The Paris 2024 Olympics have officially begun, with a mesmerizing opening ceremony on the Seine River, featuring over 6,800 athletes from around the globe. But as these athletes compete, some curious viewers have noticed a peculiar phenomenon: dark red, circular marks on their bodies. These marks, commonly seen on swimmers, gymnasts, and other Olympians, have piqued the interest of many who wonder, “What are those spots?” The answer lies in an ancient therapy called cupping.
What Is Cupping Therapy?
Cupping therapy, a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, has been around for at least 2,000 years. This method involves placing special cups on the skin to create suction. The cups pull on the skin and underlying muscles, leaving behind temporary circular marks that can range from light pink to deep red or purple, depending on the duration and intensity of the session.
But cupping is more than just an interesting visual effect. The therapy is believed to provide several benefits, including muscle relaxation, pain relief, and increased blood circulation. For athletes, cupping has become a popular tool to help improve recovery times and performance levels.
The Benefits of Cupping for Athletes
So, why are so many top-tier athletes like Michael Phelps and Serena Williams sporting these cupping marks? The answer lies in the purported benefits that cupping offers:
1. Alleviates Muscle Soreness and Stiffness
Athletes push their bodies to the limit, often experiencing muscle soreness as a result. Cupping therapy is thought to reduce this soreness by increasing blood flow to targeted areas. This increased circulation helps to flush out lactic acid and other metabolic waste products, which can contribute to muscle stiffness and soreness.
2. Accelerates Recovery Time
For athletes competing in events like the Olympics, fast recovery is essential. Cupping can speed up the healing process by promoting blood flow, which allows nutrients to reach muscles more quickly. This is especially helpful for athletes who need to be at peak performance for multiple events over several days.
3. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation can be a significant hurdle for athletes. By improving blood flow and stimulating the body’s natural healing process, cupping therapy is thought to help reduce inflammation in overworked muscles and joints, making it easier for athletes to get back into training and competition.
4. Promotes Relaxation and Pain Relief
Much like massage, cupping is known for its relaxing effects. Many athletes report feeling looser and more relaxed after a cupping session, making it easier for them to perform. Additionally, cupping may trigger the release of endorphins—natural pain relievers produced by the body—helping to manage pain during intense training or competition.
The Origins and History of Cupping Therapy
While cupping has recently gained popularity among Western athletes and celebrities, it has deep historical roots. Originating in ancient China, cupping was traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, from muscle pain to respiratory issues. Over the centuries, cupping techniques have evolved, but the underlying principles have remained the same.
Cupping is now practiced worldwide, with different cultures embracing unique variations. For example, in traditional Chinese medicine, cupping is often combined with acupuncture for a more comprehensive healing approach.
Famous Athletes and Celebrities Who Use Cupping
Cupping therapy took the spotlight during the 2016 Rio Olympics when Michael Phelps was seen sporting the characteristic red circles on his shoulders. Phelps credited cupping with helping him recover and perform at his best. Since then, numerous athletes and public figures have embraced the practice.
Michael Phelps – Swimmer
Phelps first brought cupping into the mainstream when he showed off his marks during the Rio Olympics. As one of the most decorated Olympians, Phelps’s endorsement of cupping gave the therapy a significant boost in popularity.
Serena Williams – Tennis Player
Serena Williams, another world-renowned athlete, has spoken about the benefits of cupping for recovery. Williams uses the therapy to help relieve muscle soreness, allowing her to continue performing at an elite level.
Gwyneth Paltrow – Actress
Cupping has also found a following among Hollywood celebrities. Gwyneth Paltrow was spotted with cupping marks on the red carpet, bringing attention to the therapy’s benefits beyond the athletic world. Paltrow is a well-known advocate of holistic wellness, and her endorsement helped raise awareness of cupping.
How Does Cupping Work?
The principle behind cupping is fairly simple: suction created by the cups lifts the skin and underlying tissues, creating space for increased blood flow. Here’s a step-by-step look at how a typical cupping session works:
- Preparation: The practitioner places cups on the skin. These can be made of glass, silicone, or even bamboo.
- Suction Creation: Using either heat or an air pump, suction is created inside the cups. The skin is drawn up into the cup, which causes the blood vessels to expand.
- Treatment: The cups are left on the skin for 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the desired effect. This process draws blood to the surface, promoting circulation and creating the circular marks.
- Aftercare: Once the session is complete, the cups are removed. The marks usually fade within a few days, but the benefits can last longer.
Are There Risks Associated with Cupping?
While cupping is generally safe, it’s not without potential side effects. These may include:
- Skin Irritation: The suction can sometimes cause mild discomfort or itching. This is usually temporary.
- Bruising: The red or purple marks left behind are essentially bruises and can last for several days.
- Mild Pain: Some individuals may feel minor discomfort during or after the session, especially if it’s their first time.
Most people find that the benefits outweigh these minor inconveniences, but it’s always a good idea to consult a qualified practitioner before trying cupping therapy, particularly if you have sensitive skin or other health concerns.
The Future of Cupping Therapy in Sports
As more athletes and celebrities embrace cupping, it’s likely that we’ll continue to see this therapy grow in popularity. With advancements in sports science, cupping may become an even more integral part of athlete recovery programs. The ancient therapy’s ability to provide relief from pain and improve recovery times is invaluable in competitive sports, where even a slight edge can make a significant difference.
Conclusion: Cupping Therapy’s Ancient Wisdom for Modern Athletes
The red circles on Olympians’ bodies may seem strange at first, but they represent the powerful intersection of ancient healing and modern athletic performance. Cupping therapy offers athletes a natural way to enhance recovery, relieve muscle soreness, and perform at their best. Whether it’s Michael Phelps in the pool or Serena Williams on the court, cupping has proven its worth as a valuable tool in the world of sports and beyond.
As we continue to marvel at the feats of strength and endurance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, let’s also appreciate the centuries-old practices, like cupping, that help these athletes reach their peak performance. For now, the red circles are more than just marks—they’re symbols of resilience, tradition, and the ongoing pursuit of excellence.
