CHP Hijama Techniques & Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which cup size is MOST appropriate for cupping over small, bony, or contoured areas such as the face or joints?
- Large (size 4–5) cups for maximum coverage
- Small (size 1–2) cups that conform better to irregular contours (Correct answer)
- Medium (size 3) cups regardless of location
- Extra-large cups to create stronger suction
Correct answer: Small (size 1–2) cups that conform better to irregular contours
Small cups (size 1–2) are used on areas with irregular contours, small surface areas, or bony prominences because they seal better and reduce the risk of unintended pressure on adjacent tissues.
Question 2: After removing cups following wet hijama, the standard wound-care protocol includes:
- Leaving incisions open to air-dry naturally without any covering
- Cleansing with antiseptic, applying a barrier ointment, and covering with a sterile dressing (Correct answer)
- Washing with soap and water only, leaving uncovered
- Applying a heat pack directly over the incisions
Correct answer: Cleansing with antiseptic, applying a barrier ointment, and covering with a sterile dressing
Post-wet-hijama wounds must be cleansed with antiseptic, dressed with a protective ointment (e.g., black seed oil or petroleum-based barrier), and covered to prevent infection and promote healing.
Question 3: The Sunnah point 'Kahil' is located at approximately which anatomical position?
- Center of the abdomen over the navel
- Upper back at the base of the neck between the shoulder blades (C7–T1 area) (Correct answer)
- Inner elbow crease (antecubital fossa)
- Posterior calf above the heel
Correct answer: Upper back at the base of the neck between the shoulder blades (C7–T1 area)
The Kahil (or Al-Kahil) is one of the most cited Sunnah hijama points, located at the upper back at the junction of the cervical and thoracic spine, roughly between the shoulder blades.
Question 4: During a hijama session, a client suddenly feels dizzy, pale, and sweaty. The practitioner should FIRST:
- Continue the session while monitoring the client
- Remove all cups immediately, lay the client flat, and monitor vital signs (Correct answer)
- Apply additional cups to stimulate circulation
- Give the client water and ask them to breathe slowly while sitting up
Correct answer: Remove all cups immediately, lay the client flat, and monitor vital signs
These are signs of a vasovagal response; the immediate priority is to remove all cups, lay the client flat with legs elevated if possible, and monitor for recovery.
Question 5: Which of the following describes 'needle cupping' (acupuncture-cupping) as a combined modality?
- Inserting needles through the cup wall while suction is active
- Placing acupuncture needles at points, then applying cups over the needles (Correct answer)
- Using needles to create deeper scarification channels before cupping
- Dry needling the muscles first, then performing sliding cupping
Correct answer: Placing acupuncture needles at points, then applying cups over the needles
In combined acupuncture-cupping (needle cupping), acupuncture needles are inserted at the treatment points first, and then cups are placed over the needles to enhance the therapeutic effect.
Question 6: How should a practitioner manage a cup that has lost suction mid-treatment and is no longer adhering to the skin?
- Leave it in place as residual suction is still therapeutic
- Re-pump or re-fire to restore negative pressure, or replace with a properly sealed cup (Correct answer)
- Press the cup firmly by hand to maintain contact
- End the session immediately as this signals equipment failure
Correct answer: Re-pump or re-fire to restore negative pressure, or replace with a properly sealed cup
Loss of suction means the therapeutic negative pressure is gone; the practitioner should restore suction by re-pumping (mechanical cup) or re-firing (fire cupping), or replace the cup.
Question 7: The minimum recommended interval between hijama sessions on the same body area is typically:
- 24 hours
- 3–4 weeks to allow tissue recovery (Correct answer)
- 1 week
- 48 hours
Correct answer: 3–4 weeks to allow tissue recovery
Most CHP guidelines recommend waiting at least 3–4 weeks between sessions on the same site to allow full tissue healing, particularly after wet hijama where incisions are made.
CHP Hijama Techniques & Procedures 3
Which cup size is MOST appropriate for cupping over small, bony, or contoured areas such as the face or joints?