"Hijama" can be dangerous if not performed properly. According to Haji. Ya'acob, the following precautions should be followed:-
- No sexual intercourse 48 hours before the treatment is scheduled.
- Avoid food and drink, especially dairy products. One cup of Non-acidic herbal tea is permitted to help waken.
- A warm shower should be taken as close to the time of the procedure as practical.
- The tendency to become tired after "Hijama" and want to rest is common but resting must be avoided for at least the first few hours after the procedure. This is why we schedule all "Hijama" in the morning to avoid people from resting soon after the procedure and to make the fasting easier. Inactivity can result in the promotion of blood clotting, which is why resting is highly discouraged. In fact a half hour to one hour walk is highly recommended. The danger of clotting is rare but nonetheless possible. especially if falling asleep after the procedure.
- Red marks from the "Hijama" normally fade within a few days, depending on skin type. Do not scratch the cupped areas.
- The small shallow incisions necessary to extract the dead blood cells may take a few weeks to heal. In some cases faint tiny lines of scarring may persist.
