Facial acne
In a 12-week controlled trial of 103 patients with moderate to severe acne, wet cupping plus standard treatment cleared lesions faster and improved quality of life more than standard treatment with sham cupping.
Free consultation · no obligation
Hijama for acne: wet cupping for clearer skin
Short answer: wet cupping (hijama) is a well-researched natural support for acne. In a 12-week controlled trial of 103 patients with moderate to severe acne, adding wet cupping to standard treatment cleared lesions faster and improved quality of life more than treatment alone. We cup points on the upper back — never the spots on your face — and add Unani herbal care and simple routine changes.
- Face, back and chest acne
- Back points, never over the spots
- Unani herbs and routine advice
103 patientsControlled trial, 2021
Faster clearingWith wet cupping added
4–6 sessions2–3 weeks apart
₹200Per cup · consultation free
Is this for you?
Patients come to us with
- Acne that keeps coming back on the face, back or chest
- Breakouts that return after every course of medicine
- Hormonal acne along the jaw and chin
- Oily skin with blackheads and congestion
- Post-acne marks and dark spots
- Acne that flares with stress or exams
How it helps
Why hijama helps acne
Acne is driven by inflammation, oil and blocked pores — often made worse by stress and hormones. In Unani medicine, wet cupping on the upper back is a classic treatment for skin conditions, used to reduce the inflammation behind breakouts and support the body’s own clearing. Unani remedies chosen for your skin type work alongside it.
Skin renews itself roughly every 4–6 weeks, so we judge progress over a course, not a single session. Most patients see fewer new spots first, then calmer skin and fading marks.
Types of acne
Our approach for each kind of acne
| Acne type | What we do | Typical course |
|---|---|---|
| Inflammatory pimples on the face | Wet cupping on the upper back + Unani remedy | 4–6 sessions |
| Hormonal acne (jaw, chin) | Back cupping, herbal support; your gynaecologist’s care continues | 4–6 sessions |
| Back and chest acne | Cupping on clear skin around the area — never on the spots | 4–6 sessions |
| Blackheads and oily skin | Routine advice, herbal care; facial cupping once skin is calm | 3–4 sessions |
| Post-acne marks | Facial cupping once active acne has settled | 4–6 weekly sessions |
On isotretinoin? We do not do wet cupping until you have finished the course. Deep scars need a dermatologist’s treatment.
The points
Why we treat the back, not the spots
Putting suction on inflamed pimples can spread infection and leave marks. So for acne, cups go on the upper back between the shoulders and related points, where Unani practice treats skin conditions.
Once active acne has calmed, gentle facial cupping can help the tone of the skin and fading marks.
- Upper back — al-kahil and shoulder points
- Never over active pimples
- Sterile, single-use cups and blades
- Facial cupping only once skin is calm
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 points for skin — never over the spots — plus a Unani remedy where useful.
- 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.
Skin routine
Simple habits that help your skin clear
Do
- Wash twice a day with a gentle cleanser
- Change your pillowcase twice a week
- Plenty of water, fruit and vegetables
- Sleep 7–8 hours
- Sunscreen that says non-comedogenic
Avoid
- Squeezing or picking spots
- Heavy, oily creams and hair oil on the face
- Very sugary and fried food in excess
- Harsh scrubs
- Stopping prescribed treatment without advice
What research shows
Research on cupping for acne
Acne is one of the skin conditions where cupping has been tested in controlled trials.
135 clinical trials reviewed
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.
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.
Session at a glance
- Session length30–40 minutes
- Typical course4–6 sessions, 2–3 weeks apart
- MethodWet cupping on the back where suitable; never over active facial lesions
- AftercareKeep the area clean and dry for 24 hours; no gym or swimming
₹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
Hijama for acne — your questions
Is hijama good for acne?
Yes — in a 12-week controlled trial of 103 patients, wet cupping added to standard treatment cleared lesions faster and improved quality of life more than treatment with sham cupping.
Do you cup on the face for acne?
No. Suction over inflamed pimples can spread them. We treat points on the upper back instead.
How long before I see a change?
Skin renews every 4–6 weeks, so judge progress at around the second month. Fewer new spots usually come first.
Can I have wet cupping on isotretinoin?
No — it affects skin healing. Wait until you have finished the course and tell us the date.
Will it help old acne marks?
Facial cupping can help skin tone and fading marks once acne is calm; deep scars need a dermatologist.
Can hijama help hormonal acne?
It supports the skin alongside your doctor’s or gynaecologist’s care; we never ask you to stop prescribed treatment.
How many sessions do I need?
Usually 4–6 sessions, 2–3 weeks apart, with Unani remedies and routine changes.
Does it hurt?
Back cupping feels like a firm pull; wet cupping adds quick light scratches, like an ant bite.
Can teenagers have hijama for acne?
Older teenagers can, with a parent present and after Dr. Siddiqui’s examination.
How much does it cost?
₹200 per cup, consultation free — usually about 5 cups (₹1,000). Herbal remedies are priced separately.
Calmer, clearer skin — start with a free consultation
Book a free consultation — 100 m from Okhla Vihar metro, Saturday to Thursday, 11 AM–7 PM.