If you watched the swimming competition in the Summer Olympics on Sunday, you probably noticed marks on Michael Phelps' arm and back as he swam for his 23th Olympic medal.
The marks on Phelps and others in competition in Rio stem from a form of alternative therapy called “cupping.”
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What is cupping?
Cupping therapy is a form of an alternative medicine practice in which cups are placed on the skin to create suction.
How does it work?
There are two types of traditional cupping – dry and wet.
In the method of dry cupping, a glass is set on fire, then after the fire goes out, the cup is place on a person’s skin. As the cup cools, a vacuum is created and the skin rises and blood vessels expand. The cup is left in place for about 10 minutes on the suctioned skin.
With wet cupping, the same method is used, but it is combined with "controlled medicinal bleeding" according to WebMD.
There is a third version that appears to be what was used at the Olympics, and that is the use of a rubber pump to create the vacuum inside the cup, with the cups being made of medical-grade silicone.
Why do it?
The British Cupping Society says cupping therapy can treat a variety of conditions, though there are no studies to prove the therapy works. According to the BCS, cupping therapy has been used to treat blood disorder, rheumatic diseases, migraines, fertility issues, high blood pressure, depression and other problems.
Many who undergo the treatment say they feel more relaxed and have a sense of well-being.
Any celebs endorse cupping?
There are several actors and actresses who swear by cupping. Those who say they use the treatment include David Arquette, Lena Dunham, Jessica Simpson, Victoria Beckham and Jennifer Aniston.
Any danger?
There doesn’t appear to be. However with wet cupping, you could get an infection at the site where “controlled medical bleeding" occurs.
Cupping leaves dark marks on the skin that lasts about a week. People who use the treatment say this is no pain involved with cupping. The British Cupping Society says pregnant or menstruating women, those with metastatic cancer, people with an ulcer, a suspected deep vein thrombosis or someone with a broken bone should not have the treatment.
Controversy?
Only in that there is no proof of its benefits.
