A recent study says there's a "strong genetic connection" between period pain and depression
In 2009, three-time Grand Slam champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Andy Murray revealed he used cupping in the run-up to successfully defending his Qatar Open title.
The earliest records of cupping therapy date back over 3,500 years to ancient Egypt. Cupping therapy was also practiced during the early Han dynasty in China.
In 2016, US gymnast Alexander Naddour told USA Today that cupping was "the secret" to his health. He added: "It's been better than any money I've spent on anything else."
While many athletes swear by cupping, the scientific benefits are much debated.
The reported benefits of cupping therapy include a reduction in pain and inflammation, a decrease in muscle tightness, improved blood flow, and an increased range of motion.
Most providers use glass or plastic cups, but may also use bamboo, ceramic, metal, or silicone varieties.
For the dry cupping method, the cups are heated with a flame and then applied to the skin. As they cool, the cups draw the skin inside.
The suction force from cupping expands and breaks open capillaries under the skin. The body is thought to replenish the cupped areas with healthier blood flow and stimulate healing at a cellular level.
Bleeding cupping involves using a needle to lightly puncture the skin before placing the cups. This is said to allow for the release of toxins through the blood captured in the cup.
Cupping isn't just for Olympic athletes! American actress Jennifer Aniston was spotted with faded cupping marks in 2016.
Cupping shouldn't cause you pain, but you may experience some skin tightness during the procedure. After cupping therapy, you may feel bruised and slightly sore.
Most people who use cupping use it to relieve conditions that cause pain. Cupping may ease symptoms of arthritis, back pain, asthma, carpal tunnel syndrome, and even gastrointestinal disorders.
Athletes want to ease the pain of overexertion, and, because of the doping regulations, this drug-free method to alleviate any discomfort is more than welcome.
Speaking at the time during the 2016 Games, Phelps said, "I've done cupping for a while before meets."
Cupping therapy is an ancient healing technique that is believed to ease pain. Cupping uses suction to draw blood to or away from specific areas of the body.
Michael Phelps was among the first swimmers to have the dark circles on his back and legs, way back during the 2016 Olympics.
On July 28, Italy's Nicolo Martinenghi won gold in the 100-meter breaststroke at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Eagle-eyed fans noticed a series of circular marks on his back, a telltale sign of cupping therapy.
The suction force from cupping will break capillaries under your skin and leave red, round marks that should fade in a week or two.
A modern approach to dry cupping involves using a suction device to remove air from the cups.
Studies have shown mixed results, with some suggesting minor improvements for neck or back pain, while others found no significant impact.
On average, providers use between three and five cups, but could use up to seven.
Running is like dry cupping, but before beginning the provider applies lotion or oil to the skin. The cups will then be moved in different directions over the body.
Cupping is a low-risk therapy, but you may experience bruising, headaches, nausea, fatigue, and burns from heated cups.
While there isn't a lot of research to back up claims of success, some believe cupping works for them. But while cupping doesn't carry a lot of risks, you should talk to a healthcare provider before trying any alternative therapy.
Sources: (Yahoo News) (The Independent) (Cleveland Clinic)
Pregnant people shouldn't undergo cupping therapy, as researchers know little about cupping's effects on pregnancy. You should also avoid the practice if you have anemia, a pacemaker, bleeding disorders, or blood clotting problems.
If you've had cupping therapy, call your healthcare provider if you experience burns, extreme pain or soreness, fever, or signs of a skin infection.
If you're thinking about trying cupping therapy, you might want to ask your healthcare provider if the treatment can help your specific symptoms or if there are any reasons why you shouldn't try cupping therapy.
According to the American Institute of Alternative Medicine, it's best to use cupping for musculoskeletal conditions and acupuncture for pain management, stress, and anxiety.
Acupuncturists, chiropractors, massage therapists, physiotherapists, and medical doctors can perform cupping therapy.
If you've been watching the Paris 2024 Olympics, particularly the swimming events, you may have noticed some of the athletes sporting dark circles on their bodies. For those who don't know, these marks are the result of cupping, an ancient therapy thought to help stimulate the chemical breakdown of toxins within the body, which is particularly attractive to Olympic athletes who need their muscles and tissues to heal quickly.
Curious to hear more about this alternative medicine practice? Click through the following gallery now.
Why do so many athletes have dark circles on their body?
There's a reason for these strange marks
HEALTH Alternative therapies
If you've been watching the Paris 2024 Olympics, particularly the swimming events, you may have noticed some of the athletes sporting dark circles on their bodies. For those who don't know, these marks are the result of cupping, an ancient therapy thought to help stimulate the chemical breakdown of toxins within the body, which is particularly attractive to Olympic athletes who need their muscles and tissues to heal quickly.
Curious to hear more about this alternative medicine practice? Click through the following gallery now.