WHAT IS THE MEANING BEHIND THE DARK, RED CIRCLES ON THE BODIES OF OLYMPIC ATHLETES

Many fans who are following Olympic Games sharing the same questions about the Olympic athletes. What is the meaning or reason behind the dark, red circles on the body of the athletes.

These circles are on the shoulders, back and other muscle groups of the athletes, and almost every athlete has them.

Wang Qun

Wang Qun during the swimming practice at the National Aquatics Center ahead of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, on August 4, 2008. | Source: Getty Images

In Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, Olympic swimmer Wang Qun was photographed with her swimming suit, and her body was open. She had these red circles all over her back.

Michael Phelps

Michael Phelps wins gold medal for the Men’s 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay Final at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 9, 2016. | Source: Getty Images

In the Men’s 4 x 200m Freestyle Relay at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Michael Phelps was also spotted with red circled shoulders.

Alexander Naddour

Alexander Naddouat during the Artistic Gymnastics Men’s Team qualification at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on August 6, 2016. | Source: Getty Images

American gymnast Alexander Naddour was also seen the red marks on his shoulders at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Ruta Meilutyte

Ruta Meilutyte competes in the Women’s 100m Breaststroke Semifinal during the swimming event at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on August 7, 2016. | Source: Getty Images

At the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, swimmer Rita Meilutyte was carrying the same red marks on her shoulders and back.

Other than actors, Jennifer Aniston also was spotted with these marks on her body, while she was present at the premiere of “Call Me Crazy” in Los Angeles in 2013.

Jennifer Aniston arrives at the World Premiere of The Lifetime Original Movie Event “Call Me Crazy: A Five Film” in West Hollywood, California, on April 16, 2013. | Source: Getty Images

But, What Are These Marks?

Blake Leeper has cupping therapy done by chiropractor Dr. Charley Fisher in Los Angeles, California, on May 13, 2021. | Source: Getty Images

The reason behind these marks is a therapy called cupping. The Chinese therapy method has been around for more than 2000 years. It is using for treating pain, muscle stiffness, and respiratory issues.

It is a simple procedure where with special cups, a suction is being created and then sealed. The suction pulls the skin and blood vessels, and that is the reason of red marks on the skin. This method is enhancing circulation and it also relaxing the muscle groups.

What do you think? Let us know.