What is cupping: Why do swimmers have circles on their bodies at the Olympics?
THE Paris 2024 Olympics has kicked off with a bang as the world tunes in to this summer’s thrilling sporting spectacle.
And viewers of the swimming have noticed big circles on the bodies of those competing – but why is this?
Why do swimmers have circles on their bodies?
The circles that can be seen on the bodies of swimmers are bruises as a result of cupping.
Cupping is a type of massage therapy that involves suctioning the skin with cups.
The cups can be made from glass, bamboo, earthenware or silicone – and can be either wet or dry.
Pressure is created inside the cup, and the skin is pulled up to promote blood flow in the area of the body to which the cup has been applied.
It can be performed on any part of the body but swimmers usually have it done on their backs or shoulders.
The therapy is performed to relieve muscle tension, increase blood circulation, enhance the immune system and eliminate toxins in the body.
Due to the pressure and fluid build-up in the area, dark marks are left behind because of broken blood vessels.
The marks disappear five to 10 days after the therapy is performed.
American icon Michael Phelps brought the 3,000-year-old therapy to the mainstream during the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Does cupping actually work?
The British Cupping Society say that it can be used to treat:
- Blood disorders such as anemia and hemophilia
- Rheumatic diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia
- Fertility and gynecological disorders
- Skin problems such as eczema and acne
- High blood pressure
- Migraines
- Anxiety and depression
- Bronchial congestion caused by allergies and asthma
- Varicose veins
But there’s no research to back all of that up.
As a massage therapy, the treatment is effective in easing tense muscles.