Dry cupping — suction only, no incisions
Cups are applied to the skin and suction is created, lifting the tissue beneath. Nothing is cut and no blood is drawn. Dry cupping is traditionally used in Unani medicine to ease muscular tension and improve local circulation, and it is the gentler of our two cupping methods. Every patient is assessed by Dr. Saeedul Hasan Siddiqui, B.I.M.S., before any treatment is recommended.
What a dry cupping session involves
The cups are placed on the areas chosen at your consultation, left for five to ten minutes, then removed. Circular marks appear where the cups sat and fade over about a week.
- No incisions, no bleeding, no blades
- 5–10 minutes per cup, 20–40 minutes per session
- Static cups, or gliding cups over oiled skin
- Marks fade in roughly 7 days
- Suitable for most ages and for repeat sessions
- Often the first step before considering wet cupping
Suction, without cuts or blood
Cups are placed on the skin and a vacuum is created inside them, either with a hand pump or by using heat, which draws the skin and superficial tissue upward. Nothing is cut and nothing is removed — the effect comes from the suction itself, thought in Unani medicine to improve local circulation and ease muscular tension. It is used for general muscular discomfort, stiffness and recovery, and is suitable for most patients, though not everyone — which is why every session starts with an assessment.
Who dry cupping is suitable for
- Muscle tightness and general stiffness
- Neck, shoulder and back tension
- Recovery after physical exertion
- Mild circulation complaints
- Patients who prefer a non-invasive method, or a first step before considering wet cupping
- There is an open wound or active skin infection at the site
- You have a bleeding or clotting disorder
- You are pregnant — some points are avoided entirely
- You have had recent surgery in the area
Full contraindications are listed in Safety, below.
Conditions we use it for
Suction cups applied along the back, shoulders and legs to release muscular tension, ease stiffness and improv…
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Learn moreGentle, small suction cups moved across the face to stimulate circulation, reduce puffiness and support skin t…
Learn morePotential benefits
We describe these as potential, not guaranteed — response varies between patients, and Dr. Siddiqui will tell you honestly if he does not expect it to help your particular case.
More blood flow to the treated area, immediately and for some time after.
A looser, less tight feeling in the treated muscle after the session.
No blades, no bleeding — suitable for patients who want the gentler method.
Can be used alongside other treatment, spaced one to three weeks apart.
Dry cupping vs. wet cupping
| Dry cupping | Wet cupping | |
|---|---|---|
| Skin | No cuts | Small superficial incisions |
| Blood | None drawn | A small, controlled quantity drawn |
| Who performs it | Trained therapist under Dr. Siddiqui’s supervision | Dr. Siddiqui personally |
| Invasiveness | Non-invasive | Invasive procedure |
| Suitability | Suitable for most patients | Not suitable for everyone — assessed case by case |
| Aftercare | Clean and dry for 24 hours | Clean and dry for 24 hours, dressed site |
Dry cupping is often the first step; some conditions are better served by wet cupping, and Dr. Siddiqui will tell you which is appropriate for you.
- A firm, pulling suction — uncomfortable rather than painful
- Warmth or tightness under and around the cups
- Circular marks appearing where the cups sat, fading over about a week
- Mild tenderness at the site for a day or two afterwards
- Keep the treated area clean and dry for 24 hours
- No gym, swimming or sauna for 48 hours
- Drink plenty of water and rest; avoid very hot showers on the treated area
- Do not scrub or apply oil to the marks; call us if you see spreading redness, heat or discharge
Possible risks
Dry cupping is low-risk, but it is not risk-free. We would rather you know this in advance than be surprised by it.
- Temporary bruising and the circular marks the treatment is known for
- Mild tenderness at the treated site for a day or two
- Occasional skin irritation where the cup sealed against the skin
Tell us about anything unusual — spreading redness, heat, discharge or marks that have not faded after two weeks — and we will see you.
How we keep it safe
- Fresh, single-use disposable cups and blades for every patient — nothing that contacts skin is reused.
- Sterilised, sealed instruments opened in front of you.
- Treatment surfaces cleaned and re-covered between patients.
- Clinical waste disposed of separately, not in general refuse.
- Gloves worn for all wet cupping procedures.
- You take blood thinners (warfarin, heparin, clopidogrel) or have a bleeding or clotting disorder.
- You are pregnant — several cupping points are avoided entirely in pregnancy.
- There is an active skin infection, eczema flare or open wound at the treatment site.
- You have uncontrolled diabetes, severe anaemia, or are undergoing chemotherapy.
- You have had surgery in the area recently.
- You are under 12, unless referred by your doctor.
Dr. Saeedul Hasan Siddiqui
B.I.M.S. from Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi (1981), registered with the Delhi Bhartiya Chikitsa Parishad under the Ministry of AYUSH framework. He has practised hijama cupping in Delhi-NCR for over 40 years, and every treatment plan — including dry cupping — begins with his own one-to-one consultation rather than a fixed package.
Current evidence and our approach
Dry cupping has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, including within Unani practice. Modern research suggests it may help relieve certain types of musculoskeletal pain and tension in some patients, though the strength of evidence varies by condition and larger clinical trials are still needed. We do not present it as a cure. Treatment decisions are always based on an individual assessment, and if another approach is more likely to help you, Dr. Siddiqui will say so.
Dry cupping — your questions
Is dry cupping safe for everyone?
It is the gentler method, but it is still avoided over infected skin, open wounds, recent surgery and during pregnancy. The consultation exists to check for these.
Why do the marks vary in colour?
Darker marks generally indicate more congestion in that area. They are bruises, not burns, and they fade.
Can I have dry cupping every week?
For most conditions we space sessions one to three weeks apart so the tissue recovers. Facial cupping is the usual exception, where weekly is normal.
Will I need wet cupping later?
Not necessarily. Many patients are treated with dry cupping alone. Dr. Siddiqui will tell you if he thinks wet cupping would serve you better.
Does dry cupping hurt?
Most patients describe a firm, pulling sensation rather than pain. Tell the therapist at any point if you are uncomfortable and the cups are adjusted or removed.
What is the difference between dry and wet cupping?
Dry cupping uses suction only — no cuts, no blood drawn. Wet cupping adds a small controlled incision to draw out a small quantity of blood, and is performed only by Dr. Siddiqui. See the comparison table above.
How long do the marks last?
Typically about a week. They are a temporary, controlled bruise from drawing blood to the surface, not a burn, and fade on their own without treatment.
Who should not have dry cupping?
Patients with a bleeding or clotting disorder, an active skin infection or open wound at the site, recent surgery there, or who are pregnant. Full list in our safety policy.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the condition. Sessions are usually spaced one to three weeks apart. Dr. Siddiqui gives an honest estimate at the consultation rather than selling a fixed package upfront.
What does it cost?
The first consultation is free. Session pricing is confirmed at that consultation, once we know what you actually need — we do not sell fixed packages in advance.
Can I drive and return to normal activity afterwards?
Yes, most patients drive themselves home and resume normal activity the same day. We advise against the gym, swimming or sauna for 48 hours, and keeping the area clean and dry for the first 24.
Not sure if hijama is right for you?
The first consultation is free and there is no obligation to book. Ask Dr. Siddiqui directly about your condition.