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As the swimming The competitions begin in Paris Olympic GamesMany athletes around the world have dark circles on their bodies when they dive into the pool.
Michael Phelps was among the first great swimmers to have round circles on his back and legs, in 2016 when he was running.
Three years ago in Tokyo, Australian swimmer Kyle Chalmers was one of the athletes to bear the mark on his shoulders.
The marks come from cupping, an ancient therapy with roots in Asian and Middle Eastern cultures.
The scientific evidence for the benefits of cupping may be unclear, but it is believed to help relieve muscle tension and increase blood circulation.
Here’s everything you need to know about the treatment
What is suction cup?
Cupping is a type of therapy that involves creating suction on the skin using various tools, including plastic, ceramic, bamboo, or glass cups. Pressure is created inside the cup and the skin is pulled to promote blood flow to the area.
There is also “wet cupping,” where less suction is used, but then small incisions are made in the skin and a small amount of blood is drawn.
Where does the suction cup come from?
Cupping is popular in many cultures, including China, Egypt, and throughout the Middle East, and dates back thousands of years.
However, it has recently become popular due to its use by celebrities and athletes, who have influenced the use of this practice across the world.
Why does this leave a trace?
This practice is supposed to draw fluid to the area, and the dark spots are due to broken blood vessels just under the skin, similar to a bruise.
How did it become popular?
Cupping was in the spotlight at the 2016 Rio Olympics, when marks were spotted on Phelps’ back, legs and shoulders.
“I did cupping for a while before competitions,” Phelps said at the 2016 Games.
Does this have any scientific benefits?
Harvard Medical School The study says the evidence is too limited to draw a conclusion, largely because of the lack of placebo. It cites a 2015 study on cupping, but says “the quality of the evidence was too limited to draw firm conclusions.”
Although the study in question found that the practice might provide some relief from neck or back pain.