Phelps Taking Performance Enhancing Chinese Medicine?
After Michael Phelps snagged his 19th gold medal at the 4x100-meter men's relay on Sunday, extending his world record, everyone was wondering the same thing: what the heck were those brown spots on his back? Did he get groped by an octopus during his race? Did his mom have an affair with a leopard shark to improve his speed?
The marks are actually the result of cupping, a 5,000-year-old traditional Chinese therapy that involves using glass or plastic cups to apply heat and suction to meridian points on the body in order to boost circulation and restore qi. Phelps, and other US Olympians, have adopted the practice as a way to relieve muscle tension post-workout.
Michael Phelps is no stranger to homeopathic remedies
US gymnast Alex Naddour had reportedly tried every available recovery method from hot tubbing to cortisone shots, but to no avail. Then he found cupping. Says, Naddour, “That’s been the secret that I have had through this year that keeps me healthy. It’s been better than any money I’ve spent on anything else.”
Team captain Chris Brooks added, “You’re like. OK, I’m sore here. Throw a cup on, and your roommate will help you or you can do it yourself.”
Scientists have yet to nail down whether cupping is a miracle cure or total placebo (maybe you just feel better afterward because you're not having your flesh flambeed) but, whichever the case, it appears to be helping US athletes (at least mentally).
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