Cupping therapy (hacamat) is one of the traditional and complementary medicine practices. During the procedure, a vacuum is created on the skin with the help of special cups. In cupping therapy, following the vacuum, superficial scratches are made on the skin surface and blood is drawn in a controlled manner. The procedure is performed under sterile conditions by physicians who have training and certification within the scope of the relevant legislation.
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Following a physician's evaluation, it may be performed as a supportive treatment in the following conditions:
- Muscle and joint pain
- Lower back and neck pain
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Headache
- Chronic feeling of fatigue
- Stress and muscle tension
- Certain chronic pain conditions
Cupping therapy does not replace existing medical treatments and is applied together with other treatments when necessary.
How Is the Procedure Performed?
- The area to be treated is cleaned with antiseptic solutions.
- A vacuum is created using sterile cups.
- In wet cupping (hijama), after the initial vacuum, superficial scratches are made with a sterile single-use scalpel or lancet.
- The vacuum is applied again and a controlled amount of blood is drawn.
- At the end of the procedure, the area is cleaned and an appropriate dressing is applied.
- The procedure usually takes 20–30 minutes.
Expected Benefits of the Treatment
- Reduction in muscle tension
- Relief of pain
- Support for local circulation
- A feeling of relaxation
- Contribution to general well-being
The effectiveness of the treatment may vary from person to person, and no definite outcome can be guaranteed.
Possible Risks and Side Effects
As with any medical procedure, cupping therapy also carries certain risks.
Commonly Seen Conditions
- Pain at the application site
- Tenderness
- Bruising
- Mild bleeding
- Temporary redness
- Itching
Less Commonly Seen Conditions
- Dizziness
- Feeling faint
- Prolonged bleeding
- Skin irritation
Rarely Seen Conditions
- Infection
- Scar formation
- Allergic reaction
- Changes in skin pigmentation
Conditions in Which the Procedure Should Not Be Performed
Cupping therapy may not be suitable in the following conditions:
- Bleeding disorders
- Use of blood-thinning medication
- Severe anemia
- Active infectious diseases
- Open wound or skin infection at the application site
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Advanced heart disease
- Certain areas during pregnancy
- Other conditions deemed unsuitable by the physician
Things to Consider Before the Procedure
- Inform your physician of any medications you take regularly.
- If you are taking blood-thinning medication, be sure to mention it.
- Report any known illnesses and allergies.
Nutrition (Diet) Recommendations
- Do not come to the procedure on a completely empty stomach.
- It is recommended that you have a light meal approximately 2–3 hours before the procedure.
- Avoid very fatty, heavy and hard-to-digest foods.
- It is recommended that you drink plenty of water on the day of the procedure.
- Avoid excessive caffeine consumption.
Things to Consider After the Procedure
- Keep the application site clean and dry for 24 hours.
- Do not do heavy exercise for the first 24 hours.
- Avoid Turkish baths (hammam), saunas and hot baths on the first day.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- If a dressing has been recommended, keep it on for the specified period.
- You may feel mild weakness or dizziness after the procedure.
Nutrition (Diet) Recommendations
- Drink plenty of water during the first 24 hours after the procedure.
- Take care to eat light and balanced meals.
- Avoid very fatty and heavy meals for the first 24 hours.
- Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours.
- Reducing or, if possible, quitting smoking may contribute to the healing process.
- A balanced diet including fresh vegetables, fruit and protein is recommended.
- If you feel dizzy or weak, rest and take in sufficient fluids.
When Should You Contact a Healthcare Facility?
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Severe pain
- Development of fever
- Marked redness, swelling or discharge at the application site
- Fainting
- Shortness of breath or signs of an allergic reaction