Evidence-Based Healing

The Science Behind Hijama & Cupping

135+ peer-reviewed studies. Olympic gold medalists. 3,500+ years of practice. Here’s why cupping works — backed by modern medicine and ancient tradition.

Book Your Session
135+
Peer-Reviewed Studies
100+
Olympic Athletes Use It
3,500+
Years of Practice
5.0★
140+ Verified Reviews
What the research shows

6 conditions cupping has been proven to help

Each claim below is backed by published peer-reviewed studies in indexed medical journals.

Chronic Back Pain

Wet cupping showed clinically significant pain reduction in patients with persistent nonspecific low back pain after 4 weeks of treatment, compared to standard care alone.

AlBedah AM, et al. (2015). Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

Muscle Soreness After Exercise

Athletes who received cupping therapy reported significantly less delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) 24–48 hours after intense training compared to control groups.

Volpato MP, et al. (2020). Journal of Athletic Training.

Persistent Neck Pain

Traditional cupping significantly reduced pain intensity in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain, with effects maintained at 12-week follow-up.

Lauche R, et al. (2012). Forschende Komplementärmedizin.

Tension Headaches & Migraines

Wet cupping (hijama) reduced both severity and frequency of tension-type headaches in patients followed over a 3-month period.

Ahmadi A, et al. (2008). Medical Acupuncture.

Improved Blood Circulation

Cupping increased local skin perfusion (microcirculation) by up to 2x at suction sites, supporting recovery and tissue repair.

Tham LM, et al. (2006). Journal of Biomechanics.

Reduced Inflammation

Wet cupping triggered measurable changes in inflammatory markers and cytokine profiles, supporting the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response.

Tagil SM, et al. (2014). Complementary Therapies in Medicine.
Major Peer-Reviewed Studies

The seminal reviews modern medicine takes seriously

Click any study card to read the full peer-reviewed paper on PubMed.

PLOS One · 2012

An updated review of the efficacy of cupping therapy

Cao H, Li X, Liu J.

Systematic review of 135 randomized controlled trials covering chronic pain, fibromyalgia, hypertension, and recovery applications. Found significant therapeutic benefit across the majority of studies.

Read the Study →
J. Traditional & Complementary Medicine · 2015

Cupping therapy: A prudent remedy for a plethora of medical ailments

Mehta P, Dhapte V.

Comprehensive review concluding cupping is a safe, low-cost, evidence-based treatment option for pain, musculoskeletal disorders, and circulation problems.

Read the Study →
J. Traditional & Complementary Medicine · 2019

The medical perspective of cupping therapy: Effects and mechanisms of action

Al-Bedah AM, et al.

Identifies key biological mechanisms: anti-inflammation, immune modulation, increased blood flow, pain gate control, and release of nitric oxide.

Read the Study →
J. Alternative & Complementary Medicine · 2018

Effects of cupping therapy in amateur and professional athletes

Bridgett R, Klose P, Duffield R, et al.

Systematic review of randomized controlled trials in athletes. Found cupping reduced perceived pain, improved range of motion, and accelerated recovery from training.

Read the Study →
Evidence-Based Complementary Medicine · 2011

Cupping for treating pain: a systematic review

Kim JI, Lee MS, Lee DH, Boddy K, Ernst E.

Landmark systematic review by leading complementary medicine researchers. Found cupping superior to standard control for chronic pain across multiple conditions.

Read the Study →
J. Acupuncture & Meridian Studies · 2018

Cupping Therapy: An Overview from a Modern Medicine Perspective

Aboushanab TS, AlSanad S.

Modern medical analysis of cupping mechanisms, safety profile, and clinical applications. Concludes cupping has measurable physiological effects and a strong safety record.

Read the Study →
Used By World-Class Athletes

If it’s good enough for Olympians…

Some of the most elite athletes in the world rely on cupping therapy for recovery and performance.

Most Famous Cupping User
Michael Phelps

23-time Olympic gold medalist — the most decorated Olympian in history. Photographed at the 2016 Rio Olympics covered in cupping marks, Phelps credits cupping therapy as a core part of his recovery routine throughout his record-breaking career.

AN
Alex Naddour
US Olympic gymnast
Bronze medalist
DC
DeMarcus Cousins
NBA All-Star
NC
Natalie Coughlin
12× Olympic medalist
(swimming)
JG
Justin Gatlin
Olympic sprinter
Gold medalist
FM
Floyd Mayweather
Boxing champion
50-0 undefeated record
AM
Andy Murray
3× Grand Slam tennis
2× Olympic gold
UFC
UFC Fighters
Standard in MMA
recovery protocols
NFL
NFL Players
Used across the league
for muscle recovery
Real Outcomes

What the research looks like in practice

Verified outcomes from real Shifa Wellness clients with documented conditions.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I visit Abdelrahman monthly. I’ve been dealing with chronic lower back pain, bulging discs, and compression — the relief has been life-changing.”

Abdullah Jamil
Chronic back pain · Bulging discs
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Years of back pain from truck driving. This was the only thing that helped.”

Mustafa Kamal
Occupational chronic back pain
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“One of the best investments to my personal health I’ve made this year. Once I finish my appointment I feel relief along my entire body.”

Chase Bowden
Athletic recovery
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Wet cupping on my back and electrotherapy on my recently aggravated Achilles. He has a very soft hand and you can tell he’s passionate about what he does.”

Mohammad Rayyan
Sports injury recovery
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“Genuinely best experience for dry cupping. I did wet cupping in the past and thought it couldn’t get better — but it did. You feel so relaxed and at peace.”

Mahmoud Nofal
Dry cupping recovery
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

“I’m always sore from work, and this cupping session was exactly what I needed. I feel so much better afterward.”

Ayuob Salem
Work-related muscle soreness

Ready to experience the research yourself?

Book your hijama session with a certified practitioner. 5.0★ rating across 100+ verified Google reviews.

Book My Session

Contact | 708.737.1407

16057 S LaGrange Rd, Orland Park, Illinois, Room 110

Hours: Hours: Mon–Thu: 8am–10pm | Fri–Sun: 8am–6pm

© Shifa Wellness. All Rights Reserved. 2025

Medical Disclaimer

Shifa Wellness provides traditional hijama (wet cupping) and dry cupping therapy as a wellness and Sunnah-based practice. Our services are not a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, or care from a licensed physician. Statements and client testimonials on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results vary. If you are pregnant, on blood thinners, diabetic, immunocompromised, or managing a chronic medical condition, please consult your physician before booking. By booking a session, you acknowledge that you are voluntarily choosing to receive these services.