It is possible not to feel very well after a hijama.
This causes a drop in blood pressure, as well as a drop in blood sugar levels.
And some people react more or less well to this phenomenon.
In addition, dairy products consumed after hijama can cause nausea and vomiting.
The urge to sleep is something normal, because hijama is tiring and the body secretes certain hormones following hijama (endorphins, adenosine, enkephalins…) which are pain-relieving and stress-relieving hormones.
Some people may even experience a period of fever.
If these effects persist beyond 48 hours after the session, see a doctor.
The amount of blood extracted is in no way a sign that the hijama was beneficial, "successful," or otherwise.
The amount of blood will vary from one person to another, and sometimes, for the same person, from one session to another, depending on:
-The period of the lunar month (blood is stirred by lunar activity, and its influence is strongest between the 16th and the 23rd of the lunar month, with 3 days recommended by the Prophet ﷺ
-The person's state of fatigue.
-Their build (presence or absence of fat between the skin and the muscles).
-The temperature of the room where the hijama is performed.
-Fear.
-Whether the patient properly observed the fasting period before hijama, etc.
The 48 hours after the session
| When | What is often felt | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Right after | Light-headedness, slight dizziness when standing up, drowsiness, sometimes chills | Stay seated for a few minutes, drink water, eat two or three dates or a spoonful of honey |
| The first hours | Great fatigue, a feeling of "emptiness," slight pain at the points | Rest, sleep if the body calls for it; no exertion, no exercise, no hot shower or hammam |
| That evening | Sometimes a slight fever, body aches | Light meal, without dairy or red meat; cover the points with a clean bandage |
| The next day | Fatigue decreasing, points sensitive to the touch | Resume gently; a lukewarm shower is fine, without rubbing the points |
| After 48 hours | Back to normal; the marks fade within one to two weeks | If a symptom persists or worsens, see a doctor (see below) |
Why we feel weak: three mechanisms
The professor names them above. Blood pressure drops after the blood is drawn, hence the dizziness when standing up too quickly. Blood sugar also drops, especially if one has fasted before the session as is recommended, hence the feeling of emptiness and the value of dates or honey right afterward. Finally, the body releases hormones that relieve pain and stress (endorphins, adenosine, enkephalins): this is what causes the desire to sleep, and it is also what accounts for the sense of well-being in the following days. A hijama is a small, voluntary trauma; the fatigue is the trace of the body's repair work.
What is not normal
Call a doctor right away if you notice:
- a fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F), or a fever that lasts more than 24 hours;
- a spreading redness around the points, warmth, discharge, swelling: this is a sign of a skin infection;
- a recurring feeling of faintness, palpitations, shortness of breath;
- a bleeding that starts again under the bandage;
- symptoms that last beyond 48 hours, the threshold the professor sets.
These situations are rare with a trained practitioner, single-use equipment, and disinfected skin. They become far less rare when hijama is performed under poor conditions.
What review studies say about the safety of hijama
- A systematic review of 22 studies on cupping for muscle and joint pain analyzed the reported adverse effects: they are infrequent, almost always mild and temporary (marks, local pain, dizziness), with serious cases linked to non-compliant practices (J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil, 2023).
- A meta-analysis of 18 randomized trials on chronic pain found a significant short-term effect compared to no treatment, with an acceptable safety profile; the authors note the uneven quality of the trials (J Pain, 2020).
- For hypertension, a meta-analysis of wet hijama trials found a drop in systolic blood pressure, which aligns with what the professor describes and explains the dizziness of the first hours (Clin Exp Hypertens, 2019).
Contraindications and precautions
Fatigue after hijama is more pronounced, and the session should be discussed with a doctor beforehand, for people who are anemic, on blood thinners, on treatment for diabetes, prone to low blood pressure, pregnant, or who have felt faint during a blood draw. Hijama should not be done after prolonged fasting or right after a heavy meal, nor on damaged skin. The number of points and the amount of blood do not determine the "success" of the session, the professor insists on this; a practitioner who multiplies the cups tires the person without healing them any more.
Frequently asked questions
How long does fatigue last after a hijama?
From a few hours to 48 hours. It is normal and is often followed by improved well-being in the following days. Beyond 48 hours, see a doctor.
Is it normal to have a fever after hijama?
A slight low-grade fever in the evening can happen, the professor notes this. A genuine fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F), or one that persists, is not normal: an infection at the points should be looked for.
What should you eat and drink after a hijama?
Water, dates, a little honey right away; then a light meal: soup, vegetables, bread, fruit. On the same day, avoid dairy (nausea), red meat, excess coffee, and of course tobacco.
Can you sleep after a hijama?
Yes, and it is even recommended: the desire to sleep comes from the pain-relieving hormones released by the body. A few hours of sleep aids recovery.
Is a lot of blood a good sign?
No. The amount depends on the time in the lunar month, fatigue, body build, room temperature, and fear, not on effectiveness. The professor reminds us: it is in no way a sign of a successful hijama.
