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Hijama generally refers to wet cupping, which involves blood as well as suction. Here are the questions to raise before considering it.

Hijama is a word many families know well, particularly in communities where it has been practised for generations. In most contexts it refers to wet cupping, a technique that combines suction with small cuts to the skin so that blood is drawn into the cup.

Reading about practice overseas

Articles and videos about hijama often describe how it is carried out in other countries. They can raise worthwhile questions, but regulations and arrangements elsewhere should not be assumed to match how treatment is provided in Sydney. What matters is how the procedure would be done here, for you.

Questions to ask about the procedure

If you are thinking about this particular technique, ask Dr Christine Shen, Acupuncturist, to explain:

• exactly what the method involves, step by step;
• its purpose in your situation;
• the extra infection-control measures required;
• what aftercare you will need afterwards.

Make sure your medicines and any history of bleeding problems or easy bruising are part of the conversation.

A name should never hide the details

Cultural familiarity with a practice can be meaningful, yet a familiar word is no substitute for knowing, in practical terms, what is going to be done to your body. You are entitled to a clear, plain explanation before agreeing to anything.

Reviewing the result

Choose a daily task or symptom ahead of time to talk about at your next visit. Note too whether the procedure felt tolerable and whether the small cuts settled without trouble. Skin marks offer only a partial picture, so continuing or stopping should depend on the reason you came, your response and other available options.

Asking questions in Lane Cove

Christine can discuss cupping, including whether wet cupping is appropriate at all, at the Lane Cove clinic. Bring a list of your medicines, including any you buy without a prescription. This article is general and is not a recommendation for wet cupping.