Michael Phelps, 31, with red welts on his back from cupping therapy. NBC There is limited research to back up the purported benefits of cupping.

Michael Phelps with visible cupping marks (Image via David Ramos/Getty Images) It was in 2016, that the bruised purple circles on Michael Phelps' back and shoulders became an Olympic moment.

Cupping therapy isn't new in many parts of the world., but the ancient Chinese practice only made it into the American mainstream a few years ago, thanks to Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps ...

When Michael Phelps made his debut at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, spectators noticed something unusual about the gold-medal-winning swimmer. ... Gymnast Alex Naddour with cupping marks.

Michael Phelps was among the first big swimmers to have the dark round circles on his back and legs, in 2016 when he raced. Advertisement. ... The marks come from cupping, ...

The marks are a result of cupping therapy – also famously seen on Michael Phelps during the Rio Olympics in 2016 (where he collected his 19th of 23 gold medal) – and on countless A-listers ...

Ever since Michael Phelps showed up to the 2016 Summer Olympics with circular bruises spanning his back, I’ve been fascinated by (see: terrified of) cupping.In reality, cupping isn’t quite so ...

Cupping is an alternative medicine therapy, similar to acupuncture and massage. The practice involves using cups, usually made of glass or plastic, placed on the skin to create suction, according ...

Cupping was in the spotlight in the 2016 Rio Olympics when the marks were spotted on Phelps’ back, legs and shoulders. “I’ve done cupping for a while before meets,” Phelps said during the ...