Question 1

What is the difference between cupping and Hijama?

Accepted Answer

Cupping is the umbrella term for placing cups on the skin under suction. Hijama specifically refers to wet cupping — where tiny superficial incisions allow a small amount of stagnant blood to be drawn out — and is the therapy recommended in the Sunnah. Ruby offers dry, moving and wet cupping, and will recommend which suits you.

Question 2

Is cupping safe?

Accepted Answer

In trained hands, yes. Ruby is a Certified Hijama Practitioner (C.H.P) with a Diploma in Hijama Cupping Therapy from Hijama Nation, and every session begins with a health consultation to check for contraindications. All equipment is sterile and single-use.

Question 3

Do you use fire cupping?

Accepted Answer

No. Ruby uses medical-grade plastic cups with a hand pump. Suction is precise and adjustable, there is no risk of burns, and the equipment is single-use — which fire-heated glass cups can never be.

Question 4

Will cupping help my condition?

Accepted Answer

Clients most often come to Ruby for back, neck and joint pain, headaches and migraines, fatigue, stress and general wellbeing. Cupping is a complementary therapy — it works alongside, not instead of, advice from your GP. Ruby will always be honest about what she expects it to help with.

Question 5

I'm not Muslim — can I still book?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Hijama has roots in the Sunnah, but its benefits are for everyone. Ruby welcomes women of every background and faith.

Question 6

Why home visits only?

Accepted Answer

Privacy, modesty and ease. Many women find travelling to a clinic and undressing in an unfamiliar room stressful — especially for Hijama. In your own home you can rest straight afterwards, and Ruby brings everything she needs, including the massage bed.

Question 7

Which areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Ruby travels to homes across the local area and surrounding towns. Enter your postcode when you request a visit and she'll confirm availability and any travel contribution before anything is agreed.

Question 8

How do I book?

Accepted Answer

Use the Book a Home Visit form — it takes about two minutes and asks for your contact details, address, preferred day and the therapy you'd like. Ruby replies personally, usually within one working day, to confirm a date and time.

Question 9

How much does a session cost?

Accepted Answer

Fees depend on the therapy and the number of cups, and are confirmed when your visit is arranged — there are never surprises on the day. Contact Ruby for current prices.

Question 10

Can a friend or family member be present?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a female friend or family member is very welcome to be with you. Because sessions are female-only, Ruby asks that men are not present in the treatment room.

Question 11

What if I need to cancel or move my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Life happens. Please give at least 24 hours' notice where possible so the slot can be offered to someone else. Full details are in the Terms & Conditions.

Question 12

How do you keep everything hygienic in a home?

Accepted Answer

Ruby lays fresh disposable coverings over the massage bed, wears gloves throughout, cleanses the skin before and after treatment, and uses only sealed single-use cups and blades. All waste goes into a clinical sharps container which leaves with her.

Question 13

Who should not have cupping?

Accepted Answer

Cupping is not offered during pregnancy, to anyone taking blood-thinning medication or with a bleeding disorder, to those who are anaemic, feverish or acutely unwell, or over broken skin. Ruby will discuss anything else relevant in your consultation and may ask you to check with your GP first.

Question 14

Do you treat men or children?

Accepted Answer

No. Ruby Cupping Services is a female-only practice for adults aged 18 and over.

Question 15

Are you insured and certified?

Accepted Answer

Ruby is a Certified Hijama Practitioner (C.H.P) qualified from Hijama Nation (Dip.HCT). Certificates can be shown at your visit on request — please ask if you'd like to see them.

Question 16

How should I prepare for my session?

Accepted Answer

Drink plenty of water the day before, avoid a heavy meal in the two to three hours beforehand (especially for Hijama), and wear loose, comfortable clothing. Have a quiet room ready where Ruby can set up her massage bed.

Question 17

What should I do afterwards?

Accepted Answer

Rest for the remainder of the day, keep well hydrated, avoid strenuous exercise, hot baths and swimming for 24 hours, and keep any dressed areas clean and dry. A full aftercare guide is on the Your Home Visit page and is repeated in person.

Question 18

Can I shower after cupping?

Accepted Answer

A warm (not hot) shower is fine after around 24 hours. For Hijama, keep the treated area dry until the following day so the tiny incisions can close.

Question 19

How will I feel afterwards?

Accepted Answer

Most clients feel light, relaxed and often sleepy. Occasionally there is mild tiredness or a light head for a few hours — a sign the body is rebalancing. Eat something nourishing and rest.

Everything you wanted to ask — answered gently

About cupping & Hijama

Booking & home visits

Safety, hygiene & who can be treated

Preparation & aftercare

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When the worries are gone, only the healing is left.