Cupping at the Olympics – what is it and why do athletes use it?

Cupping at the Olympics – what is it and why do athletes use it?

"You may have noticed several Olympic athletes covered in bruises, including swimmer Michael Phelps and US gymnast Alex Naddour. No, these are not minor injuries obtained during training; they look oddly circular and are located symmetrically all over the body. In fact, they are self-inflicted marks caused by an ancient form of therapy called “cupping”."

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What is Cupping?

What is Cupping?

Cupping is a technique where a vacuum is created in a cup, drawing the skin up into the cup decompressing the layers of the epidermis and subcutaneous superficial fascia. Cupping has been practiced in most cultures in one form or another throughout history but the true origin of cupping therapy remains uncertain. Cupping is a technique where a vacuum is created in a cup, drawing the skin up into the cup decompressing the layers of the epidermis and subcutaneous superficial fascia. Cupping has been practiced in most cultures in one form or another throughout history but the true origin of cupping therapy remains uncertain. Some may not realize the widespread use of the technique, in 1900 John Harvey Kellogg wrote about 'dry cupping' in The Home Handbook of Domestic Hygiene and Rational Medicine stating...

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Running makes you smarter – here’s how

Running makes you smarter – here’s how

"As far back as the Greeks and Romans, humans have documented the belief that there is a strong link between exercise and intelligence. But in the last two decades, neuroscience has begun to catch up with Thales and Juvenal’s idea that a sound mind flourishes in a healthy body. While the studies unite in telling us that running will makes us smarter, it is only partly true. The process is more complicated and reveals more about the wonderful complexities of both the human body and its evolution. Although the science might be helping us to understand how the mechanisms work, an important question remains: why does running make us smarter?"

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How does a Tour de France favourite win on the scorching mountain slopes?

How does a Tour de France favourite win on the scorching mountain slopes?

"The Tour de France is winding its way from the flat, windswept coast of northern France down through the Loire valley and the lumpy terrain of the Massif Central. So far, it has been a time for the bulky sprinters and the puncheurs who specialise in short, maximum efforts. But as with every Tour, the race will be won on the long, winding slopes of the mountain stages when the summer heat and relentless gradient can sap both strength and morale."

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Why do you feel like you’re falling when you go to sleep?

Why do you feel like you’re falling when you go to sleep?

"It should be one of the most relaxing times of the day. You climb into bed, get comfortable and cosy, start to feel your brain slowing down … and then suddenly you experience a shocking falling sensation. It’s like you misjudged the number of stairs you were walking down, leaving your leg in mid air for just a bit longer than you expected. Not pleasant."

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