Facial Hijama® — the complete guide

Facial cupping is a non-invasive therapy that uses small, soft silicone or glass cups to create gentle suction on the skin of the face and neck. The negative pressure stimulates blood circulation, encourages lymphatic drainage, and activates the skin's own collagen and elastin production. Unlike body cupping, facial cupping uses very light suction and the cups are kept moving — they are never left stationary on the face.

Facial cupping is a broad term for any cupping therapy applied to the face. Facial Hijama® is a specific, trademarked technique created by Nasima Nahar in 2009 — the world's first formally structured facial hijama method. It combines the principles of traditional Islamic Hijama (wet cupping) with specialist facial anatomy knowledge, using superficial scratches rather than deep incisions, and follows a precise protocol developed over 17+ years of clinical practice. The name Facial Hijama® is a registered UK trademark (Classes 41 and 44) owned by Nasima Nahar.

When performed by a trained practitioner, facial cupping is considered safe for most people. The suction used on the face is significantly lighter than body cupping. There is no bruising with correctly performed facial cupping — the cups are kept in motion at all times. Contraindications include active acne breakouts, rosacea flare-ups, open wounds, recent cosmetic procedures (Botox, fillers, chemical peels), blood-thinning medications, and certain skin conditions. Always consult a qualified practitioner before your first treatment.

Correctly performed facial cupping should not leave marks or bruises. The cups are kept moving continuously and the suction is light. Temporary redness (erythema) may appear immediately after treatment as blood flow increases to the area — this typically fades within 30–60 minutes. Nasima Nahar's Facial Hijama® technique has a 17-year scar-free record, achieved through precise suction control and the use of superficial scratches rather than deep incisions.

Many clients notice an immediate improvement in skin brightness and reduced puffiness after their first session. For lasting results — improved firmness, reduced fine lines, clearer skin — a course of 4–6 sessions is typically recommended, spaced 1–2 weeks apart. Maintenance sessions every 4–6 weeks help sustain the results. Individual response varies depending on skin condition, age, and lifestyle factors.

Facial cupping can support a range of skin concerns including: dull or uneven skin tone, puffiness and fluid retention, fine lines and early signs of ageing, congested pores and mild acne, jaw tension and TMJ discomfort, sinus congestion, and rosacea (in its non-active phase). It is not a medical treatment and does not replace dermatological care for clinical skin conditions.

Yes. Nasima Nahar's Facial Hijama® Course is the world's first and only formally accredited training programme in this technique, accredited by the CMA (Complementary Medical Association) and IPHM. The course covers facial anatomy, the Facial Hijama® protocol, consultation and contraindication assessment, aftercare, infection control, and business setup. Students receive ongoing mentorship and supervised case study support. The course is available to practitioners in the UK and internationally.

Cupping therapy has been practised for thousands of years across ancient Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, and Islamic medical traditions. Traditional body cupping (Hijama) is referenced in Islamic medicine dating back to the 7th century. The application of cupping specifically to the face as a structured therapeutic modality is a modern development. Nasima Nahar pioneered Facial Hijama® in 2009 — creating the first formal protocol, training programme, and trademarked technique for facial cupping in the UK.

The negative pressure created by facial cups activates fibroblasts — the cells in the dermis responsible for producing collagen and elastin. When suction is applied, the skin is gently lifted, creating a mechanical stimulus that triggers the skin's repair response. Over a course of treatments, this leads to measurable improvements in skin firmness, elasticity, and the appearance of fine lines. The effect is cumulative — each session builds on the last.

Both facial cupping and gua sha are traditional therapies that improve circulation and lymphatic drainage in the face. Gua sha uses a smooth tool pressed and scraped along the skin, while facial cupping uses suction to lift the tissue. Cupping is generally considered more effective for deep lymphatic drainage and puffiness reduction, while gua sha is often preferred for sculpting and contouring. Many practitioners use both in combination. Facial Hijama® is distinct from both — it incorporates the Hijama (wet cupping) element with superficial scratches at specific facial points.

Facial Hijama® incorporates a wet cupping element — superficial scratches made at specific facial points — but it is not the same as traditional body wet cupping applied to the face. The scratches used in Facial Hijama® are extremely superficial (not deep incisions), the suction is much lighter than body hijama, and the protocol is specifically designed for the delicate anatomy of the face. This distinction is central to the 17-year scar-free record of Nasima Nahar's practice.

Facial cupping is not suitable for: people with active acne, open wounds, or broken skin on the face; those who have had Botox, fillers, or chemical peels within the past 4 weeks; people taking blood-thinning medications; those with a history of keloid scarring; pregnant women (first trimester); people with active rosacea flare-ups; or those with certain blood disorders. A full consultation is always conducted before treatment to assess suitability.

A full Facial Hijama® session with Nasima Nahar typically lasts 45–60 minutes, including consultation, preparation, treatment, and aftercare advice. Standalone facial cupping sessions (without the Hijama element) are typically 30–45 minutes. The first session is always longer as it includes a detailed health history and skin assessment.

Yes. Nasima Nahar's academy welcomes international students. The theory component of the course can be completed online, and the practical training day takes place in London. Many students travel from Europe, the Middle East, and beyond to train with Nasima. A dedicated international students page on the academy website provides full details of the process, including accommodation recommendations and travel guidance.