If you look closely at majority of athletes at Rio 2016 as they take over their field tracks or other competitions, you will discover red marks on different parts of bodies.
Such marks are not bruises and they are common in many athletes including some American Male gymnasts. Those marks are as a result of cupping therapy, a healing technique that is particular yen vogue among Olympics.
Cupping involves a cup attached to a pump, the cup is put on the Athletes skin and a suction cup is created. The technique is believed to increase blood flow and helps a person’s sore muscles heal.
The bruises (arks) from the cup can last up to a period of two to three weeks.
Cupping therapy dates back to ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern cultures. One of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, the Ebers Papyrus, describes how the ancient Egyptians were using cupping therapy in 1,550 B.C.
There are various types of cupping therapy, including dry cupping (suction only) and Wet cupping (combination of suction and controlled medicinal bleeding)