MIGRAINE & HIJAMA
Hijama & Cupping for Migraines: Evidence & Safety
Hijama and cupping therapy are sometimes used as complementary approaches for migraine and recurrent headaches. Some clinical studies suggest that cupping may help reduce migraine pain in certain people, particularly with wet cupping, but the overall certainty of the evidence remains limited. Hijama should not replace appropriate migraine diagnosis or medical treatment.
In short:
Cupping may help reduce migraine pain in some people, but current research is not strong enough to consider it a proven standalone migraine treatment. It is better viewed as a complementary option alongside appropriate medical care.
Can Hijama Help Migraine?
Hijama and cupping therapy may help reduce migraine pain or headache intensity in some people, particularly when used as a complementary therapy alongside appropriate medical care.
However, the response varies between individuals, and current evidence is not strong enough to consider Hijama a proven standalone treatment for migraine.
For people with recurrent migraine, the aim of cupping should be symptom support rather than replacing diagnosis, prescribed medication or preventive migraine treatment.
Key Point
Hijama may offer symptom relief for some people with migraine, but it should be considered a complementary option rather than a replacement for standard migraine care.
What Does the Research Say?
The most recent systematic review and meta-analysis included 18 clinical trials involving 1,446 participants. Overall, cupping therapy was associated with greater migraine pain reduction and higher treatment success compared with control treatments.
The benefit appeared more consistent with wet cupping than with dry cupping. However, the review found no clear improvement in migraine-related quality of life.
Importantly, the included studies were generally of poor methodological quality and had a high risk of bias. This means the overall certainty of the evidence remains low, despite the positive findings.
Evidence Note
Current evidence is promising but not conclusive. Cupping may reduce migraine pain in some people, particularly wet cupping, but better-designed clinical trials are still needed before strong treatment recommendations can be made.
Common Cupping Areas for Migraine
Cupping for migraine may involve selected areas around the head, neck and upper back depending on symptoms, muscular tension and individual clinical assessment.
Explore the full Hijama Points Atlas for visual head, neck, back and body charts.
View Hijama Points Atlas →Safety & When to Seek Medical Advice
Hijama should not be used as a substitute for medical assessment when headaches are new, severe, unusual or changing in pattern. People taking blood-thinning medication, those with bleeding disorders, significant anemia, skin infection or other relevant medical conditions may require additional caution or medical advice before wet cupping.
Seek urgent medical assessment if a headache:
- Starts suddenly and is extremely severe
- Follows a significant head injury
- Occurs with weakness, numbness, confusion or difficulty speaking
- Is accompanied by fever, severe neck stiffness or loss of consciousness
- Is new or significantly different from the person’s usual migraine pattern
Safety Note
For recurrent migraine, Hijama is best considered a complementary option alongside appropriate diagnosis and migraine management rather than a replacement for medical care.
Summary
Hijama and cupping therapy may provide symptom relief for some people with migraine, but the current evidence remains limited and does not support cupping as a proven standalone treatment.
Research suggests that wet cupping may be more promising than dry cupping for migraine pain, although better-quality clinical trials are still needed.
Cupping areas may include the head, neck and upper back depending on symptoms and individual assessment, but traditional point charts should not be treated as fixed migraine-treatment protocols.
For recurrent or unusual headaches, appropriate medical assessment remains important, and Hijama should be considered a complementary approach rather than a replacement for standard migraine care.
References
Mohandes B, Bayoumi FEA, AllahDiwaya AA, et al.
Cupping Therapy for the Treatment of Migraine Headache: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials.
Journal of Pharmacopuncture. 2024;27(3):177–189.
This review included 18 clinical trials with 1,446 participants and reported possible benefits for migraine pain, particularly with wet cupping, while also highlighting poor methodological quality and a high risk of bias in the included studies. PubMed Central (PMC) →
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH).
Cupping.
NCCIH notes that cupping may help reduce pain, but the overall research is generally of low quality and stronger evidence is still needed. It also describes potential adverse effects and important safety considerations. NCCIH →
Sina RE, Bokhari AA.
Cupping Therapy.
StatPearls. NCBI Bookshelf.
Provides clinical information on cupping techniques, safety, precautions, contraindications and possible complications, supporting appropriate assessment before treatment. NCBI Bookshelf →
Evidence Note
Current research on cupping for migraine is promising but not conclusive. Positive study findings should be interpreted alongside the generally low quality and high risk of bias in the available clinical trials.
Written by
Dr Amr Salama, DPT
DPT, Cairo University • Licensed Physiotherapist in Dubai • MOHAP-Licensed Hijama Practitioner
Dr Amr Salama writes and reviews evidence-informed educational content on Hijama, cupping therapy, rehabilitation and related health topics.
Last reviewed
October 2026