The treatment involves a negative pressure or suction being applied by a cup in order to create a vacuum to draw the toxins to the surface of the skin, then applying small, superficial scratches i.e. making small incisions to excrete the toxins out of the body.

Hijama cupping therapy removes blood and tissue fluids mixed with potentially harmful substances.

Therapeutic benefits of Hijama cupping is not related to the amount of blood drawn out but to the number of excreted toxins.