What is Cupping?
If you’re watching the Olympics, you may see some Olympians covered with large circular bruises on their bodies. You can see athletes like Michael Phelps covered with them. They’re not bruises though and are the by-product of the traditional Chinese medicine treatment known as “cupping”. This involves having hot suction cups applied to the skin for several minutes, leaving what appears to be a circular love bite on the surface, which can take over two weeks to fade. Athletes are using the treatment in an attempt to boost their performance. Cupping is claimed by its practitioners to treat muscular pain and joint pain. It seems to be working because Michael Phelps has already won 3 gold medals. Maybe cupping will be the next big trend in physical therapy.
