Eugenie Bouchard, the Canadian tennis star known for both her on-court prowess and her glamorous presence off the court, has once again caught the attention of her fans and the media. This time, however, it’s not for a stunning victory or a new partnership with a luxury brand but for something that is a little more unconventional—her experience with cupping therapy.
Cupping therapy, an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine, has recently gained popularity among athletes. It involves creating suction on the skin using specially designed cups, which are placed on different parts of the body. The theory is that the suction promotes blood circulation, relieves pain, and enhances the body’s healing abilities. While many athletes, including NBA players and Olympic swimmers, have touted the benefits of cupping, Bouchard’s recent post has shown that the treatment may not always be as glamorous as it sounds.
The 29-year-old tennis player, who has built a significant following on social media for her mix of sports accomplishments and beauty, took to Instagram to share a surprising revelation about her cupping session. In a series of photos, Bouchard revealed the aftermath of the treatment, showcasing bruises on her back where the cups had been applied. The marks, which can often resemble circular hickeys, sparked a flurry of reactions from her followers, some of whom were alarmed by the intensity of the marks.
“Cupping is not as glamorous as it looks,” Bouchard captioned the post. “My back is covered in bruises, but I’m hoping the benefits will make it worth it.” She further explained that she had undergone the treatment as part of her recovery routine to deal with the physical strain and muscle tension that comes with the high demands of professional tennis.
The post quickly went viral, with both fans and critics sharing their opinions on cupping and its supposed benefits. Some praised Bouchard for being transparent about her experience, acknowledging that cupping has become somewhat of a trend among athletes and celebrities looking for alternative methods of recovery. Others, however, expressed concern about the safety of such treatments, particularly when the bruises left behind can be quite severe and are often misinterpreted as signs of injury.
“I think the results are a little shocking,” said one commenter. “But at least she’s being honest about it. I don’t think many people realize what cupping actually does to the body.”
Despite the bruises, Bouchard isn’t the only athlete who has spoken highly of cupping’s potential benefits. Many tennis players, basketball stars, and even soccer athletes have used cupping therapy to help with muscle recovery and pain management. For instance, Michael Phelps, the American swimming legend, famously displayed the telltale circular marks on his body during the 2016 Olympics, sparking a wave of interest in the technique.
However, while cupping is popular, it is not without its critics. Medical experts have weighed in, and while some claim there is anecdotal evidence to support the benefits of cupping, others remain skeptical about its effectiveness. Some argue that the marks left behind by the cups are simply superficial bruises and do not offer any significant therapeutic advantage.
Still, many athletes swear by the practice, with some saying that it helps to alleviate muscle soreness and improve blood flow, aiding in faster recovery times after grueling workouts and matches. For Bouchard, whose career has been marked by both ups and downs, including injuries that have affected her performance, trying cupping was just another attempt to stay in peak physical condition.
“Sometimes the pressure of being at the top of your game takes a toll on your body,” Bouchard shared. “I’ve tried different recovery methods over the years, and cupping is just one of the things I’m experimenting with to see if it helps.”
Despite her personal endorsement of the treatment, it’s clear that cupping has a long way to go before it becomes universally accepted or fully understood. Many professional athletes continue to integrate it into their routines, but the broader public remains uncertain about whether it truly lives up to the hype. In the case of Bouchard, though, it seems she’s willing to endure a little pain for the potential gain in her tennis career, even if it means showing the world the more bruising side of recovery.
For now, Bouchard’s cupping experience serves as a reminder that even the most glamorous athletes have to endure discomfort and uncertainty in their quest for peak performance. While it’s clear that her beauty and charm often capture the spotlight, this latest revelation shows that Bouchard is more than just a pretty face. She’s a committed athlete, willing to go the extra mile to find what works for her body—even if it means a few bruises along the way.
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