The Olympics are in full swing this year, with the world's attention on the athletes competing in a wide array of sports.
From archery and shooting to athletics and gymnastics, Paris, France, is currently hosting a spectacular display of athletic prowess.
One of the most popular sports to watch is swimming, with an impressive 854 athletes from 187 countries taking part this year.
However, if you’ve been watching the swimmers, you may have noticed some unusual dark red circles on their backs.
Though it might look as if they’ve been in a tussle with an octopus, these marks are actually the result of cupping therapy—a traditional healing technique where cups are placed on the skin to create suction, increasing blood flow to the area.
This unconventional method is believed to aid in muscle recovery and acts as a form of deep tissue massage.
Cupping therapy first gained widespread attention during the Rio Olympics in 2016, and it remains popular among athletes today.
Gymnast Alexander Naddour, speaking to USA Today in 2016, revealed that cupping was his "secret" to staying healthy, stating, “It’s been better than any money I’ve spent on anything else.”
Basketball player Kyle Singler has also endorsed cupping therapy, noting, “The bruises do look more intense than what they actually feel like, but the benefit from it is really great.” He told Sports Illustrated that while the benefits might not be immediate, over time, cupping helps with recovery and loosening tissue.
But what do experts say about cupping therapy’s effectiveness? The verdict is still uncertain.
Harvard Health reports that some studies suggest cupping might provide relief for various musculoskeletal and sports-related conditions, though the evidence is limited.
A 2022 review found that wet cupping, as opposed to dry cupping, could be effective for lower back pain.
Despite the dramatic bruises left by cupping, the therapy is generally considered safe, even though its effectiveness is still debated.
“Most experts agree that cupping is safe. As long as those treated don’t mind the circular discolorations (which fade over a number of days or weeks), side effects tend to be limited to the pinch experienced during skin suction,” Harvard Health notes.
Serious side effects are rare, though there have been occasional reports of skin infections.
So, there you have it—cupping therapy continues to make its mark, even if its benefits are still up for discussion.
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