If 19-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps does it for his health, then it’s gotta be good, right?
That’s what many are wondering after spotting cupping marks — those purplish circles — on the swimmer’s upper body poolside at the 2016 Olympics in Rio this week. Phelps also posted a shot of himself on Instagram being cupped last year
Phelps isn’t the only Olympic athlete sporting the circular purple markings. U.S. men’s gymnast Alex Naddour posted a recent selfie on Instagram showing a hint of cupping bruising. And some of his teammates have tried it, too.
Dr. Adam Perlman (executive director for Duke Integrative Medicine) said he first spotted an Olympic athlete with telltale cupping marks while watching the women’s gymnastic competition this past weekend with friends.
“I was pleasantly surprised to see cupping marks. It really speaks to this level of integration we’re seeing with many things that are considered complementary medicine,” said Perlman, who has tried cupping for back pain and said it gave him relief.
CBS NEWS
Aug 9, 2016
