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Hijama generally refers to wet cupping, which involves blood as well as suction. A clear explanation of the method should come before any decision.

What hijama usually means

Hijama is a word commonly used for wet cupping, a practice with a long history in many communities. Unlike dry cupping, it combines suction with small cuts or punctures in the skin, which means blood is drawn. Reading about how hijama is performed in another country can spark useful questions, but practices and regulations overseas should not be assumed to reflect treatment in Sydney.

Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, believes that a traditional name should never hide what will physically happen during a session.

Questions to put to Christine

If you are considering this procedure, ask Christine to explain:

• exactly how the method is carried out
• its purpose in your particular situation
• infection-control steps, including how equipment is handled and disposed of
• aftercare for the treated skin and signs of infection to watch for

Be sure to share your medicines and any history of bleeding problems, anaemia, diabetes or slow wound healing. These factors weigh more heavily when the skin is broken.

Separate decisions for separate procedures

Agreeing to dry cupping does not mean you have agreed to wet cupping. Each procedure needs its own explanation and consent, and you can decline at any point.

Reviewing your goal

Before any treatment, choose an everyday activity or symptom you can revisit at follow-up. Afterwards, discuss that goal along with how comfortable the procedure was and how your skin healed. Marks or wounds are only part of the picture; whether to continue should reflect your original purpose, your response and the alternatives.

Watch for spreading redness, heat, pus or fever after any skin-breaking procedure, and see your GP if they occur.

Asking about hijama in Lane Cove

If hijama is part of your family or cultural background, or you have simply read about it, an open conversation is a sensible first step. Christine can clarify at the Lane Cove clinic what is and is not offered and answer your questions respectfully.