MICHAEL Phelps has scored another gold medal at the Rio Olympics, but it’s the livid red marks on his skin that have got people talking.
The unbelievable body of the US swimmer is covered in painful circular red bruises which can also be seen on gymnast Alex Naddour, and sent social media into frenzied speculation.
Michael Phelps probably just fell asleep on his medals pic.twitter.com/IOzvGaJ0Dv
— Above Average (@AboveAverage) 8 August 2016
It looks like they’ve been pelted with a paint gun in some secret ritual for success, but the marks are as a result of an ancient Chinese practise called cupping.
This involves applying hot suction cups to the skin for several minutes and the marks can take two weeks to fade.
Phelps’s ripping torso has brought the technique back into the spot light but it was Gwyneth Paltrow who got people curious about the procedure in 2004.
Gwyneth loves a whacky beauty technique and was photographed covered in marks at a film premier.
Jennifer Aniston and Victoria Beckham quickly followed suit, so it must be a thing right?
What are the benefits?
Practitioners claim cupping can be used to treat a wide array of ailments from basic muscular pain to skin problems and even as an alternative to cancer treatments.
Athletes are increasingly turning to cupping to help them recover from injury faster because it is believed cupping helps muscle tissue repair, but there is very little evidence to prove it.
Alex Naddour told USA Today that the treatment “provides relief from the soreness and pounding that come from gymnastics.”
“That’s been the secret that I have had through this year that keeps me healthy. It’s been better than any money I’ve spent on anything else.”
“It has saved me from a lot of pain.”
How is it done?
Cupping is classed as a form of acupuncture and is done by lighting flammable liquid in a glass cup.
Once the flame goes out, the drop in temperature creates suction which sticks the cups to the body.
The suction pulls the skin away from the body and promotes blood flow – leaving red marks behind.
Where can I get it done?
Cupping should be carried out by a qualified practitioner, do your research before you book and go for a reputable clinic.