Olympic Cupping Therapy: Is It All in Their Heads?

Healthline—August 10, 2016

Healthline reports that athletes at this year's Olympic games are competing with marks on their bodies due to cupping. Cupping is an alternative therapeutic practice that involves suction and sometimes smoke. The purpose is to increase blood flow and nutrient supply to the muscles.

Jennifer Solomon, MD, physiatrist at Hospital for Special Surgery, said cupping appears to be this year's Olympic fad, just like Kinesio taping was in London.

"It's just one of those things," Dr. Solomon said. "Lots of my athletes use and love it. Others don't. Everyone responds differently."

To read the full article, please visit Healthline.com.