Rio Olympics 2016 Trend: Cupping Marks Rampant in Most Athletes, Here's Why It Has Become A Sporting Practice

Chinese healing practices have long been effective for many generations. One of the weirdest ones that has circulated iof late is Cupping, which became famous during the Rio Olympics.

Cupping is traditionally done by heating up cups and putting it on the skin, along the meridians of the body as to create a vacuum as a way to stimulate the flow of energy. This is best to warm up the body of athletes and make them feel more alive and active. It is also a great help for easing pain, healing inflammation, driving better blood flow, greater relaxation and well-being. These are all possible because of the deep-tissue massage that is given out of the suction created by the hot glasses or cups.

The 5000-year old cupping therapy has been used around the world by different races. This is particularly done by getting the cups sterilized under high pressure and temperature. Basic massage or hydration is needed to be applied on the body or on the cupping site so that bruising is avoided. In case of wet cupping, the therapist needs to cover the area with antiseptic medication and suitable bandaging to ensure fast healing. Infections can be possible so this therapy technique should be done with caution for most people.

Some Rio Olympians were spotted to have have the cupping marks on their back and shoulders. The Olympians who used cupping explained that they needed to have the ancient therapy done because of its great effect on their recovery after every game. They assured people will not think that those are cigarette burns.

The marks do not look great so it is always best to do it and then dress up in a way that the circular marks are covered. Nonetheless, for the Olympians like swimmers, cupping marks are really hard to hide. For some it would appear unpleasant but as soon as more people get oriented about the marks, it will surely become a trend not just in sports but for those who undergo a lot of stress in the body as well.