Martininghi, gold and again the (five) circles on the back: what cupping do Olympic swimmers like?

On the skin (for athletes). The designation with the five circles yes but on the body. The Olympics are coming up, there is swimming, and the question immediately arises: what are those marks? Bruises? Stains? It is a question that has come up every 4 years since 2016, since Michael PhelpsThe swimming master showed up in Rio with those ugly black circles on his shoulders, chest and stomach. He had them In Trinity In London, he had MartingueOur golden frog.

But then, are they of any use? Let us return to the question: What are they? This is a legitimate doubt that arises every four years. They are signs. CuppingIt is a practice borrowed from Chinese medicine, like acupuncture, which has no scientific basis, is not recognized by traditional medicine, and is part of those therapies that the World Health Organization defines as complementary therapies. Those who practice it claim that it has pain-relieving effects: technically, it is actually an analgesic treatment that reduces the perception of pain. It quickly releases muscle tension by applying pressure to the skin through glass (or disposable plastic) “cups”. The benefit would come from improved blood circulation in the treated areas, but no evidence has been provided of the effectiveness of the treatment.

It is a practice that has no major contraindications: so if it has only placebo effects or actually produces a slight relief, at least it does not cause problems, even if doctors warn that it can lead to consequences and not always minor ones: rupture of blood vessels, pain, hematomas, bleeding and infections. Many studies have been carried out, and the conclusion has been reached that the evidence is too weak to be certain of the benefit of this practice. Caution is required so that no one gets dazzled by the (Olympic) gold. Because the important thing is not the bruise.