This year’s Olympics are now in full swing and it’s all eyes on the athletes.
From archery and shooting to athletics and gymnastics, there’s all kind of sports taking place across Paris, France, at the moment.
One fan-favorite sport to watch is the swimming, and this year there’s a whopping 854 athletes from 187 different countries competing.
But there’s a common theme you might have spotted with some of the swimmers and that’s the unusual dark red circles they have on their backs.
While it might look like they’ve had a fight with an octopus and lost, there’s a very different reason for the odd markings.
It turns out that the large spots are from cupping therapy – an ancient healing technique that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction and increase blood flow to the area.
The unconventional method is supposed to help with muscle recovery and is used as a type of deep tissue massage.
Some athletes were spotted with cupping therapy bruises back at the Rio Olympics in 2016, and it’s still seemingly popular now.
Gymnast Alexander Naddour told USA Today back in 2016 that cupping was supposedly the ‘secret’ to his health.
He added: “It’s been better than any money I’ve spent on anything else.”
Away from the Games, basketball player Kyle Singler has also praised cupping therapy.
“The bruises do look more intense than what they actually feel like, but the benefit from it is really great,” he previously insisted.
Singler continued to tell Sports Illustrated: “You’re not necessarily getting the immediate response that you might want but over time it does help with recovery and loosening tissue and stuff like that.”
But does cupping therapy actually work according to experts? It’s seems as if the jury’s still out.
According to Harvard Health, some studies have found that cupping might provide some relief for a number of musculoskeletal and sports-related conditions. The quality of this evidence was ‘limited’, however.
Elsewhere a 2022 review found that wet (as opposed to dry cupping) was effective for lower back pain.
While the bruises people get from cupping are pretty gnarly, the therapy is generally seen as safe to practice – even if people aren’t 100 percent on how affective it is.
“Most experts agree that cupping is safe. As long as those treated don’t mind the circular discolorations (which fade over a number of days or weeks), side effects tend to be limited to the pinch experienced during skin suction,” Harvard Health explains.
“It’s quite unusual that cupping causes any serious problems (though, rarely, skin infections have been reported).”
There you have it, folks.
Farewell to a Country Legend
Throughout his illustrious career, Alan Jackson has released several important albums that have solidified his status as a country music legend. Albums such as “Don’t Rock the Jukebox” (1991), “A Lot About Livin’ (And a Little ’bout Love)” (1992), and “Who I Am” (1994) have all produced multiple chart-topping singles.
With a voice that resonates with authenticity and lyrics that capture the essence of life, Jackson has been recognized with numerous awards, including Grammys, CMA Awards, and ACM Awards.
His remarkable talent has also earned him a well-deserved place in the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Despite his immense success, Jackson has been facing a personal challenge. Approximately three years ago, he revealed that he has been living with a degenerative nerve condition called Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease for the last decade.
This condition primarily affects the peripheral nerves in the arms and legs, leading to muscle weakness and decreased sensation. Symptoms often begin in the feet and legs, impacting mobility and causing difficulties with walking.
Despite these challenges, Jackson has remained resilient and determined to give his fans the performances they deserve.
To kick off this memorable tour, Alan Jackson will be taking the stage in Boston before heading to other cities like Kansas City, Fort Worth, and Orlando.
Tickets for these highly anticipated shows will go on sale on Friday, June 7th. This is a unique opportunity to witness a country music legend bid farewell to the stage, and fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early.
Country music legend Alan Jackson has made a surprising announcement: he will be embarking on what may be his final live tour. The Last Call: One More For the Road tour, which began in 2022, will continue through 2025, giving fans one last chance to see this iconic performer live on stage. With sold-out shows and packed crowds all across the country, this tour is not one to miss.
In an emotional Instagram post, Jackson expressed his excitement for the tour, saying, “Some of the best times are had right at last call, and this is one last call that you don’t want to miss!”
Known for his classic hits like “Chattahoochee” and “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” Jackson promises to deliver the songs that have defined his career and touched the hearts of millions of fans.
Don’t miss your last chance to experience the magic of Alan Jackson live in concert. Join him as he takes a final bow and celebrates a remarkable career that has left an indelible mark on the world of country music. Get ready for a night of music, memories, and an unforgettable farewell from a true country legend.
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