Acupuncture is one modality of Chinese Medicine where very fine disposable needles are inserted into a person’s skin at specific points, or channels of energy called meridians. Often, an obstruction of flow can occur in these meridians as a result of physical or emotional trauma, stress, over-exertion, lack of exercise, poor diet, excessive activity or seasonal changes. When these blockages are left untreated it can cause an excess or a deficiency in the body’s energy that can create weakness, illness, pain or disease.
Acupuncture focuses on correcting the imbalance of energy. It promotes natural healing, enhances immunity, supports physical and emotional health and improves overall well-being by removing blockages in these pathways. These clear pathways nourish organs, tissue, muscles, cells and glands.
Acupuncture can be beneficial to athletes in these areas:
- Pain Relief. Acupuncture quickly and effectively stops pain and reduces the inflammation from repetitive movements. Pain relief is often immediate and can eliminate the need for medications.
- Accelerated Healing. Acupuncture treatments accelerate the natural healing process by stimulating blood flow to the injured area and bringing vital nutrients to the afflicted area for faster recovery.
- Relaxing Tight Muscles. Acupuncture can loosen stiffness especially in the quads, hip flexors, hamstrings and lower back.
- Nerve Irritation. Nerves can be pinched by bones, muscles, scar tissue or adhesions. Electro Acupuncture is another modality that can be used to help release the contraction around the nerve and help resolve inflammation. The needles have an electro stimulation machine clipped to them to deliver a small, gentle current to intensify the treatment. The patient only feels a slight pulse.
Acupuncture can be beneficial to athletes not only for injuries but also by keeping the body in balance for injury prevention. Additionally, it can strengthen the immune system, decrease stress levels, improve digestive health, enhance mental clarity and increase energy.
Written by Yvette Hernandez