Chronic pain
Across 18 trials and 1,172 patients, cupping produced a large short-term reduction in chronic pain compared with no treatment.
Non-invasive
Dry cupping: suction cup therapy without incisions
Also called suction or vacuum cupping. 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.
Prefer the traditional heat method? See fire cupping.
20–40 minPer session
No incisionsSuction only, no blood drawn
Doctor-assessedB.I.M.S., since 1981
Single-useFresh, disposable cups
How it is done
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
What is dry 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.
Suitability
Who dry cupping is suitable for
Commonly 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
Not suitable if
- 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.
Commonly used for
Conditions we use it for
Cupping on the body
Suction cups applied along the back, shoulders and legs to release muscular tension, ease stiffness and improv…
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Cupping is used to increase blood flow to the scalp, so that the follicles receive more oxygen and nutrients. …
Learn moreHijama for face
Gentle, small suction cups moved across the face to stimulate circulation, reduce puffiness and support skin t…
Learn moreWhat patients report
Benefits of dry cupping
Most patients notice these after the first sessions. Response varies from person to person, and Dr. Siddiqui will tell you what to expect for your particular case.
Improved local circulation
More blood flow to the treated area, immediately and for some time after.
Temporary muscle relaxation
A looser, less tight feeling in the treated muscle after the session.
Non-invasive
No blades, no bleeding — suitable for patients who want the gentler method.
Suitable for repeat sessions
Can be used alongside other treatment, spaced one to three weeks apart.
The two methods
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 or a trained therapist, after his examination |
| 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.
What you may feel during treatment
- 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
What to do 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
Balanced view
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.
Safety
How we keep it safe
Our hygiene protocol
- 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.
When we will not treat you
- 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.
Tell Dr. Siddiqui about every medication you take before your session. If hijama is not the right treatment for your condition, he will tell you and refer you to a conventional doctor. We would rather lose a booking than treat someone we should not.
Assessed by
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.
What research shows
Research on dry cupping
Dry cupping is the form of cupping studied most for pain, stiffness and recovery.
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.
Sports and musculoskeletal rehabilitation
A review of 22 studies found evidence that cupping improves soft-tissue flexibility and supports its use for back and neck pain, with a very low rate of side effects.
Knee osteoarthritis
Across 7 trials, adding dry cupping to standard medical care gave greater improvement in knee pain, stiffness and physical function than medical care alone; wet cupping with standard care improved response rates.
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
FAQ
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 done only after Dr. Siddiqui’s examination, by him or by our trained therapists under his supervision. 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.