Explaining the Red Circles: Cupping Therapy and Its Role in Athletic Recovery

If you’ve watched the Olympic Games or seen photos of celebrities on the red carpet, you might have noticed strange red circles on their skin. These marks, which appear to be bruises, are actually the result of a therapeutic technique called cupping. Athletes like Michael Phelps and Jennifer Aniston have popularized the practice, but it has roots in ancient Chinese medicine, going back over 2,000 years.

At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, these distinctive red circles could be seen on several athletes as they prepared to compete. Fans, curious about the marks, may be surprised to learn that they are part of a recovery technique used by top performers across various sports.

The History of Cupping

Cupping therapy is an ancient practice that involves placing cups on the skin and creating suction. This suction increases blood flow to the area, promoting healing, muscle recovery, and even reducing inflammation. The dark red marks that cupping leaves behind are not bruises, but rather a result of blood being drawn to the surface of the skin.

Athletes have turned to cupping as a way to recover from intense training and competition. The therapy is used to relieve muscle tension, ease soreness, and improve circulation. While the science behind cupping is still being studied, those who use it report feeling significant benefits.

Michael Phelps and the Rise of Cupping in Sports

Cupping gained widespread attention during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, when photos of swimmer Michael Phelps with cupping marks went viral. Phelps, who became the most decorated Olympian of all time, credited cupping with helping him recover from his demanding training schedule. His use of cupping sparked a surge of interest in the therapy, with many athletes adopting it as part of their routine.

In the years since, cupping has been seen at multiple Olympic Games, including Tokyo 2020 and now Paris 2024. Gymnasts, swimmers, and even basketball players use the technique to keep their bodies in peak condition. It has also made its way into the world of celebrities, with stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston endorsing cupping as part of their wellness routines.