Michael Phelps Was “Cupping” During The Olympics, Which Explains All Those Bizarre Bruises

Michael Phelps was in the spotlight for his fifth Olympic games when he earned his 19th gold medal on Sunday night, but what seemed to grab the fans’ attention was the strange purple bruises on his body. After much speculation, we finally have the answer to your burning question.

The circular shapes on the 31-year-old swimmer’s back and shoulders are the end result of a healing technique called “cupping.” Phelps is not the only athlete who has been trying the procedure this year. Alex Naddour, an American gymnast, posted a picture on Instagram of himself with a clear cupping mark on his body.

Naddour told USA Today regarding the therapy, “That’s been the secret that I have had through this year that keeps me healthy.” She continued, “It’s been better than any money I’ve spent on anything else.”

According to People, “Cupping involves heating small glass cups, then placing them on the skin and pulling them from the body to loosen and relax muscles.” The bruises left from the technique last about two weeks.

The procedure can be seen in a brief clip in an Under Armour commercial starring Michael Phelps. Skip forward to the 44-second mark in the video above to catch a brief glimpse of the cupping technique.

What did you think the strange purple bruises were on Michael Phelps’ back when you first saw them?