The International Olympic Committee prohibits the use of steroids or other sorts of medication. In the case of soreness, athletes aren’t even allowed to take an Ibuprofen, so some prefer to use alternative medicine to relieve some of the pain caused by the intense exercising. Cupping along homeopathy is one of the preferred methods.
- Cupping is not forbidden by the International Olympic Committee.
- Researchers believe that cupping is as effective as homeopathy.
- Gwyneth Paltrow is also a fan of the alternative method.
Michael Phelps, one of the best swimmers in the United States team, is a fan of cupping. A couple of days ago, when he emerged from the swimming pool covered in black bruises, the public started to focus its attention on this new alternative remedy.
Apart from Phelps, Alex Naddour, a member of the gymnastic team also had dotty marks on his back and limbs, signs that he is also an adept of cupping.
This alternative therapy originates from ancient China. Practitioners use glass cups in which a match or a flaming piece of paper is inserted, sucking the oxygen from the container. Afterward, the object is placed along key points of the body, the vacuum from the glass leaving bruises on the skin.
Cupping is believed to stimulate the energy flow inside the body. It’s also used in treating acne, muscle pain, anemia, bronchitis, and infertility.
While it sounds like the perfect universal treatment, most health specialists are skeptical of the beneficial effect of a suction cup.
Doctors in Europe used this method of treatment up until the 19th century. However, much like leeching, it was replaced by other types of medicine, leaving it in the shadows until the “natural movement” started unearthing unconventional medicine practices.
Due to the very strict guidelines imposed by the International Olympic Committee, athletes are left to search for alternative treatments for the back pains that arise from intense physical activity.
Some prefer homeopathy, others reiki, or ozone therapy, while some go for cupping. Doctors advise that not all the Olympian practices are healthy, so they recommend individuals to leave cupping for those who are prohibited from taking an Ibuprofen.
What do you think about the taste of alternative medicine?
Image source: Flickr
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