Olympic Athletes and Cupping: Does It Work?

By Ali Skahan • August 12, 2016

If you've been watching the summer games, you may have noticed some of the athletes, specifically swimmers, sporting some polka-dotted skin. These marks are actually bruises, resulting from a Chinese medicine therapy known as "cupping," that is said to increase blood supply to a specific area. While athletes are using it in recovery to help heal sore, tired muscles, Dr. Michael Joyner of Mayo Clinic says there is no evidence if cupping actually works. Mayo Clinic experts say if an athlete wants to try cupping, he or she should talk to a specialist who is well-versed in the practice. To read more about this new trend, click here.

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Olympic Athletes and Cupping: Does It Work?
Olympic Athletes and Cupping: Does It Work? | Mayo Clinic Connect
If you've been watching the summer games, you may have noticed some of the athletes, specifically swimmers, sporting some polka-dotted skin.