Why to Fast Before Hijama (Wet Cupping)
- Abu Bilal

- Apr 21, 2018
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 29
Hijama (cupping therapy) is a treatment that involves the removal of waste from the body, during which a small amount of blood is often extracted. Similar to blood tests or blood donation, hijama has a physiological impact on the body and its systems. However, unlike routine blood work, this impact is part of what makes hijama such an effective therapeutic practice.
Fasting, even for a few hours, also has a noticeable effect on bodily functions. Understanding how fasting and hijama interact is important for anyone planning to combine the two safely and effectively.
Many people who have undergone fasting blood tests may already be familiar with symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, headaches, or mild nausea. These sensations highlight how sensitive the body can be to changes in blood volume and energy availability.
Why Fasting Is Recommended Before Hijama?
In medical settings, fasting blood tests are often used to accurately measure levels of glucose, cholesterol, and other lipids in the blood. Patients are advised to avoid food for a set period and drink water only, allowing doctors to assess the body’s baseline state.
From this principle, hijama practitioners have observed that eating before a wet cupping session may influence the composition of the blood. Digested food can temporarily alter levels of glucose, fats, iron, and other nutrients circulating in the bloodstream. If eating before a blood test can affect its accuracy, it is reasonable to consider that it may also affect the efficiency of hijama.
Blood Flow and Digestion
Another important reason for fasting before hijama relates to blood circulation. After eating, the body increases blood flow to the digestive system via the superior mesenteric artery to support digestion. This naturally reduces the amount of blood available to other tissues.
When a person fasts, the body is better able to redirect blood flow away from digestion and toward other areas, particularly tissues in need of repair. This redistribution may support the hijama process by allowing stagnant blood, cholesterol deposits, and metabolic waste to move more freely.
Supporting the Effectiveness of Hijama
Fasting also encourages the mobilisation of cholesterol deposits that line blood vessel walls. This may allow excess cholesterol and other unwanted substances to be removed more effectively during a hijama session.
For this reason, patients are generally advised to avoid eating for approximately three hours before treatment, while continuing to stay well-hydrated. By considering fasting alongside the individual health needs of each patient, hijama practitioners aim to maximise both safety and therapeutic benefit.
Final Note
Fasting before hijama is not about hardship, but about preparing the body so the treatment can be carried out in the most balanced and effective way. As with all treatments, individual circumstances vary, and guidance should always be tailored to the person.

























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