Some Olympic athletes have been seen with strange, round marks on their backs and shoulders. These marks aren’t from an octopus or some secret winning formula. They come from an old therapy that is gaining popularity again.
During the 2016 Rio Olympics, people noticed large purple spots on swimmer Michael Phelps’ back. The internet was full of guesses about what they could be. Some joked that he had fought a vacuum cleaner, while others wondered if he had fallen asleep on his medals. But Phelps wasn’t the only one with these marks. Other athletes, including gymnasts and swimmers, had them too.
In the 2024 Paris Olympics, the trend continued. US swimmer Katie Ledecky and Italian swimmer Nicolò Martinenghi were seen with the same spots. Many wondered if the marks had something to do with their success. The answer, however, was much simpler. The marks come from cupping therapy, an ancient technique believed to help with muscle recovery.
Cupping dates back to ancient Egypt and China. The process involves placing heated cups on the skin to create suction, which pulls blood to the surface. This is thought to help relieve muscle tension. Over time, different methods have developed, including dry cupping, wet cupping, fire cupping, and air cupping. Today, many athletes and celebrities use modern suction cups instead of fire or incisions. The marks usually fade within two weeks.
Former gymnast Alexander Naddour swears by cupping, saying it helped him recover from the stress of training. He once shared that it was the best investment he had ever made for his health. Other athletes, including Belarusian swimmer Pavel Sankovich, have posted about their positive experiences with cupping as well.
But does it really work? According to Dr. Michael Joyner from the Mayo Clinic, there is no strong scientific proof that cupping improves performance. However, he believes that if athletes feel a benefit and there are no risks, it makes sense for them to continue using it.
Cupping isn’t just for athletes. People also use it to relieve pain, breathing issues, and other discomforts. Celebrities like Justin Bieber, Kaley Cuoco, Jennifer Aniston, and Gwyneth Paltrow have also been seen with these marks.