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.
Mix Vaseline with Onion and You’ll Be Surprised! Why Didn’t We Know This Sooner?
It might sound unusual, but combining Vaseline and onion creates a powerful natural remedy that many are just now discovering. This simple mix offers unexpected beauty and skin-healing benefits that can leave you wondering, “Why didn’t I try this earlier?”
🧅 Why Onion?
Onion is packed with sulfur compounds, antioxidants, and vitamins C & B6, which are known to support skin repair, fight inflammation, and improve circulation. It also contains antimicrobial properties that help cleanse the skin and promote healing.
💧 Why Vaseline?
Vaseline (petroleum jelly) locks in moisture, protects the skin barrier, and enhances the absorption of active ingredients. It’s soothing, hydrating, and perfect for sealing in the natural benefits of other ingredients.
🌟 What This Mix Can Do for You
1. Fades Scars and Dark Spots
Onion extract is commonly used in scar creams. When combined with Vaseline, it penetrates deeper into the skin, helping fade acne scars, stretch marks, and dark spots naturally over time.
2. Soothes Cracked Skin and Heels
This combo softens rough areas like elbows, knees, and feet. Onion supports skin regeneration while Vaseline seals in hydration, helping cracks heal faster.
3. Anti-Aging & Wrinkle Reduction
The sulfur and antioxidants in onion help reduce fine lines and improve skin elasticity. With Vaseline locking in moisture, the skin appears smoother and plumper.
4. Treats Dry Lips and Pigmentation
Yes, even your lips can benefit! Apply a small amount to help lighten pigmentation and heal dry, chapped lips.
🧴 How to Make the Mix
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon onion juice (freshly extracted)
- 1 teaspoon Vaseline
Instructions:
- Grate or blend a small piece of onion and squeeze out the juice.
- Mix equal parts onion juice and Vaseline in a small bowl.
- Apply to clean skin in desired areas.
- Leave on for 20–30 minutes or overnight for deep treatment.
- Rinse with warm water if needed.
Note: Do a patch test first. Avoid applying near the eyes due to onion’s strong nature.
Final Thoughts
It may be a surprising combo, but Vaseline and onion together deliver real results. From fading scars to softening skin, this simple trick is a hidden gem in natural skincare. Try it a few nights a week — your skin might just thank you!
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