Sean Cate

Sean Cate

August 13, 2024

Olympians Spotted With ‘Cupping’ Marks On Their Bodies. Does It Work? Here’s What The Science Says

At recent Olympic games, you may have noticed athletes, particularly swimmers, with mysterious circular bruises on their bodies. These marks, which can appear red or purple, are not the result of a mishap but rather evidence of a centuries-old practice known as cupping therapy. But what is cupping, where did it come from, and does it actually work?

The Olympic Connection: Athletes and Cupping Therapy

Experts are still unsure of the full benefits of cupping therapy.
Credit: Getty Images

Cupping therapy gained widespread attention during the 2016 Rio Olympics when decorated swimmer Michael Phelps was seen with distinctive marks on his shoulders. The practice has since been adopted by numerous athletes across various sports, who believe it aids in muscle recovery and pain management. Swimmer Michael Phelps was one of the first to popularize cupping on the Olympic stage, and since then, it has become a common sight at international competitions.1

Athletes like gymnast Alexander Naddour and basketball player Kyle Singler have praised cupping for its benefits. Naddour, in particular, claimed that it was “better than any money I’ve spent on anything else,” emphasizing how it helped him maintain his health during the rigorous training for the Olympics. Despite its popularity among athletes, the question remains: does cupping therapy really work, or is it just another trend?

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What Is Cupping Therapy?

Credit: Micheal Phelps | Instagram

Cupping therapy is an ancient healing practice that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This suction is believed to improve blood flow, facilitate healing, and reduce muscle tension. The cups, traditionally made of glass or bamboo, can also be made of silicone or plastic in modern applications.2

The history of cupping dates back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. One of the oldest references to the practice is found in the Ebers Papyrus from 1550 B.C., where it was described as a treatment for various ailments, including fever, pain, and menstrual problems. Over the centuries, cupping has been used for a wide range of health issues, and it remains a popular form of alternative medicine today.

Types of Cupping Therapy

Cupping has a long history of usage for therapy
Credit: Pixabay

Cupping therapy comes in two main forms: dry cupping and wet cupping. Dry cupping involves placing the cups on the skin without any bloodletting, while wet cupping includes a process where small incisions are made on the skin before the cups are applied to draw out a small amount of blood.

Dry cupping is the most common method in the West and is often combined with massage, acupuncture, or other therapies. Wet cupping, on the other hand, is more invasive and is traditionally believed to remove toxins from the body. Other variations include flash cupping, where the cups are quickly placed and removed, and running cupping, which involves moving the cups across the skin to create a massage-like effect.

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Does Cupping Therapy Work?

Olympic swimmer after his race with cupping marks.
Credit: Getty Images

The effectiveness of cupping therapy is still a topic of debate in the scientific community. Some studies suggest that cupping may provide relief for certain conditions, such as musculoskeletal pain, but the quality of this evidence is often limited. For instance, a 2022 review found that wet cupping might be effective for treating lower back pain, but similar benefits have not been conclusively demonstrated for dry cupping.

Harvard Health reports that while some studies have found benefits of cupping for sports-related injuries and pain, the overall quality of the evidence is not strong enough to make definitive claims. The placebo effect—where patients experience perceived benefits due to their expectations rather than the treatment itself—could also play a significant role in the reported effectiveness of cupping.

The Science Behind Cupping

The skin is pulled by the change in temperature
Credit: Pexels

Despite its long history, the exact mechanisms behind cupping therapy remain unclear. The suction created by the cups is thought to increase blood flow to the affected area, which could promote healing and reduce muscle tension. Additionally, cupping might trigger the release of natural pain relievers in the body and stimulate the immune system, but these theories have yet to be fully validated by rigorous scientific studies.

One study suggested that cupping could work by altering pain signal processing in the body or by stimulating local inflammation, which then triggers a broader immune response.3 However, more high-quality research is needed to confirm these effects and understand how they might contribute to the healing process.

Conclusion: Should You Try Cupping?

Cup massage. Massage vacuum banks. Close-up of man lying with banks on his back in spa salon. Vacuum banks in treatment and cosmetology. Vacuum therapy.
Credit: Shutterstock

While cupping therapy is generally considered safe, especially when performed by a trained professional, its effectiveness remains uncertain. For those willing to try alternative therapies, cupping may offer some relief for muscle pain and tension. However, it should not replace conventional medical treatments, particularly for serious conditions.

As the practice continues to grow in popularity, especially among athletes, further research will hopefully shed more light on the true benefits—and limitations—of cupping therapy. Until then, those interested in trying cupping should approach it with an open mind but tempered expectations.

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Sources

  1. Real reason why Olympic athletes have dark red circles on their backs.” Unilad. Niamh Shackleton. July 30, 2024.
  2. Cupping Therapy and Its Benefits.” WebMD.  Rick Ansorge and  Kathryn Whitbourne
  3. What Is Cupping Therapy?.” Healthline.  Ashley Marcin and Crystal Hoshaw. July 13, 2023.