Ever wondered why so many Olympians including the celebrated swimmer Michael Phelps have dark red circles marked on their bodies.
Swimmers and gymnasts particularly those representing the United States are covered in these marks. The reason is an ancient medication called the cupping therapyâ€"more popularly known as Hijama in the sub-continent and middle east region.
The therapy involves placing a glass cup on a person’s body. The practitioner lights a flame on top of the cup which burns out oxygen and causes a vacuum. As a result the cup sticks to the skin and draws blood to thesurface causing these red marks which typically stay around for a few days.
Though the therapy has no scientifically proven benefits athletes claim it reduces body pain, the BBC reported.
Alex Naddour, a US gymnast told USA Today that money he spent on cupping therapy was "better than any money I've spent on anything else".
US gymnast Alex Naddour told USA Today that cupping was "better than any money I've spent on anything else".
"That's been the secret that I have had through this year that keeps me healthy," Naddour told the paper, adding that it had saved him from "a lot of pain".
The marks visible on Michael Phelps body got people talking on social with some guessing he might have fallen asleep on his medals.
Michael Phelps probably just fell asleep on his medals pic.twitter.com/IOzvGaJ0Dv
â€" Above Average (@AboveAverage) August 8, 2016
The cupping therapy is commonly called Hijama has been practiced my Muslims for centuries, with some reports claiming that it was the practice of the Prophet (P.b.u.h.).
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Picture source: bbc.co.uk, independent.co.uk
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