The sight of perfectly circular, reddish-purple marks on high-profile athletes has become a common spectacle. These symmetrical discolorations often appear on the backs, shoulders, and legs of competitors. The marks are not injuries, but the visible aftermath of a therapeutic technique used to aid in muscle recovery and performance enhancement. This practice is known as cupping therapy.
Identifying the Practice: Cupping Therapy
The circular marks are the signature of cupping therapy, an ancient healing method dating back to traditional Chinese and Egyptian medicine. This technique involves placing cups made of glass, plastic, or bamboo on the skin to create a vacuum effect. The suction draws the underlying skin and tissue into the cup, which practitioners believe promotes healing and reduces muscle tension.
Cupping therapy is classified into two main types: dry cupping and wet cupping. Dry cupping involves only the application of suction without breaking the skin and is typically used by athletes. Wet cupping is a more invasive process where small incisions are made before suction is applied to draw out a small amount of blood.
The Mechanics of the Marks
The appearance of these red circles is a direct consequence of the physical process of suction. When a cup is applied and a vacuum is created, the negative pressure pulls the skin, superficial fascia, and small blood vessels upward. This intense pulling force causes tiny blood vessels, known as capillaries, to rupture just beneath the skin.
The resulting discoloration is not a typical bruise, but rather a collection of blood drawn to the surface, medically termed petechiae or ecchymosis. The intensity and color of the mark, ranging from light pink to dark purple, depend on the amount of suction used and the degree of blood flow restriction. These marks are temporary, typically fading within a few days to two weeks as the body reabsorbs the pooled blood.
Reported Goals of Cupping Therapy
Athletes and practitioners use cupping therapy based on several claims related to improving physical recovery and performance. A primary goal is to reduce muscle soreness and stiffness, especially for athletes experiencing delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The suction is thought to help release tightness in the muscle and fascia, leading to improved flexibility and range of motion.
Enhanced Recovery and Circulation
The therapy is believed to accelerate recovery by increasing localized blood circulation to the treated area. This enhanced blood flow is proposed to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. It also helps flush out metabolic waste products.
Pain Reduction and Relaxation
Some practitioners suggest that the process helps to decrease pain by stimulating sensory receptors that may block pain signals. Athletes often report feeling a deep relaxation during the procedure. This calming effect on the central nervous system may aid in overall stress management.
Evaluating Effectiveness and Safety
The effectiveness of cupping therapy remains a topic with mixed results and ongoing research. Some systematic reviews suggest that cupping may offer short-term benefits for pain relief in conditions like chronic back and neck pain. However, many of the supportive studies are considered to be of low to moderate quality, and high-quality clinical evidence is often lacking.
A portion of the perceived benefit may be attributed to a placebo effect, where the patient’s expectation of relief contributes to the outcome. Dry cupping is generally considered low-risk. Potential adverse effects include temporary skin discoloration, minor skin irritation, and soreness. More serious risks are associated with wet cupping, which carries a risk of skin infection or scarring due to the incisions. Individuals taking blood thinners or having certain skin conditions are advised against the practice.