The short answer
Dry cupping uses suction only and takes about 30 minutes; wet cupping (hijama) adds a few small, sterile skin marks so a little blood is drawn into the cup, and takes 40–50 minutes. At Avni Wellness, Sector 49, Noida, dry cupping is ₹600; hijama is offered only after a free consultation. Results vary.
Same cups, two different approaches
Cupping has become popular in Noida, and so have the questions. The most common one we hear: “What is the difference between dry cupping and wet cupping, or hijama?” Both use cups and suction. The difference lies in one extra step, and in who each one may suit.
What is dry cupping?
In dry cupping, cups are placed on the skin and a gentle vacuum lifts the tissue beneath. The cups stay in place for a few minutes, or glide slowly over oiled skin. There are no cuts. Many people describe it as a deep, slow stretch. It is our usual starting point for back, neck and shoulder stiffness. Learn more on our cupping therapy page.
What is wet cupping (hijama)?
Hijama begins with a short round of dry cupping. The therapist then makes a few very small, shallow marks on the skin with a sterile single-use blade and reapplies the cup, drawing a small amount of blood into it. The area is cleaned and covered if needed. At Avni Wellness, hijama is offered only after a consultation and with your consent. See our hijama in Noida page for our standards.
Dry vs wet cupping at a glance
| Dry cupping | Wet cupping (hijama) | |
|---|---|---|
| Skin marks | Round suction marks only | Suction marks plus a few tiny surface marks |
| Session time | About 30 minutes | About 40–50 minutes |
| Feels like | Firm pulling or stretching | Same, plus a brief light scratch |
| Aftercare | Drink water, avoid very hot showers that day | Same, plus keep marks clean and dry for 24 hours |
| Fee at Avni Wellness | ₹600 | Shared after consultation |
| Who decides | You and your therapist, together, after a free assessment | |
Which one may suit you?
Dry cupping may suit you if
- You are new to cupping and want a gentle start
- Your main complaint is muscle stiffness from desk work, travel or workouts
- You prefer a therapy with no skin marks beyond the round suction marks
Hijama may be discussed if
- You have long-standing stiffness and have tried dry cupping before
- You have had hijama elsewhere and found it helpful
- You have no conditions that make it unsuitable (see below)
We often combine cupping with acupressure for a fuller session. Results vary from person to person, and cupping works alongside medical care, never in place of it.
Hygiene: the question to ask any clinic
Whichever type you choose, ask how the clinic handles hygiene. At our clinic, cups and blades are single-use and opened in front of you, the skin is cleaned before and after, the therapist wears fresh gloves, and every session takes place in a private room.
Who should avoid cupping, especially hijama?
Please speak to us, and to your doctor, first if you are pregnant, menstruating (for hijama), have a bleeding disorder or anaemia, take blood-thinning medication, have diabetes, skin infections, broken skin, varicose veins, recent surgery, a fever, or a heart condition.
Which therapy may suit you
Explore cupping at our clinic
Every plan starts with a free assessment.
Dry cupping · 30 min · ₹600
Gentle suction that lifts and stretches tight tissue.
Learn moreHijama (wet cupping) · 40–50 min
Offered only after consultation and with your consent, using sterile single-use blades.
Learn moreAcupressure · 40 min · ₹500
Firm, steady pressure on chosen points, fully clothed and without needles.
Learn moreYour safety first
When to consult your doctor first
Therapy is not a substitute for medical care. Please see a doctor before booking any session if you have:
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs
- New difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels
- Pain after a fall, accident or other trauma
- Fever, unexplained weight loss, or severe pain at night
If you are unsure, call us on 93116 93955 and we will guide you honestly, even if that means seeing a doctor first.
Common questions
Dry vs wet cupping: your questions
Dry cupping uses suction only, with no cuts. Wet cupping, or hijama, adds a few small, shallow skin marks made with a sterile single-use blade so that a small amount of blood is drawn into the cup. Dry cupping takes about 30 minutes; hijama about 40–50 minutes.
Dono ka apna istemaal hai. Zyadatar logon ke liye dry cupping ek aasaan aur gentle shuruaat hai, kyunki isme koi cut nahi hota. Hijama sirf consultation aur aapki marzi ke baad hi kiya jaata hai. Hum assessment ke baad hi batate hain ki aapke liye kya sahi ho sakta hai.
There is no simple answer, and research on both is still limited. Some people prefer hijama, while many find dry cupping enough for muscle stiffness. We recommend one only after understanding your condition.
When done with sterile, single-use cups and blades by a trained therapist, after screening, hijama is generally well tolerated. It is not suitable for people who are pregnant, have bleeding disorders or anaemia, take blood thinners, or have certain other conditions.
Dry cupping is ₹600 per session. The fee for hijama is shared after the consultation. Your first consultation is free.
Yes. Both leave round marks from suction that usually fade within a few days to a week. Hijama also leaves a few tiny surface marks that should be kept clean and dry for 24 hours.
Not sure which cupping is right for you?
Book your free first consultation. We explain both options honestly and suggest what may suit you, or another therapy altogether. Open all 7 days, 9:30 AM to 8 PM.
Also reachable on 74281 10065 · Ground Floor, D-14, D Block, Baraula, Sector 49, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201304 · Contact page