“From stadiums to treatment centers… what drives players to cupping therapy like Cristiano and Benzema?”
Cupping therapy is popular among athletes worldwide for pain relief and performance enhancement, used by stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine, originating in ancient Egypt, China, and the Middle East. Ancient Egyptians used it to treat fever, pain, menstrual issues, and other ailments, according to the Ebers Papyrus from 1550 BCE.
Cupping involves placing special cups on the skin for a few minutes to create suction, which can either draw blood or stimulate circulation. Benefits include pain relief, reduced inflammation, relaxation, and deep tissue stimulation.
Two main types:
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Dry cupping: Suction only, no skin incision.
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Wet cupping: Involves minor skin incisions to draw a small amount of blood.
Traditional fire cupping uses heat to create suction, while modern cupping uses a rubber pump.
Famous athletes using cupping:
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Cristiano Ronaldo: Marks appeared on his neck and back during matches.
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Michael Phelps: Olympic swimmer using it before races.
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Karim Benzema: Shared cupping sessions on Instagram.
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Kylie Chalmers: Australian swimmer post-shoulder surgery.
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Alex Naddour: Olympic gymnast using cupping for injury and pain relief.
Benefits:
Pain reduction, improved blood flow, and decreased inflammation. May help skin conditions like acne or shingles, though evidence is not fully conclusive.
Cupping marks:
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Circular marks from pink to dark purple, fading within a few days.
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Common areas: back, chest, abdomen, buttocks.
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Less common: chin, crown of the head, thighs, neck, shoulders.
Avoid cupping if you have:
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Cancer, organ failure, blood clotting disorders, cardiovascular disease, infection, high cholesterol.
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Pregnant, menstruating, elderly, under 18, or on blood-thinning medication.
Regular health screening is one of the most important steps to maintain good health and detect diseases early. The essential medical checkups for every age help in preventing complications and ensuring a healthier life.
Many people, after doing medical tests, receive their results and immediately start looking at numbers and unfamiliar terms like (High – Low – Normal) without fully understanding what they actually mean.
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Choosing the right time to visit a doctor is not a random decision. It can directly affect how quickly a condition is diagnosed and how effective the treatment will be. Many people delay visiting a doctor or go at the wrong time, which may lead to worsening symptoms or delayed care.
