The Olympics are lighting up the world stage, bringing together the best athletes to compete in everything from archery and gymnastics to swimming. This year in Paris, the spotlight isn’t just on the athletes’ skills but also on something unexpected—dark red circles on their bodies.
If you’ve tuned into the swimming events, you may have done a double-take. What are those spots? Did an octopus attack them? Not quite.
Those mysterious marks are from cupping therapy, a traditional healing method that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This technique is believed to boost blood flow, help muscles recover, and even mimic the effects of a deep tissue massage.
Cupping therapy isn’t new. It grabbed headlines during the Rio Olympics in 2016 when athletes like gymnast Alexander Naddour swore by it. Naddour called it his “secret weapon” to staying fit, saying it was worth every penny. Basketball player Kyle Singler also backed the practice, admitting the marks look intense but raving about the long-term benefits.
But does it really work? Experts are divided.
Some studies suggest cupping could help with pain and sports recovery, though the evidence isn’t ironclad. A review in 2022 found that wet cupping might relieve lower back pain, while Harvard Health highlights its potential for easing muscle tension. The good news? It’s generally safe. The bad news? Those dramatic circular bruises stick around for days, even weeks.
Despite its questionable effectiveness, cupping therapy has earned a loyal following among athletes. Harvard Health reassures us that side effects are minimal, usually limited to some redness and the suction’s pinch. Serious issues like infections are rare.
So, whether it’s a performance booster or a placebo, cupping therapy has left its mark—quite literally—on the world of sports. Would you give it a try? Share this story with your friends and see if they’d be brave enough to sport the circles too!
