Why aftercare matters
What you do in the day or two after a hijama (wet cupping) session can make a real difference to how comfortably your skin heals. Following simple aftercare guidance helps reduce the risk of irritation and supports the healing process at the treated sites.
Immediately after your session
- Keep the treated area clean and dry for the rest of the day
- Avoid touching or scratching the small marks left by the cups and incisions
- Wear loose, breathable clothing over the treated area to avoid rubbing or irritation
- Stay well hydrated to support your body’s general recovery
Over the following 24–48 hours
It’s normal to see small marks or mild bruising at the treated sites — this generally settles within one to two weeks. During this time, your practitioner will typically recommend:
- Avoiding swimming pools, baths, saunas or spas until the skin has fully closed over
- Avoiding strenuous exercise or activities that cause heavy sweating over the treated area for the first day
- Keeping the area protected from direct sun exposure while it heals
What’s normal, and what’s not
Mild tenderness, light bruising and small marks at the cupping sites are expected. However, if you notice increasing redness, swelling, warmth, discharge, or the area seems to be getting worse rather than better, contact our clinic or see your GP promptly, as this could indicate a wound infection that needs attention.
Quick tip
Avoid applying any creams, oils or dressings to the treated area unless specifically advised by your practitioner, to reduce the risk of irritation while the skin heals.
Getting back to normal activity
Most people can return to their usual daily activities quickly, avoiding only the specific things your practitioner advises against during the healing period. If you have any questions about your aftercare, our team is always happy to talk you through it.
Good aftercare is a simple, important part of getting the most out of your hijama session.
Supporting your body’s natural healing
Beyond the specific dos and don’ts, giving your body general support — adequate rest, good hydration, and a balanced diet — can help the healing process along in the days following your session. There’s nothing especially different required beyond good general self-care.
If you have any questions once you’re home, our clinic is always available by phone to talk through anything that doesn’t seem to match what you were told during your appointment.
Planning your week around your session
Some people prefer to book hijama sessions at the start of a quieter few days, to make it easier to follow aftercare guidance around activity and swimming without disrupting a busy schedule.
When to book your next session
Your practitioner can advise on a suitable gap before your next hijama session based on how your skin has healed and your individual response to treatment, rather than a fixed universal timeframe.
What clothing to wear home
Loose, breathable clothing that won’t rub against the treated area is generally the most comfortable option for your trip home and the rest of the day. Avoid tight-fitting garments over the treated sites until any tenderness has settled, and consider bringing a change of clothes if your session involves an area that’s awkward to keep covered comfortably.
If you have any specific questions about your aftercare that weren’t fully covered during your appointment, don’t hesitate to call our clinic afterwards — our team would rather answer a question than have you guess at what’s appropriate during your recovery.
Information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for individualised advice from a qualified practitioner. Please discuss your health history with our team before booking.
Information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for individualised advice from a registered health practitioner. Our practitioners are registered with AHPRA.