With the swimming event at the Paris 2024 Olympics underway, find out more about the popular ‘Cupping Therapy’, as fans and viewers make sense of swimmers having circles on their back
Cupping as an alternative recovery technique, dates back to ancient Middle Eastern, Chinese and Egyptian cultures.
What is the ‘Cupping Therapy’ in swimming explained, its benefits and why do swimmers at the 2024 Olympics have black circles on their backs
Egyptians first used cupping to treat pain, fever, vertigo and other illnesses, before passing it on to the Greeks, who spread it into the Chinese civilizations.
Over the years, it has gained popularity across the world.
Cupping therapy method explained
Cupping therapy is a healing method where a trained therapist places special cups on a person’s skin for several minutes. The cups generate a sort of suction which removes inflammation, and enhances immune capabilities. It also reduces pain and eliminates toxins. The cups are usually made of bamboo, ceramic, glass, silicone and plastic. The process is mainly practiced in Asia but across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America as well.
Types of cupping therapy
While there are four types of cupping, there are mainly two types of cupping – dry cupping and wet cupping. The dry cupping method involves a therapist applying cups to the skin after applying a layer of oil or lotion. The therapist will then squeeze them using his or her hands or a pump. The therapist can incorporate the use of a flame if he or she is using a glass cup. The process can break small blood vessels that create bruises but it generates the removal of harmful toxins and substances.
Meanwhile, the wet cupping therapy involves a therapist placing a cup on a person’s back for nearly three-five minutes. The therapist will remove the cup and use a small scalpel to create tiny cuts on the skin to draw out a small amount of blood. The process can take up to 10-15 minutes depending on the number of cups. Creating cuts allows the body to fight infections and generate natural pain relievers.
Reason behind Olympic swimmers having circles on their bodies
The reason behind Olympic swimmers having circles on their bodies is due to the cupping therapy process. The cups are layered on the skin long enough for the capillaries beneath the skin to break, which generates light pink to dark purple-like bruises. In the past Olympics, swimmers like Michael Phelps, Akira Namba and Kyle Chalmers have had the same bruises. The skin usually returns to normal after about 10 days’ time.
Cupping therapy benefits to swimmers
Cupping aids the swimmers in stretching and loosening their muscles as part of their training and recovery process by improving and generating better blood flow.
Side effects
Cupping has various side effects like bruises, burns, skin discomfort, as well as the potential for mild discomfort.