CHP Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CHP facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. The erector spinae muscle group, commonly targeted by back cupping, is innervated by: → Dorsal rami of spinal nerves throughout the vertebral column
2. How should a hijama practitioner handle a client's pre-treatment intake form that documents health history? → Keep it confidential under HIPAA-consistent protocols and secure storage
3. How does Hijama influence the nervous system? → It promotes relaxation and reduces stress.
4. What is the purpose of using smaller diameter cups on the face or neck compared to the back? → They conform better to the contoured anatomy of the face and neck
5. Which body location is referred to as 'Al-Kahil' in classical hijama texts and is considered one of the most recommended sites in Prophetic medicine? → The upper back between the shoulder blades
6. A patient with a pacemaker requests hijama on their upper back. What should the practitioner do? → Obtain written physician clearance before any treatment near the device
7. For lower back pain associated with kidney deficiency, Hijama is traditionally placed over which site? → The lumbar region at L2-L3 level (BL-23/GV-4 area)
8. Which mental health benefit is most commonly associated with hijama therapy in traditional and emerging research? → Reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms through endorphin release
9. Which PPE item is most critical when performing the scarification (lancet) phase of wet hijama? → Gloves
10. Dry cupping applied to the posterior neck is CONTRAINDICATED in clients with: → Diagnosed carotid artery disease or recent TIA
11. What material are modern hijama cups most commonly made from? → Transparent polycarbonate plastic
12. Why is it important to perform Hijama under professional supervision? → To ensure safety, effectiveness, and proper technique
13. At what temperature must an autoclave reach to achieve sterilization of hijama instruments using saturated steam? → 121°C (250°F)
14. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, cupping is believed to primarily affect which of the following? → The flow of Qi and Blood along meridians
15. What is the primary purpose of hygiene practices during Hijama therapy? → To prevent infections and ensure safety.
16. What is the effect of Hijama on muscle pain? → It helps relieve muscle pain and improves blood flow.
17. Which physiological mechanism is cited in modern research as potentially explaining the analgesic effect of cupping therapy? → Release of endorphins and activation of the gate control theory of pain
18. A client reports feeling lightheaded during a dry cupping session. The FIRST action should be: → Remove the cups and have the client lie flat
19. When correlating the Hijama shoulder point ('Hij wa Atab') with conventional anatomy, it primarily overlies which structure? → The trapezius muscle and upper thoracic paravertebral region (T1-T4)
20. Dry cupping is distinguished from wet cupping (hijama) in that dry cupping: → Does not involve any skin incision or blood extraction
21. Which of the following describes the 'pump cupping' (mechanical suction) method compared to fire cupping? → Pump cupping uses a hand-operated valve to create vacuum without heat, reducing burn risk
22. In a CHP practice context, 'scope creep' refers to: → Performing services beyond one's certified and legal scope of practice
23. What effect does Hijama have on blood pressure? → It decreases blood pressure.
24. The 'empty cup' technique in dry cupping refers to: → Light suction that lifts only superficial fascia
25. What is the role of mast cells in the tissue response to wet hijama scarification? → They release histamine triggering local vasodilation and increased vascular permeability
26. According to the 'nitric oxide theory' of cupping, how does suction applied to the skin contribute to therapeutic effects? → It stimulates nitric oxide release, promoting local vasodilation and increased blood flow
27. Single-use disposable lancets must be used in wet hijama primarily because: → They eliminate the risk of cross-contamination between clients
28. Which respiratory condition has some evidence supporting hijama as a complementary therapy to reduce symptom frequency? → Bronchial asthma
29. Which of the following is a clear sign that a hijama cup's one-way valve is compromised? → Suction is lost immediately after the pump is disconnected
30. When treating the upper back with wet cupping, which anatomical landmark helps the practitioner avoid the spine? → The spinous processes of the thoracic vertebrae