Acupuncture and Cupping (Hijama)

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture involves placing very fine, sterile, single-use needles at defined points on the body. In Türkiye it is governed by the Regulation on Traditional and Complementary Medicine Practices and may only be performed by physicians holding a Ministry of Health certificate. Contemporary research has examined its supportive role particularly in chronic pain, nausea and certain functional complaints.

Cupping (hijama)

Cupping creates negative pressure with cups placed on the skin; in the wet technique a limited amount of blood is drawn through very superficial scratches. Sterile single-use materials and proper antisepsis are mandatory. In dry cupping no blood is taken.

How does it work?

The needle stimulates nerve endings in the area; studies show a contribution to the modulation of pain transmission at spinal and cerebral level, including effects on endogenous opioid release. In cupping, the aim is increased local circulation and reduced muscular tension. These procedures are not diagnostic and do not replace medical treatment — they are added alongside it.

How the session goes

Assessment

We review how long the complaint has been present, any previous investigations and current medication. If the cause of the pain has not been investigated, appropriate medical assessment is recommended first. The treatment plan and number of sessions follow from that.

The procedure

In an acupuncture session the needles are left in place for 20 to 30 minutes while you rest lying on your back or front. For cupping, the area is cleansed, the cups are applied and removed at the end of the time. In the wet technique the scratches are superficial and closed, sterile materials are used.

What to expect afterwards

Mild tiredness, a sense of relaxation or brief tenderness at needle sites are common after acupuncture. After cupping, circular bruise-like marks appear where the cups were placed and usually fade within three to ten days. We advise avoiding hot showers, sauna and intense exercise on the day, and drinking plenty of water.

Who should avoid it

These procedures are not performed in bleeding or clotting disorders, in people taking blood thinners (especially wet cupping), in severe anaemia, in uncontrolled diabetes, in pregnancy (certain points and cupping), over active skin infection or wounds, and electro-acupuncture is not used in people with a pacemaker. During active cancer treatment, assessment together with the treating oncologist is required.

Expectations and follow-up

Response to acupuncture varies between individuals and usually only becomes assessable after several sessions. A plan of six to ten sessions is therefore made at the outset, with an interim review at around the third session. If there is no clear change in your complaint, revisiting the plan is more sensible than continuing with it. The points used, the session dates and, where cupping has been performed, the areas treated are recorded in the file. Cupping is carried out at wider intervals according to the physician's plan; frequent repetition is not advised, and blood values are rechecked where necessary.

The decision to treat follows a face-to-face examination in which the cause of the complaint is considered.