughout.
The marks are a controlled bruise, and they fade. What we watch for is infection, and that risk is managed by using nothing twice and by telling you exactly what to do for the next two days.
Done by a qualified practitioner with single-use equipment on a screened patient, the risks are low. Done without screening, or with reused equipment, they are not. That is why the consultation and our disposables policy exist.
Round marks that fade in 7–10 days, mild tenderness for a day or two, and occasionally light-headedness during the session.
Usually 7–10 days. Darker marks can take a little longer. See what mark colours mean.
Dry cupping feels like a firm pull. In wet cupping the small incisions feel like a slight pinch, often compared to an ant bite.
Wet cupping can, if equipment is reused or aftercare is poor. We use single-use blades and cups, gloves, clean the site before and after, and give written instructions.
Occasionally, especially if you are anxious or have not eaten. If it happens the session is stopped and you rest. Eat a light meal beforehand unless fasting.
A small, controlled amount — far less than a blood donation. If you feel light-headed, we stop.
Anaemia has been reported after repeated wet cupping. We screen for it, space sessions sensibly and avoid wet cupping in severe anaemia.
No. Blood thinners and bleeding disorders are a reason we decline. Do not stop prescribed medicine to have hijama.
Controlled diabetes, often yes, with care around wound healing. Uncontrolled diabetes, no. Bring recent readings.
We do not treat pregnant patients.
It can flare these where cups are placed, so we avoid affected skin.
Most people return to work the same day. Keep the area clean and dry for 24 hours; avoid the gym, swimming and sauna for 48 hours.
Dry cupping with a kit can bruise or blister if misused; wet cupping at home is unsafe because of infection risk. Have it done by a qualified practitioner.
Our hygiene protocol and who we will not treat.
Read moreWhat to do in the 48 hours after a session.
Read moreWhat the shade of a mark does — and does not — mean.
Read moreHow it is done, by the doctor himself.
Learn more₹200 per cup, typically ₹1,000, consultation free.
See pricesUpcoming 17th, 19th and 21st dates.
See datesAsk before you book. The consultation is free, and Dr. Siddiqui will tell you honestly if hijama is not right for you.