What is the ruling on receiving cupping (bekam) treatment from a practitioner of the opposite sex?

Summary

Cupping treatment between opposite sexes is not permitted as long as the patient has the option of a practitioner of the same sex, based on the principle of blocking the means to harm (sadd al-zara’i). In Malaysia such options are plentiful, so necessity has not been reached. It is allowed only in urgent need with no alternative, on condition that a mahram, husband or trustworthy woman accompanies the patient, there is no seclusion, the practitioner views the awrah only as much as necessary and touches it through a barrier unless urgent need requires otherwise.

Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.