Latest news with #cuppingtherapy
The Sun
09-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Why does Ben Shelton have red marks on his arms?
BEN Shelton came from a set down to defeat Lorenzo Sonego and reach the Wimbledon quarter-finals for the first time. But during the match fans noticed some big red marks on the arms of America's world No. 10 — here's everything you need to know about them. 3 Wearing his trademark tank top for the round four Wimbledon 2025 clash with Lorenzo Sonego, strange dark red and purple patches could be seen on Ben Shelton 's arms and body during the contest. These circular marks are the result of cupping therapy — an ancient healing technique that has become increasingly popular among athletes seeking natural ways to enhance recovery, manage pain and improve performance. The distinctive round, reddish-purple marks left on the skin are a hallmark of the practice. They are caused by the suction effect of the cups breaking tiny blood vessels — known as capillaries — just under the skin's surface. What is cupping therapy? Cupping involves placing glass, plastic or silicone cups on the skin and creating a vacuum by either heating the air inside the cup or using a mechanical pump. This suction pulls the skin and underlying tissue upward, which expands blood vessels and increases blood flow to the area. It also stretches fascia — a type of connective tissue found throughout the body, which is primarily made from collagen — and helps to release muscle knots and tension, stimulates the immune system. It does this by creating a mild, localised inflammatory response, which can promote healing and draw impurities to the surface, making it easier for the body to eliminate them. Why do people use cupping therapy? Cupping therapy has a long history, rooted in the traditional medicine of Chinese, Egyptian and Middle Eastern cultures. The Ebers Papyrus — one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world from 1550 BC — describes how the ancient Egyptians used cupping therapy for treating fever, pain, vertigo, menstrual problems and other ailments. BBC pundit left red-faced as Wimbledon star Ben Shelton corrects her embarrassing blunder live on TV Today, the healing practice is widely used by athletes and non-athletes alike for several reasons. Healing Cupping is commonly sought for its ability to reduce muscle pain and tension. The suction increases blood flow to targeted areas, helping to alleviate soreness and promote faster recovery from injuries or strenuous activity. Enhanced circulation is another benefit — by drawing blood to the surface, cupping improves local circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to tissues and accelerating the healing process. 3 Improved blood flow aids in flushing out metabolic waste and toxins from the tissues, which is believed to support the body's natural detoxification processes. Relaxation and stress reduction The therapy can have a calming effect on the nervous system. It helps to reduce stress and promote a sense of relaxation similar to a deep tissue massage. This is why many non-athletes also enjoy the practice recreationally. Muscle recovery Cupping speeds up muscle recovery after intense training sessions. The increased circulation helps repair micro-tears and reduce inflammation. By loosening tight muscles and connective tissues, cupping can increase range of motion and decrease stiffness as well.
News.com.au
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Fans stunned by large red marks on American tennis star Ben Shelton at Wimbledon
Tennis fans couldn't help but notice large red marks on the arm of Ben Shelton. The American wore his trademark tank top for a Wimbledon clash with Lorenzo Sonego. And fans watching the action were distracted by the patches on his body. Shelton, 22, had two noticeable large red marks on his left shoulder. The No. 10 seed takes incredible care of his body. And one of the methods he uses is cupping therapy, The Sun reports. It involves suction to draw fluid into the area but can leave marks like the ones on Shelton's arm. The marks are due to broken blood vessels just beneath the skin and can look like a bruise. One viewer said, 'Shelton with suction marks on his body. 'He's about to unleash the dragon lol.' Fans first noticed Shelton was using cupping therapy at the 2023 US Open. He played Frances Tiafoe in an all-American clash at the grand slam. 'What are those circles on Ben Shelton's l arm? A rash? On Ashe?' one fan asked. Another suggested, 'Ben Shelton has been doing cupping on his shoulders and upper arms.' Shelton beat Italian player Sonego in four sets on No. 1 Court to book a place in the quarterfinals. The No. 10 seed never previously went beyond the fourth round at Wimbledon. His best grand slam return was the semi-finals twice. He reached that stage of the 2023 US Open as well as the 2025 Australian Open. The American is dating USWNT star Trinity Rodman. The soccer player is also the daughter of basketball icon Dennis Rodman. She supported Shelton from the player's box on Monday. Rodman looked glamorous in a two-piece blue outfit while her partner starred on the court.
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Teen riddled with killer infection that travelled to his heart after trendy cupping therapy goes horribly wrong
A TEENAGE boy developed a life-threatening heart infection just days after undergoing trendy cupping therapy. The otherwise healthy 17-year-old went to hospital with a high fever, chest pain, and trouble breathing - all symptoms that pointed to an infection of sorts. 2 2 Doctors in Syria ran scans that revealed his liver and spleen were enlarged, and fluid had built up in his tummy, suggesting his heart wasn't pumping properly. A chest scan showed small infected clots in his lungs, which doctors writing about the case in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology said had likely spread there from his heart. An ultrasound of his heart confirmed their suspicions - there was a clump of infected tissue, known as a vegetation, stuck to his valve. They diagnosed him with endocarditis - a severe, and potentially life-threatening infection of the heart lining. If untreated, it can damage the heart valves, making it harder for the heart to pump blood. This can lead to fluid buildup in the lungs and other parts of the body, potentially causing heart failure. Blood tests were taken from several veins, and lab results confirmed the infection was caused by acinetobacter, a rare and dangerous bacteria that's often resistant to antibiotics. The strain was found to be extensively drug-resistant, leaving doctors with only a few antibiotics that could still fight it The medics, from Aleppo University Hospital, Aleppo, were puzzled at first, as most cases of acinetobacter related to linked to intravenous drug use, where bacteria enter the bloodstream through needles. But in this case, since the boy had no known history of taking drugs, doctors suspected the cupping therapy he had received 15 days earlier might be the cause. The sleep position that could be a sign of heart failure - plus three other symptoms to look out for Cupping therapy creates suction on the skin by heating glass cups, which can cause small cuts, allowing bacteria to enter the body. People often use cupping to relieve pain, improve circulation, or reduce inflammation. While it's become popular, especially among athletes, it's often done outside medical settings without proper cleaning, increasing the risk of infections like the one this teen developed. 'Traditional medical practices risks' The boy in the case study had received cupping therapy in the groin area, which doctors believe is where the infection began. Acinetobacter lives on the skin, usually in moist areas like between the toes, armpits, and groin, making it easier for the bacteria to enter the body through the small cuts caused by the therapy. "This case highlights the potential risks associated with traditional medical practices," the experts wrote. "And the importance of recognising atypical pathogens in the etiology of endocarditis." The boy was treated with a combination of antibiotics, including imipenem and doxycycline. Within two weeks, his condition had significantly improved, and after a month of treatment, tests confirmed the infection had cleared. Five months later, scans showed only mild liver congestion - a build--up of blood in the liver - which doctors said indicated he had fully recovered. What is cupping and is it safe? Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston have all tried this treatment, where a vacuum cup is placed over the skin causing bruising. It is claimed to improve circulation, flush toxins, relieve pain and relax muscles. But Professor Edzard Ernst, the author of Alternative Medicine, says: 'There have been several clinical trials. None, however, provides reliable evidence that it has any relevant health effects.' Dr Abrar Ibrahim, a GP at London's Hendon Hospital, says medical research is limited and low quality: 'There are serious potential side-effects including permanent skin discolouration, burns and scars, risk of infection and diseases such as Hepatitis B or C if not done hygienically.'
