Gwyneth Paltrow

The eye-catching red rings garnered attention among fans in the Olympics but Gwyneth Paltrow had long been spotted with them, close to two decades ago.

At the 2004 premiere of “Anchorman,” the movie star displayed the same distinctive dark red marks on her back as seen on the Olympic athletes.

At the time, the images sparked a media frenzy, with publications worldwide writing about the practice that caused the unusual marks on Paltrow’s back.

The Therapy Called Cupping

The unusual round dark red marks are caused by a therapy called cupping. This therapy leaves circular marks that can be mistaken for bruises.

The practice, rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, has been employed for at least 2000 years to treat pain, muscle stiffness, and respiratory issues.

This therapy involves creating suction in special cups using heat or air, which are then placed on the body. The vacuum pulls the skin and blood vessels towards the cup, often leaving marks on the skin.

This process is believed to draw blood to the area, enhancing circulation, and relaxing muscles and joints. There are also suggestions that cupping has anti-inflammatory effects.