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.
Sending Belated Birthday Greetings: Expressing Your Good Wishes with a Personal Touch
Living in today’s world, it can be simple to forget about an important occasion like a loved one’s birthday. The fast-paced nature of life, unforeseen circumstances, or even just not remembering can cause us to miss out on commemorating an important day.
Although the birthday may have already passed, it’s never too late to make amends and show your sincerest belated wishes. In this article, we’ll explore how to express your feelings with truthfulness, personalization, and affection.
To begin, you must acknowledge that you missed their special day, but emphasize that it doesn’t diminish its importance in your heart. A heartfelt belated wish can mean just as much as an on-time one, so don’t let lateness prevent you from reaching out.
Think about what makes your relationship with the person unique and use those details to craft a thoughtful message that reflects your shared experiences, inside jokes, or precious memories. Adding a personal touch to your belated birthday wishes shows that you’ve taken the time to reflect on your bond and make your message special.
Choosing the right medium to convey your message is also essential. A handwritten letter or a carefully selected card can serve as tangible keepsakes, while a heartfelt video message adds a personal touch. The medium you select should align with your style and the recipient’s preferences.
Make sure your belated birthday wishes are genuine and express real regret for the delay. Let the person know that they matter to you and that you hold them dear, even if you didn’t acknowledge their special day on time. Your sincerity and the warmth of your words can help make up for the late wishes.
Turn your belated birthday wishes into an opportunity to highlight the positives. Celebrate their achievements, their impact on your life, or the joy they bring to those around them. Remind them of their significance and why they are so special to you. This positive reinforcement can turn a belated wish into a heartfelt celebration.
If possible, plan a special get-together or activity to compensate for the delay. This demonstrates your commitment to creating lasting memories, even if it’s slightly delayed. It shows that you’re willing to make amends and celebrate their special day in a memorable way.
A little bit of humor can also go a long way. Consider adding a well-placed joke or witty comment to your belated birthday wishes to make the person smile and lessen any disappointment from the late wishes. It shows that you can laugh at yourself, and the relationship is strong enough to handle a little lateness.
If you choose to send a gift along with your belated birthday wishes, think about the person’s interests and preferences. A thoughtful gift can show that you’ve put thought and effort into selecting something meaningful. Let this be an opportunity to make up for the late wishes and show that you care.
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