The Olympics are in full swing, and all eyes are on the athletes. From archery and shooting to athletics and gymnastics, there are all kinds of sports taking place in Paris, France. One sport that has caught the attention of many is swimming. With a whopping 854 athletes from 187 different countries competing, it’s no wonder people are excited.
But if you’ve been watching the swimming events, you may have noticed something unusual – the dark red circles on the swimmers’ backs. It might look like they’ve been in a fight with an octopus and lost, but there’s actually a very different reason for these markings.
These marks are from a therapy called cupping, which is an ancient healing technique. Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction and increase blood flow to the area. It’s thought to help with muscle recovery and is used as a type of deep tissue massage.
Cupping therapy has been around for a long time, but it gained attention when some athletes were spotted with cupping therapy bruises at the Rio Olympics in 2016. It’s still popular among athletes today, with many claiming it helps improve their health and recovery.
Gymnast Alexander Naddour, who competed in the Rio Olympics, called cupping therapy the “secret” to his health. He said, “It’s been better than any money I’ve spent on anything else.” Other athletes, like basketball player Kyle Singler, have also praised cupping therapy for its benefits.
But does cupping therapy actually work? According to experts, the jury is still out. Some studies have found that cupping might provide relief for certain musculoskeletal and sports-related conditions, but the evidence is limited. A 2022 review found that wet cupping (using cups combined with bleeding) was effective for lower back pain.
While the bruises from cupping can look intense, the therapy is generally considered safe. Side effects are limited to the pinch experienced during skin suction, with occasional reports of skin infections. As long as the individuals being treated don’t mind the circular discolorations, cupping is seen as a safe practice.
In conclusion, cupping therapy is the reason behind the dark red circles on the backs of Olympic swimmers. While its effectiveness is still under debate, many athletes swear by its benefits for muscle recovery and overall health.
