The Summer Olympics are just around the corner, and while athletes are gearing up to showcase their incredible skills, there's one ancient therapy that might be making a quiet comeback: cupping.
Remember the 2016 Rio Olympics? Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, sported those distinctive circular bruises, sparking curiosity and conversations about cupping therapy worldwide. Other athletes, including gymnast Alex Naddour and swimmer Natalie Coughlin, also openly embraced the practice.
Top Athletes to Watch:
Keep an eye out for these athletes who might be incorporating cupping into their training and recovery routines:
- Simone Biles (Gymnastics): As one of the most dominant gymnasts in history, Biles is always looking for ways to stay at the top of her game. Could cupping be part of her secret weapon?
- Katie Ledecky (Swimming): A distance freestyle specialist, Ledecky pushes her body to the limit. Cupping could help her manage muscle soreness and fatigue.
- Noah Lyles (Track and Field): As a sprinter, Lyles relies on explosive power and quick recovery. Cupping might be a tool he uses to maintain peak performance.
The Future of Cupping in Sports
Whether or not cupping becomes a mainstream recovery method in the athletic world remains to be seen. However, its growing popularity among Olympic athletes suggests that it's here to stay.
As research continues to explore the potential benefits of cupping, we may see even more athletes embracing this ancient therapy in the years to come.
While cupping's efficacy is still debated in the scientific community, many athletes swear by its benefits for pain relief, muscle recovery, and improved performance. The therapy involves placing heated glass cups on the skin, creating a vacuum that draws blood to the surface. This increased blood flow is believed to reduce inflammation, release muscle tension, and promote healing.