Honest answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything people ask before a first session — pain, blood, safety, fasting, marks, prices — answered plainly. If your question isn’t here, message us; there’s no such thing as a silly one.
Section 1 of 5
The session itself
Pain, blood, hygiene, marks and how a visit feels.
Does hijama hurt?
Most people describe the cup suction as a firm pull and the small incisions as light scratches. The whole session is done at your pace and you can stop at any time. First-timers often choose fewer points or a Dry Cupping session.
Is it hygienic? What about blood?
Every cup and blade is opened from a sealed pack in front of you and disposed of after your session. We wear gloves, clean every surface between clients and use a sharps container. Wet cupping does draw a small amount of blood into the cup — you won't see it unless you want to. You lie face down, and we cover and dispose of everything.
How long do the marks last?
Round marks from the cups usually fade within a few days to two weeks, depending on your skin. Dry cupping leaves temporary marks too. Wear something that covers your back if you'd rather not show them.
How long does a session take?
It depends on the treatment: Dry Cupping is about 30 minutes, Sunnah Essentials and Targeted Hijama about 45 minutes, Full Back Hijama about an hour and the Full Body Reset about an hour and a half. First visits add 10 minutes for the consultation and consent form. Times are guides — nothing is rushed.
What's the difference between wet and dry cupping?
Dry cupping is suction only: cups are placed on the skin and lifted off, with no incisions. Wet cupping (hijama) adds small, shallow incisions under the cups so a little blood is drawn into the cup. Both leave temporary round marks. Dry cupping is a gentle way to try cupping for the first time.
Will I see anything?
Not unless you want to. You lie face down for back sessions, the cups are behind you, and everything is covered, cleaned and disposed of before you sit up. We never photograph a session.
Can I drive home afterwards?
Most people do. We ask you to lie still for a few minutes, sit up slowly and have some water or a date before you leave. If you feel light-headed we'll wait with you until it passes — there's no hurry.
Section 2 of 5
Health & safety
Medications, pregnancy, conditions — and when to speak to your physician first.
Is hijama safe?
Hijama is a traditional practice that breaks the skin, so it carries some risk and we take it seriously: a health screen before every first session, sealed single-use cups and blades, gloves, a sharps container and disinfected surfaces. Common effects are round marks, some tenderness and occasionally light-headedness; less commonly small blisters or a small scar at an incision site. If we think you should speak to your physician first, we'll tell you plainly. Hijama is a complementary wellness practice, not medical care.
I take blood thinners or have a health condition — can I still come?
Please call or WhatsApp us before you book. Blood thinners, bleeding disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, heart conditions, a recent operation or feeling unwell on the day are all reasons we may ask for your physician's go-ahead, adjust the session or suggest another time. If we decline a session on health grounds, any prepaid amount is refunded in full.
Can I have hijama while pregnant?
Please tell us if you are pregnant, may be pregnant or are breastfeeding before you book. We don't offer wet cupping during pregnancy; Sister Maryam will talk it through with you and may suggest another time. Speak to your physician or midwife about anything you're unsure of.
How often can I have hijama?
That's your choice — many people come once a month on a Sunnah day, others a few times a year. We ask for at least two weeks between wet cupping sessions, and we'll never tell you that you need to come more often than you want to.
Do you keep taking my medication before a session?
Yes — keep taking anything prescribed to you exactly as normal, and tell us what you take when you book or at the consultation. Never stop a medication for a session.
Section 3 of 5
For women
Ladies-only sessions with Sister Maryam.
I'm a woman — who will see me?
Ladies are seen only by Sister Maryam, in a private room with the door closed. Only the area being worked on is uncovered, and you're welcome to bring a female relative. Sister Maryam is never photographed and no photos are taken in the room.
What should I wear to a ladies' session?
Something loose that opens or lifts at the back — a button-front shirt or a loose top works well. You stay covered except for the area being worked on. Your hijab can stay on for back sessions; if you've chosen head or neck points, Sister Maryam will explain what's needed and it's always your choice.
Can I come during my period?
You can book, but please tell Sister Maryam beforehand. She'll advise you and may suggest another day if that suits you better. Nothing to be shy about — it's a normal question.
Can I bring someone with me?
A female relative or friend is welcome at a ladies' session. No men are in the room during ladies' sessions, and the door stays closed.
Are photos ever taken?
No. Sister Maryam is never photographed, and no photos are taken in the room. If you ever want a photo of your own marks for your records, you take it yourself.
How do I reach Sister Maryam directly?
Call, text or WhatsApp the ladies' line on (403) 966-4039, or book a ladies-only session online. Assalamu alaikum — she'll get back to you as soon as she can.
More on how ladies’ sessions work: Ladies-only hijama with Sister Maryam
Section 4 of 5
Sunnah days & fasting
The 17th, 19th and 21st, Ramadan and religious questions.
Can I have hijama while fasting or on medication?
Many people do have hijama while fasting, and scholars differ on the details — please ask your imam. On the health side: tell us about any medication (especially blood thinners), pregnancy, diabetes or recent surgery before your session. We may suggest a free 10-minute call first, and we'll tell you honestly if we think you should speak to your physician.
What are Sunnah days?
The 17th, 19th and 21st of each Islamic month are the days many people choose for hijama, following well-known narrations. We list the upcoming Calgary dates on our Sunnah dates page and open extra hours on those days. Any day is fine for a session — the choice is yours.
Is hijama on a Sunnah day better?
Well-known narrations mention the 17th, 19th and 21st of the lunar month, and many people prefer those days. Scholars discuss the details, so please ask your imam or a scholar you trust. From our side, any day is fine — we simply open extra hours on Sunnah days and list the Calgary dates for you.
Do you open in Ramadan?
Yes. Whether hijama breaks or affects a fast is a religious question — please ask your imam. On the practical side, we ask you not to come having gone all day without food or water; an evening slot after iftar is what most people choose. Message us and we'll find a time.
The Calgary dates for the year: Sunnah hijama dates
Section 5 of 5
Booking, prices & practicalities
Payment, receipts, cancellations, location and age.
Where exactly are you, and is there parking?
We're a home-based treatment room in Saddle Ridge, NE Calgary, by appointment only. For our family's privacy the exact address is sent with your booking confirmation and again on WhatsApp the day before, together with a parking note.
Do you give receipts? Is GST charged?
Yes — a receipt is emailed after every session. No GST is charged while we are a small supplier, so the menu price is exactly what you pay.
How do I book?
Online in under a minute: choose men's (Muhammad) or ladies-only (Sister Maryam), pick a treatment and a time. You can also call or WhatsApp us. The Couples / Family Session is booked by WhatsApp so we can hold both calendars.
How do I pay?
Cash or Interac e-Transfer, and card on request. A receipt is emailed after every session. Prepaid packs and gift certificates are paid the same way.
Can I get an insurance receipt?
No. Hijama is not a regulated health profession in Alberta and we are not registered massage therapists, so our receipts can't be claimed against extended health benefits. We'd rather tell you now than surprise you later.
What if I need to cancel or I'm running late?
Please give us 24 hours' notice to reschedule or cancel — use the link in your confirmation or WhatsApp us. Arriving more than 15 minutes late may shorten your session. We understand emergencies; the full policy is on our policies page.
Is there an age limit?
Clients must be 18 or older, unless a parent or guardian comes with them and stays in the room.
Do you take walk-ins?
No — we're a home-based practice, so everything is by appointment. Booking online takes under a minute, and same-week slots are often available.
Do you do home visits?
We don't offer home visits; all sessions are in our treatment room in Saddle Ridge, where everything is set up for hygiene and privacy.
Which languages do you speak?
Both Muhammad and Sister Maryam speak English, Pashto, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi. Book, message or call in whichever is easiest for you — and if a parent or relative would rather ask questions in their own language, they're welcome to.
The full wording is on our policies page; packs, referrals and gift certificates are on packs & offers.
Not answered here?
Ask us — a person answers
WhatsApp or call (403) 971-4039, or book the free 10-minute phone chat and talk it through with Muhammad before you decide anything. Ladies can reach Sister Maryam directly on (403) 966-4039.
Hijama (wet cupping) and other cupping practices are traditional complementary wellness practices. They are not a substitute for medical diagnosis or care, and hijama is not a regulated health profession in Alberta. Please consult your physician about any health condition, and tell us before your session about medications, pregnancy, diabetes, bleeding disorders, fasting or recent surgery.
Ready when you are.
Book online in under a minute. The exact address comes with your confirmation, and again on WhatsApp the day before.
Prefer to ask first? WhatsApp us or call (403) 971-4039.