Saudi Arabia – Complementary and Alternative Medicine

What types of complementary and alternative medicine are available in Saudi Arabia?

The CAM landscape in Saudi Arabia is both broad and expanding. Surveys show that traditional and complementary medicine use among the Saudi population has reached 75%, with religious healing, herbal remedies, and cupping therapy ranking as the most frequently chosen options. These three practices sit at the very core of the country’s CAM culture, shaped as much by Islamic heritage as by individual healthcare choices.

Cupping therapy (hijama) is arguably the most culturally prominent CAM practice in the Kingdom. Hijama occupies a distinguished place within Islamic tradition, regarded as a “Sunnah” — a practice endorsed by the Prophet Muhammad — and believed to confer both spiritual and physical benefits. Dry cupping and wet cupping (involving small incisions to draw blood) are both widely available from licensed clinics and practitioners throughout the country.

Acupuncture is formally licensed and readily accessible in Saudi Arabia, especially in major urban centres such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam. It is sought for pain relief, stress reduction, and the management of various chronic conditions. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture involves the careful insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and address conditions ranging from persistent pain to anxiety and digestive complaints.

Herbal medicine is among the most frequently used CAM approaches in the Kingdom and is firmly embedded in both folk tradition and day-to-day practice. A diverse selection of herbal preparations and remedies can be found in pharmacies, health stores, and traditional souks. Herbal medicines, food supplement products, and complementary medicine devices are all subject to oversight by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.

Chiropractic, osteopathy, and naturopathy are all officially licensed in Saudi Arabia and are found primarily in private clinics within major cities. These therapies enjoy particular popularity among the sizeable expatriate population and are broadly available to a standard comparable with other international metropolitan centres, though practitioners can be harder to find outside Riyadh and Jeddah.

Beyond the five licensed therapies, homeopathy, massage, reflexology, and mind-body disciplines such as yoga and meditation are accessible, especially at wellness centres that serve both local and international clients. Approval from the NCCAM is required for alternative medicine services including massage therapy, acupuncture, cupping, and homeopathy. It is worth noting that homeopathy does not fall within the five formally licensed therapies under the NCCAM framework, leaving its regulatory standing somewhat ambiguous. Expats interested in homeopathy should take particular care to independently verify a practitioner’s credentials.

Is complementary and alternative medicine regulated in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia operates a formal, government-supported regulatory system for CAM — a degree of official oversight that distinguishes it from many countries where CAM is largely governed by voluntary self-regulation or independent professional associations. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) functions as part of the Ministry of Health and was established by the Council of Ministers (Resolution 367-9-11-2009), serving as the national reference authority for all CAM activities in the country.

The NCCAM’s responsibilities span regulating practices, licensing practitioners and facilities, providing supervision, raising public awareness, conducting research and surveys, delivering training, and documenting complementary and traditional medicine. This approach bears some resemblance to the statutory regulation seen in countries such as the UK, where bodies like the General Chiropractic Council or General Osteopathic Council enforce professional standards — though Saudi Arabia’s NCCAM consolidates multiple disciplines under a single organisational umbrella.

A significant regulatory revision, known as the NCCAM Regulation – Second Edition, was issued by the Ministry of Health in 2019 and officially published in Um Al-Qura, the national gazette, on 20 December 2019, introducing binding new rules for CAM practice across the Kingdom.

Alongside the five currently licensed therapies — acupuncture, cupping therapy, naturopathy, osteopathy, and chiropractic — the NCCAM has the authority to add, remove, or suspend any CAM practice. Practising any form of CAM without first obtaining an NCCAM licence through professional classification, registration, and successful completion of any required assessments and examinations is strictly prohibited.

All licensed practitioners are obliged to adhere to the ethical guide for healthcare professions and must accumulate a specified number of continuing professional development hours as set out in the Professional Classification and Registration Guide.

The NCCAM reviews qualifications and classifications, and may require candidates to sit a licensing examination depending on their role. Facilities must also secure separate approvals. A practitioner cannot legally offer CAM services without both personal practitioner approval and facility approval being in place. Therapies falling outside the five licensed categories — such as homeopathy, reflexology, or energy healing — are not formally regulated under the NCCAM framework and therefore exist in a regulatory grey area. Expats considering such therapies should exercise heightened caution and independently verify any practitioner’s credentials.

For the most current regulatory requirements, consult the official NCCAM website at nccam.gov.sa and the Saudi Ministry of Health at moh.gov.sa. Licensing standards and rules are subject to change, so always confirm the latest requirements directly with the relevant authority before seeking or providing treatment.

Is CAM covered by health insurance or the public healthcare system in Saudi Arabia?

The vast majority of CAM services in Saudi Arabia are not funded through the public healthcare system. That said, certain private health insurance providers do extend coverage to CAM therapies including acupuncture and herbal medicine. This mirrors the situation in many other countries — in the UK and Australia, for instance, CAM is similarly excluded from state-funded healthcare, with coverage depending entirely on the terms of an individual’s private policy.

Expatriates residing in Saudi Arabia are typically enrolled in employer-sponsored private health insurance, which is compulsory under Saudi law for most employees in the private sector. The degree to which any given policy covers CAM therapies, however, differs considerably between insurers and plan levels. Some higher-tier international health insurance plans available to expats in the Kingdom do include provisions for acupuncture, chiropractic, and osteopathy, particularly when these are prescribed for a medically recognised condition such as chronic back pain. Cosmetic or general wellness treatments are considerably less likely to qualify for reimbursement.

No publicly available, standardised reimbursement thresholds for CAM therapies exist within Saudi Arabia’s cooperative health insurance framework. If you are moving to Saudi Arabia and anticipate using CAM services, carefully review your insurance policy documentation and speak directly with your insurer to establish which therapies are covered, under what circumstances, and whether prior authorisation or a referral from a conventional physician is necessary. The Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) provides further guidance on the relevant insurance frameworks.

How much does complementary and alternative medicine cost in Saudi Arabia?

The cost of CAM consultations and treatments in Saudi Arabia varies substantially depending on the therapy type, location, clinic setting (hospital-affiliated versus independent wellness centre), and the qualifications and background of the practitioner. Prices in Riyadh and Jeddah are generally higher than in smaller towns and cities, and internationally trained practitioners tend to charge more than those trained locally. The figures below are intended as a general guide only — always verify current pricing directly with practitioners or their clinics.

• Cupping therapy (hijama): Sessions at regulated clinics typically fall in the range of SAR 150 to SAR 400 per session, depending on whether dry or wet cupping is performed and the standard of the facility (as of 2024). Community-based clinics may charge lower fees.
• Acupuncture: Initial consultations at private clinics in major cities generally cost between SAR 200 and SAR 500, with follow-up sessions often priced at a reduced rate (as of 2024). Acupuncture departments within hospitals may apply different pricing structures.
• Chiropractic and osteopathy: These tend to be among the more expensive CAM options in Saudi Arabia, with sessions at well-established clinics in Riyadh or Jeddah typically ranging from SAR 300 to SAR 700 (as of 2024).
• Naturopathy and herbal medicine consultations: Fees span a wide range, from modest charges at local herbal medicine outlets through to higher-end fees at integrative health clinics.

CAM therapies in the Middle East are often more affordable than equivalent services in Western markets, partly because of the deep cultural familiarity with these practices and lower overall operating costs. Cupping therapy in particular benefits from a large pool of licensed practitioners and robust local demand, which helps maintain competitive pricing relative to Europe or North America.

Many clinics offer discounted packages for multiple sessions, which can meaningfully reduce the per-session cost. Always clarify whether an initial consultation fee is included in the treatment price or charged as a separate item. For the most accurate and current pricing, contact practitioners directly or consult the NCCAM’s register of licensed facilities.

How do I find a qualified CAM practitioner in Saudi Arabia?

Locating a properly licensed CAM practitioner in Saudi Arabia is more straightforward than in many other countries, given the NCCAM’s active oversight of both practitioners and approved facilities. The key lies in knowing where to look and what to verify before booking any treatment.

1. Check the NCCAM register: The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is the definitive official resource for confirming whether a practitioner or clinic holds a valid licence. Visit or contact the NCCAM website to verify licensing status before committing to any course of treatment.
2. Verify through the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS): The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties is the sole medical regulatory authority charged with registering and licensing physicians, dentists, and all healthcare professionals authorised to practise in Saudi Arabia. For CAM practitioners classified under health professions, the SCFHS Mumaris Plus portal at scfhs.org.sa enables you to search and confirm registrations.
3. Consult the Saudi Arabian Society of Hijama: The Saudi Arabian Society of Hijama is the principal professional body for hijama (cupping) practitioners in the Kingdom. Its website at hijamasociety.com offers information about hijama practice, a directory of registered practitioners, and a search tool to locate a practitioner near you.
4. Request a referral from your conventional doctor: Physicians and general practitioners based in hospitals are frequently well-informed about reputable licensed CAM clinics in their city. This route is especially helpful for identifying practitioners affiliated with integrative health units at major hospital facilities.
5. Use your employer’s approved healthcare network: Many large organisations operating in Saudi Arabia maintain lists of vetted healthcare providers under their employee insurance arrangements. CAM facilities registered with insurance providers will have satisfied additional assessment criteria.

Warning signs to be aware of: CAM services cannot legally be delivered without both individual practitioner approval and facility approval from the NCCAM — even massage therapy must be conducted by licensed staff in a certified venue. Exercise caution with practitioners operating from unlicensed premises, those unable to present a valid NCCAM classification card, or those who make exaggerated health claims. Unlicensed herbal products purchased outside regulated pharmacy settings also carry risks, since their quality and composition may not have been assessed by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA).

Are there traditional or indigenous medicine systems practised in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has a rich heritage of indigenous healing traditions that long predate modern biomedicine, and these continue to be deeply embedded in daily life alongside both conventional healthcare and imported CAM therapies. The three most culturally significant are religious healing, herbal medicine, and hijama (cupping therapy).

Religious and spiritual healing holds a distinctive place in Saudi society. Practices such as Ruqyah — the recitation of Quranic verses for healing purposes — are widely regarded as legitimate and are endorsed within Islamic tradition. Religious healing ranks among the most commonly used therapies in Saudi Arabia, and is viewed not as a substitute for medicine but as a complementary spiritual dimension that coexists naturally with conventional treatment. While the state does not formally regulate Ruqyah as a clinical therapy, the NCCAM acknowledges spiritual and religious healing within its published guidelines.

Hijama (wet and dry cupping) occupies the boundary between traditional practice and formally regulated healthcare in Saudi Arabia. As noted elsewhere, it is one of the five officially licensed CAM therapies under the NCCAM framework. Hijama — also referred to as wet cupping therapy — is a centuries-old practice used to encourage healing and wellbeing, involving the application of suction to targeted points on the body followed by small, controlled incisions to remove a limited quantity of stagnant blood and impurities. Its incorporation into the formal regulatory structure is a noteworthy aspect of Saudi healthcare policy.

Herbal medicine draws on a tradition spanning centuries of using both locally grown and imported botanical remedies. Herbal preparations are sold widely in traditional souks and licensed pharmacies alike, and some practitioners blend classical Islamic medicine — known as Tibb al-Nabawi, or Prophetic Medicine — with contemporary herbal approaches. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority regulates herbal medicines and food supplement products; however, items sold through informal market channels may not have been evaluated for safety or quality. Expats should take care when purchasing unbranded or market-sourced herbal products.

Unani medicine — a system of traditional Greco-Arab healing widely practised across South Asia — is also present in Saudi Arabia, in part due to the country’s substantial South Asian expatriate community. Hijama, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Unani medicine all feature among the practices commonly used in Saudi Arabia. Unani is not included among the five formally licensed CAM therapies under the NCCAM but remains available from practitioners serving primarily the expatriate community.

What should expats know about using CAM alongside conventional medicine in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia’s healthcare system is increasingly moving towards the integration of CAM within mainstream medical practice, a direction actively encouraged by government policy and the health sector reforms embedded within Vision 2030. There is a growing commitment within Saudi healthcare to bringing CAM and conventional medicine closer together. Some hospitals and healthcare facilities now offer CAM services alongside standard clinical care, and certain medical schools have begun incorporating CAM-related coursework to help future healthcare professionals understand and appropriately integrate these practices into treatment plans.

In practical terms, this means that at larger hospitals — particularly those in Riyadh and Jeddah — you may encounter integrative health departments or dedicated CAM clinics operating within the same institution as conventional medical services. Saudi doctors’ familiarity and openness to discussing CAM varies: hospital-based physicians in major cities tend to be better acquainted with the regulated CAM environment than practitioners in more rural settings. Regardless of where you seek treatment, it is always advisable to disclose any CAM therapies you are using to your conventional healthcare provider, especially if you are taking prescription medications.

Herb-drug interactions represent a genuine patient safety concern. Several herbal remedies popular in Saudi Arabia — including black seed (Nigella sativa), which carries particular cultural significance — are known to interact with anticoagulant drugs, antidiabetic agents, and other pharmaceutical treatments. Always tell your conventional healthcare provider about any herbal supplements or CAM treatments you are using, both before initiating and throughout your course of treatment.

The NCCAM Practice Guide sets out the requirements for each licensed therapy along with prohibitions applying to both practitioners and facilities. These include a Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, rules governing medical advertising, and requirements around medical equipment, all designed to ensure safe care within licensed CAM settings.

For consumer guidance on safe use of CAM products, visit the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA), which publishes information for the public on herbal and complementary medicine products. For broader questions about healthcare integration, the Ministry of Health and the NCCAM are the primary official points of reference. As with any healthcare matter, regulations and guidelines may change — always confirm current information directly with the relevant authority.

Frequently asked questions about CAM in Saudi Arabia

Is it legal to practise or receive complementary medicine in Saudi Arabia?

Yes, CAM is lawful in Saudi Arabia, but exclusively within the formal regulatory framework. Practising any form of complementary and alternative medicine without first securing an NCCAM licence — obtained through professional classification, registration, and successful completion of required assessments — is prohibited. As a patient, you personally face no legal risk from receiving CAM treatment, but you should satisfy yourself that both the practitioner and the facility you attend are properly licensed by the NCCAM.

How do I check whether a CAM practitioner is licensed in Saudi Arabia?

You can confirm a practitioner’s licensing status via the NCCAM website and through the SCFHS Mumaris Plus portal, which enables credential verification for registered health professionals in Saudi Arabia. Before proceeding with any treatment, always request to see the practitioner’s valid NCCAM classification card.

Can I find CAM practitioners who speak languages other than Arabic in Saudi Arabia?

Yes — this is especially true in Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Eastern Province, where large and diverse expatriate communities reside and work. Numerous CAM clinics cater specifically to an international clientele and employ practitioners fluent in English and other languages. Seeking personal recommendations through your employer, the HR department at your organisation, or established expat community networks is among the most dependable ways to identify practitioners who can communicate in your preferred language.

Is homeopathy available and regulated in Saudi Arabia?

Homeopathy is available in Saudi Arabia, largely through private clinics that cater to the expatriate community. However, it is not among the five therapies formally licensed under the NCCAM framework, which covers acupuncture, cupping, chiropractic, osteopathy, and naturopathy. As a result, its regulatory standing is less clearly defined. Anyone considering homeopathic treatment should take particular care to verify the practitioner’s qualifications and confirm the clinic’s registration status before going ahead.

Will my private health insurance cover CAM in Saudi Arabia?

Most CAM services fall outside the scope of Saudi Arabia’s public healthcare system. Some private health insurance providers, however, do extend cover to therapies such as acupuncture and herbal medicine. The extent of coverage varies considerably between insurers and plan tiers. Carefully review your policy documents and speak directly with your insurer to establish precisely what is covered and under what conditions. The Council of Cooperative Health Insurance (CCHI) can provide further context on the broader insurance regulatory framework.

Is cupping therapy (hijama) safe to try as an expat?

Hijama carried out by a licensed practitioner in a properly regulated facility is considered safe for most individuals. The NCCAM provides accredited training for practitioners as part of its role in maintaining standards and promoting safe cupping practice. The risks rise considerably when the procedure is performed by unlicensed individuals or in unregulated environments. Always ensure your practitioner holds a valid NCCAM licence, and advise your doctor if you are taking blood-thinning medication or have a blood disorder before undergoing wet cupping.

Are herbal products bought in Saudi markets safe?

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority regulates herbal medicines and food supplement products. However, goods sold through informal souks or from street vendors may never have been submitted for SFDA assessment or quality testing. For your safety, purchase herbal products exclusively from licensed pharmacies or authorised retailers stocking SFDA-approved items. Always disclose any herbal supplements to your conventional doctor, as some are known to interact with prescription medications.

How does Saudi Arabia’s CAM regulation compare with other countries?

Saudi Arabia’s regulatory approach is relatively strong by regional standards. The national framework sets a benchmark for the minimum standards and requirements necessary to govern CAM practices, particularly across Middle Eastern countries. It bears comparison with statutory regulation in certain European nations, where specified CAM therapies are overseen by government-backed bodies that impose licensing requirements and continuing professional development obligations. In contrast, many countries around the world rely primarily on voluntary self-regulation through professional associations, with minimal government enforcement.