What Happens If Someone Faints During Hijama Cupping Therapy

Fainting during a hijama session can be uncommon and temporary. Fortunately, most clients recover within a few minutes with appropriate first aid. Understanding why fainting can happen, how to prevent it, and the correct steps to take if it occurs is essential for a safe and professional hijama experience for both practitioners and clients.

Why Fainting Happens

Fainting during a hijama session can be due to a temporary drop in heart rate and blood pressure that reduces blood flow to the brain, leading to a brief loss of consciousness.

Common features of a fainting episode include:

• Sudden lightheadedness
• Pale skin
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Blurred vision or ringing in the ears
• Brief loss of consciousness (often less than 1–2 minutes)
• Feeling tired 

Causes of Fainting During Hijama

1- Fainting may occur due to the slower heart rate that reduces blood flow to the brain.

2- Fainting may happen due to fear, anxiety, emotional stress, or the sight of blood.

3- Someone can faint during Hijama if their blood sugar levels drop.

4- Not drinking enough water can reduce blood volume, making fainting more likely.

5- People with naturally low blood pressure are more prone to fainting.

6- Some clients become extremely nervous before or during hijama. They may feel rapid breathing, dizziness, or tingling in the fingers.

7- Clients who are very tired or have not slept well may experience a fainting episode.

8- Clients with low hemoglobin or iron deficiency may already have reduced oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues. While mild anemia doesn’t always cause fainting, significant anemia can increase the risk, especially if combined with other factors.

9- Although Hijama removes only a small amount of blood, removing too much blood or performing too many cups in one session may increase the likelihood of dizziness or fainting.

10- Certain medications like antidepressants may increase the risk of fainting. 

How to Reduce the Risk Of Fainting

✔ Ask your client about previous fainting history and prepare accordingly.
 ✔ Ensure the client is well hydrated and well rested.
 ✔ Encourage a light meal 2–3 hours before treatment.
 ✔ Keep the client lying down during the procedure.
 ✔ Avoid removing excessive amounts of blood.
 ✔ Allow the client to rest for several minutes before standing.
 ✔ Observe them for 10–15 minutes after treatment.

When to Seek Medical Care

Call emergency services if the client:

• Remains unconscious for more than 1–2 minutes.
• Has difficulty breathing.
• Has chest pain.
• Has a seizure.
• Suffers a significant head injury.
• Is confused for a prolonged period after waking.
• Has repeated fainting episodes.

Immediate Steps In Case Of Fainting

1. Stop the hijama procedure immediately.
2. Lay the client flat on their back on a safe surface.
3. Raise their legs about 8–12 inches. This helps improve blood flow to the brain.
4. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck or waist.
5. Check that they are breathing normally and monitor their level of responsiveness.
6. Stay with the client and do not leave them alone.

Once They Regain Consciousness

Encourage them to remain lying down for several minutes. When they feel better, offer water or a light snack to eat once they are fully awake and able to swallow safely. Check their blood pressure and heart rate, and ask if they are feeling dizzy or chest pain.

Before They Leave

• Do not let them stand up suddenly.
• Help them sit up slowly, then stand only if they feel completely steady.
• Observe them for at least 10–12 minutes before they leave.
• Advise them not to drive immediately if they still feel weak or dizzy.

Document the Incident

• Time of the fainting episode
• How long were they unconscious
• Symptoms before and after
• First aid provided
• Vital signs (if taken)
• Whether emergency services were needed

This documentation is important for good clinical practice.

Should You Continue the Hijama Session?

No. If a client faints, it is generally best to stop the session and allow them to recover. Resuming wet hijama on the same day is not recommended.

Advice for the Next Session

Before another hijama appointment:

• Ensure they are well hydrated and well rested.
• Encourage them to eat a light meal 2–3 hours beforehand.
• Ask whether they have a history of fainting with needles, blood tests, or medical procedures.
• Consider using fewer cups or a shorter session.

Most clients who faint recover completely within a few minutes. Still, every episode should be assessed carefully because fainting can occasionally be a sign of a more serious medical condition.