The Olympics are in full swing this year, drawing worldwide attention to the athletes.
In Paris, France, a diverse array of sports, ranging from archery and shooting to athletics and gymnastics, are currently unfolding.
Among the crowd favorites is swimming, featuring an impressive 854 athletes from 187 different countries.
However, observant viewers may have noticed some swimmers sporting unusual dark red circles on their backs.
Although these marks might resemble the aftermath of an octopus encounter, their origin is quite different.
These distinctive spots are the result of cupping therapy, an ancient healing practice where cups are placed on the skin to create suction and enhance blood flow.
This unconventional technique aims to aid muscle recovery and functions similarly to a deep tissue massage.
Back in the 2016 Rio Olympics, some athletes were also seen with cupping therapy marks, indicating its sustained popularity.
Gymnast Alexander Naddour revealed to USA Today in 2016 that cupping was the ‘secret’ to his health.
He stated, “It’s been better than any money I’ve spent on anything else.”
Outside of the Olympics, basketball player Kyle Singler has also endorsed cupping therapy.
“The bruises do look more intense than what they actually feel like, but the benefit from it is really great,” he previously noted.
Singler further explained to Sports Illustrated, “You’re not necessarily getting the immediate response that you might want but over time it does help with recovery and loosening tissue and stuff like that.”
Experts, however, remain divided on the efficacy of cupping therapy.
Harvard Health notes that while some studies suggest cupping may offer relief for various musculoskeletal and sports-related conditions, the evidence is ‘limited’.
A 2022 review also found that wet cupping, in particular, was effective for alleviating lower back pain.
Despite the dramatic appearance of the bruises, cupping 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 explains.
“It’s quite unusual that cupping causes any serious problems (though, rarely, skin infections have been reported).”
So there you have it.