What are those mysterious black marks on Michael Phelps’ back as he wins record 19th Olympic gold medal?
Most decorated Olympian ever was spotted with mysterious purple circles on his body in the pool in Rio before helping USA storm to 4x100m freestyle relay win
Phelps had a number of mysterious disc-shaped marks across his shoulders and legs.
And he is not alone, as various US athletes – including gymnasts and fellow swimmers – have been spotted sporting similar strange patterns in the two days of competition in Brazil so far.
Is the US camp suffering from an outbreak of extreme chicken pox? Or maybe even widespread tattoo removal?
We can reveal the marks are the end product of a healing technique called cupping.
Cupping is an ancient Chinese medicinal practice that involves placing heated glass cups on your skin.
The technique relies on suction to pull the skin back and loosen muscles and tendons, unlike a massage where they would be pressed.
Suction can be created using heat or mechanical devices such as electronic pumps.
For athletes, the idea is that the practice helps in recovery – which becomes even more important during an eight-day stretch when you might swim a dozen races.
It is not even supposed to be painful, with patients feeling a ‘pinch’ followed by hours of pain relief.
The only down side is the bruises, which can last for up to two or three weeks.
Doctors are divided on how effective cupping can be for athletes’ performance – with some claiming it may provide nothing more than a placebo effect.
Seems that they are just discovering what many here have known for ages :o)
so the black/purple marks are still mysterious? amazing :3
The "constant" figure is "three" that remains unchanged whether it is "three hours" which is hardly ever "advised" as it is just too less, or "three days" which is the most common, or "three weeks" which I get to read only sometimes and "three years" which is rare and has been "advised" so far.
Surprisingly, this phenomenon is not unique as it is used as an "advisory" figure at posts by someone else also. The connection between the two persons has evaded me so far.
It was "this change" which caught my attention.
I know what cupping is and got to learn of this method of treatment from posts at Qatar Living several months back.
Who cares to read here ........... ha ha ha ...........
acchabaccha : the article says 'The only down side is the bruises, which can last for up to two or three weeks'
There has now been a change in the time period. From "three days" its has gone to "three weeks."
After three weeks the marks will disappear ......... it will be normal , like nothing happened at all ..............
Miracles happen now and then.
muad-db: After quiet sometime, I got to read a sensible post from you.
The old remedies are still the best