DHA Hijama (Cupping) Therapist exam questions

6 worked Hijama (Cupping) Therapist practice questions

Original exam-style questions from the bank, spread across the blueprint domains. They are not real or recalled exam questions. Try each one, then open the answer for the rationale and reference. None of them appear in the free mock exam, so reading them will not spoil it.

1. Question 1 · Applied Anatomy and Physiology

   The epidermis has no blood vessels. What does bleeding from a superficial hijama scratch indicate?

   1. AThe incision has reached deep muscle
   2. BThe incision has entered a major vein under the skin
   3. CThe epidermis itself is bleeding
   4. DThe incision has reached the vascular dermis
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: D. The incision has reached the vascular dermis

   Because the epidermis is avascular, bleeding shows the blade has reached the capillary-rich papillary dermis, which is the intended maximum depth. Deeper incisions increase bleeding, scarring and infection risk.

   Reference: Tortora and Derrickson, Principles of Anatomy and Physiology, 16th ed.

2. Question 2 · Client Assessment and Contraindications

   The planned cupping site has an infected, weeping rash. What should be done?

   1. AMake incisions to drain the rash
   2. BDo not cup over the affected area
   3. CApply strong suction to clean it
   4. DCover with oil and cup as usual
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: B. Do not cup over the affected area

   Broken or infected skin is a local contraindication because cupping can spread infection and delay healing. Incising infected skin is unsafe.

   Reference: Chirali, Traditional Chinese Medicine Cupping Therapy, 3rd ed.

3. Question 3 · Complications and First Aid

   During wet cupping, a client becomes pale, sweaty and dizzy, then briefly faints. What is the first action?

   1. ASit the client upright on a stool with head up
   2. BContinue the procedure quickly
   3. CLay the client flat and raise the legs
   4. DGive a large meal at once
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. Lay the client flat and raise the legs

   Vasovagal syncope is managed by stopping the procedure, laying the client flat and raising the legs, and monitoring recovery. Sitting upright prolongs reduced blood flow to the brain.

   Reference: Resuscitation Council UK Guidelines 2021

4. Question 4 · Complications and First Aid

   A client has had large raised scars that grew beyond previous small wounds. What is the safest approach to wet cupping?

   1. AMake deeper incisions to prevent scars
   2. BUse more incisions spaced closely
   3. CAvoid incisions because of keloid risk
   4. DProceed on the chest and shoulders
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: C. Avoid incisions because of keloid risk

   A history suggests keloid tendency, and incisions may cause new keloids, especially over the chest and shoulders. Deeper or more incisions increase the risk.

   Reference: Aboushanab and AlSanad, Cupping Therapy: An Overview from a Modern Medicine Perspective, J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2018

5. Question 5 · Ethics, Consent and Scope of Practice

   A client with type 2 diabetes asks if he can stop his prescribed tablets because he is now having hijama. What is the correct response?

   1. AAdvise him to stop the tablets gradually over a month
   2. BAdvise him not to change medicines without his doctor
   3. CTell him hijama replaces his medication
   4. DSay nothing and continue treatment
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: B. Advise him not to change medicines without his doctor

   Changing prescribed medication is outside the practitioner's scope and could cause harm; the client should discuss any change with his doctor. Claiming hijama replaces medication is an unsupported health claim.

   Reference: WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023

6. Question 6 · Ethics, Consent and Scope of Practice

   A client receiving chemotherapy asks for hijama instead of continuing treatment. What is the ethical response?

   1. AAgree that hijama can replace the chemotherapy
   2. BEncourage continuing oncology care; liaise with the team
   3. CPerform wet cupping at once without any discussion
   4. DAdvise stopping chemotherapy before starting cupping
   Show answer and explanation

   Correct answer: B. Encourage continuing oncology care; liaise with the team

   Practitioners must not discourage evidence-based treatment, and patients on chemotherapy may have low platelets and infection risk; any cupping should be discussed with the oncology team. Suggesting hijama replaces chemotherapy is unethical and dangerous.

   Reference: WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023