Ever wondered why Olympic athletes are covered in red round marks? If you were watching the 2024 Olympics, you might have noticed these peculiar circles on the skin of various athletes. These marks are not bruises or injuries, but a result of an ancient healing practice called cupping therapy. Let's explain what cupping therapy is and why it's become so popular among top athletes.
What is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that
has been around for thousands of years. It's widely believed that it enhances blood flow and promotes healing. The process involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. The most popular type of cupping is dry cupping. In dry cupping, the cups are simply placed on the skin to create suction.
How Cupping Works
The procedure begins with heating the air inside a glass or silicone cup. Once the cup is placed on the skin, the cooling air creates a vacuum, pulling the skin and underlying tissues upward. This suction increases blood flow to the area and can leave red or purple marks that last for several days. The marks are a sign of the therapy's effect and typically fade within a week.
Why Athletes Use Cupping Therapy
Athletes are always looking for ways to enhance their performance and speed up recovery. Cupping therapy has become a go-to solution for many, providing several key benefits:
- Muscle Recovery: Cupping helps in relieving muscle soreness and stiffness. The increased blood flow accelerates recovery by delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles.
- Pain Relief: Athletes use cupping to manage pain and reduce inflammation. The suction helps in releasing tight muscles and alleviating discomfort.
- Increased Blood Flow: By drawing more blood to the targeted area, cupping helps in healing injuries faster and improving overall muscle function.
Popularity Among Olympic Athletes
Cupping therapy gained significant attention during the 2016 Olympics when swimmer Michael Phelps was seen with the distinctive marks. Since then, many athletes have adopted the practice. At the 2024 Olympics, Italian swimmer Nicolo Martinenghi proudly displayed his cupping marks when he
won the 100m breaststroke. Other notable athletes who use cupping include gymnast
Alex Naddour and boxer
Floyd Mayweather. Their endorsements have brought more visibility to this ancient practice.
Conclusion
Cupping therapy has become a staple in the recovery routines of many Olympic athletes. Its popularity continues to grow as more athletes experience its benefits firsthand. While the scientific community remains divided on its efficacy, the anecdotal evidence from top athletes speaks volumes. Whether it’s for pain relief, muscle recovery, or overall well-being, cupping therapy is making its mark in the world of sports.
