“The most common side effect of cupping is bruising, often located directly where the cup is placed,” Stepp said. “However, bruising is not always present. How much pressure is utilized ...

These bruises are the result of cupping – an alternative therapy that involves suctioning the skin with cups. Swimming superstars such as USA’s Michael Phelps, Australia’s Kyle Chalmers and ...

“Cupping is a type of therapy originating from ... The only problem was those huge bruises, which made me look as though I’d been abducted by aliens. They didn’t necessarily hurt for that ...

An curved arrow pointing right. The large circular bruises Olympian Michael Phelps is donning on his back and shoulders are a result of cupping therapy — a controversial ancient Chinese therapy.

The cups are often placed on the back, neck and shoulders or the site of pain. Cupping may cause temporary bruising and soreness, depending on the degree of suction created by the vacuum and the ...