Michael Phelps shocked the world when he got in his swimsuit for his event in the Rio Olympics. The audience noticed red round marks on his shoulder and lower back while he prepared himself for the race. It drew the attention of many viewers, who kept wondering what must have caused it.

Not only Michael Phelps but many other athletes were spotted with such red marks during the Olympic Games. The red marks resulted from the ancient Chinese “Cupping Therapy”. Many people were not familiar with this method of pain relief until the Rio Olympics. Athletes during the Rio Olympics were spotted with Red circular marks on their bodies. 

This therapy is popular among athletes as well as a lot of Hollywood Celebrities. Celebrities like Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Aniston, and Brian Cage are vocal about using this therapy to relieve stress and pain.

What led these celebrities to use cupping?

Cupping is an ancient Chinese therapy method to relieve pain and stress in different parts of the body. Lately, medical practitioners have been using it to increase the blood flow in clotted regions, resulting in relief for any swelling or pain from the affected area.

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Cupping is done by using silicone cups that are placed on the skin. The suction pump creates a suction force that pulls the skin away from the muscles for 10 minutes. Though it might be slightly painful initially, some people find it pleasurable as it gives a feeling of a deep tissue massage. 

The process leaves some scars on the body as red circular spots, which heal within 4 to 7 days. In 2015, Michael posted an Instagram photo of himself on a massage table with several pressurized cups along the back of his thighs.

Is Cupping That Effective?

Cupping has received good reviews regarding its ability to relieve pain and stress. The reason for its popularity among Hollywood celebrities and athletes is that it hardly has any side effects. The procedure is relatively safe, with bruises and mild discomfort for a certain period being its only potential side effects.

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