A new medical treatment that has its origins in Islamic and Middle Eastern traditions is trending at the Rio Olympics used by star-athletes like Michael Phelps.

Cupping, or known as ‘hijama’ in Arabic, involves applying glass or plastic cups to an area of discomfort on the body and either applying heat or suction to create a vacuum. The suction pulls the skin away from the muscle and draws oxygenated blood to the area. The suction also is what causes the bruising, like giant hickey without the fun that comes with it.

Phelps, who won his 19th career gold medal so far, was seen with a huge bruising on his right shoulder on the morning of his meet, prompting many to ask whether he was applying the ancient Middle Eastern medical treatment.

Have you been wondering why swimmer Michael Phelps and other Olympians are sporting deep-purple circles on their limbs and midsections? Physiologically, cupping is thought to draw blood to the affected area, by pulling the skin slightly up and away from the underlying muscles. The suction helps reduce soreness and speeds the healing of overworked muscles. Athletes who use it swear by it, saying it keeps them injury free and speeds recovery. #cupping #olympics #aspirehw #thewizkiddrboaz #physicaltherapy #sandiego #recovery

A photo posted by Boaz Ritblatt (@boazaspirehw) on Aug 8, 2016 at 11:38am PDT

Researchers have traced cupping’s origins back to China and Greece somewhere around 1500 B.C., and Team USA gymnast Alex Naddour was among other Olympians who have been seen with the purple marks in Rio.

It roots in Islam is reported several times in quotes by the Prophet Mohammed who said: “Indeed the best of remedies you have is hijama (cupping)…”

And it’s not just for star athletes. Health spas often offer the service for a few hundred dollars and the cups can be purchased online for as little as $15 and applied at home.

American gymnast Alexander Naddour, who has Lebanese ancestry, is also known to use cupping therapy before competing. (Reuters)