The Olympics are in full swing, and all eyes are on the athletes in Paris, France. Among the various sports, swimming has captured the attention of many spectators. With a whopping 854 athletes from 187 countries participating, the excitement is palpable.
But if you’ve been watching the swimming events closely, you may have noticed something unusual – the dark red circles on the swimmers’ backs. At first glance, it might appear as if they’ve been in a fight with an octopus and lost, but there’s actually a very different reason for these markings.
Cupping Therapy: An Ancient Healing Technique
These markings are a result of a therapy called cupping, an ancient healing technique that has been around for centuries. Cupping involves placing cups on the skin to create suction and increase blood flow to the area. This practice is believed to aid in muscle recovery and is often used as a deep tissue massage.
While cupping therapy has been known for a long time, it gained attention when some athletes were spotted with cupping therapy bruises at the Rio Olympics in 2016. Even today, many athletes swear by its effectiveness in improving their health and aiding in recovery.
Gymnast Alexander Naddour, who competed in the Rio Olympics, referred to cupping therapy as the “secret” to his health, claiming that it outperformed any other investment he had made. Basketball player Kyle Singler and numerous other athletes have also praised cupping therapy for its amazing benefits.
The Debate: Does Cupping Therapy Actually Work?
But does cupping therapy truly live up to the hype? According to experts, the jury is still out on this question. While some studies have indicated that cupping might provide relief for certain musculoskeletal and sports-related conditions, the evidence is limited. A recent review in 2022 found that wet cupping, which combines cups with bleeding, was effective for lower back pain.
Despite the intense bruises that can result from cupping, the therapy is generally considered safe. The only side effect reported is a pinching sensation during skin suction, with the occasional occurrence of skin infections. As long as the individuals being treated do not mind the circular discolorations, cupping is regarded 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 a subject of debate, many athletes swear by its benefits for muscle recovery and overall health.
