India, Feb. 14 -- Many athletes turn to cupping for many situations, including muscle recovery. Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, a Kerala-based hepatologist, known as 'The Liver Doc' on social media, has sparked a debate online after a scathing critique of cupping therapy. Also read | Cupping therapy fails to impress India's sports scientist Danny Deigan

In a February 13 Instagram post, the hepatologist labelled the ancient practice 'unscientific, dangerous nonsense', urging the public to steer clear of what he described as a 'superstitious trend' masquerading as medical treatment.

Dr Philips' post featured a series of images showing the aftermath of 'hijama' or wet cupping - a procedure where small incisions are made on the skin and suction is ...