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Cupping Therapy Is Grabbing Headlines And Podiums In Rio

The Olympics are happening and Michael Phelps is causing headlines. The sky is also blue.

Phelps captured gold in the 4×100-meter freestyle relay, becoming the most decorated Olympian of all time. However, he is also causing some commotion because of huge dark red circular marks on his right shoulder. The bruises are the result of one of the newest healing and recovery trends for athletes: cupping therapy (which may be new for athletes but is an ancient practice in some cultures).

Cupping therapy treatment creates hyper-localized suction on an athlete’s body.