Acupuncture For Athletes

PREVENT INJURIES
Acupuncture is well known for it’s role as a preventative medicine. Frequently, visits to the doctor are only made once pain or injury is present. However, just like a car is maintained with regular oil changes, maintaining your body with regular acupuncture appointments can play an important role in preventing a future injury. 

SPEED UP RECOVERY TIME
Most athletes know that rest is a very important piece of any training plan. However, in a state of stress the body has a difficult time healing.  Acupuncture helps calm this stress response by enhancing the parasympathetic nervous system, which is what allows us to rest, digest and repair. Therefore, this ancient medicine can be used in a modern time to help handle the stressors we face on a daily basis. 

REPAIR AND NOURISH
The insertion of hair thin, sterile needles into the skin wakes up the bodies healing process. Chinese medicine recognizes an energetic component which is often overlooked by modern day medicine. However, those seeking confirmation of the effectiveness of Acupuncture can refer to a number of studies showing acupuncture to increase white blood cells (important for healing and immunity) and to increase the flow of blood which nourishes the tissues and provides fresh cells to repair the body after a hard workout or during the event of an injury. 

DO THIS!
One of the most widely used acupuncture points is located on the leg just below the knee. It is called “leg three mile” in reference to the soldiers that would put pressure on this point to gain the energy for three more miles of walking. Applying moderate pressure to this point can help awaken the body’s healing process and provide energy during times of exhaustion. We recommend applying pressure to this point daily, whether you are seeking three more hours at the desk, or another three miles on the trails!