Pain and injuries are a part and parcel of an athlete’s life because they have to engage in strenuous exercise on a daily basis. Medications may give fast relief but they also have side effects. For this reason, there is a need to have a definitive pain relief strategy that does not have any negative implications. Acupuncture is one of the techniques that can help. An ancient Chinese holistic therapy, it focuses on optimizing pain relief and providing overall wellness by manipulating the flow of energy in the body.
The therapy involves insertion of needles at specific energy points in the body. It heals by stimulating the flow of energy through these points. The popularity of acupuncture for athletes has surged during the past decade, with a large number of sportsmen adopting it as a part of their self-care plan. Let’s check out the benefits they can derive from acupuncture:
Pain Relief: Acupuncture is the most amazing alternative pain relief therapy. The insertion of needles at the acupuncture points stimulates them to release endorphins. Endorphins are the natural pain-killing chemicals which provide fast, effective, and lasting relief without any harmful side effects. Along with pain relief, athletes can derive the additional benefits of reduced inflammation, stronger immunity and increased mobility.
Improved Blood Flow: The activation of the acupuncture points leads to an increase in the production of nitric oxide in the body. This results in the relaxation and dilation of the blood vessels and opening up of the arteries. Further, as the arteries open up, the blood flow to the heart and other organs is increased. As a result, the cardiovascular health is improved substantially.
Muscle Relaxation: Muscular strain is another problem that most athletes experience. Acupuncture therapy stimulates the blood flow through the body, which results in muscle relaxation. It also alleviates muscular soreness, relieves fatigue and promotes overall fitness.
Injury Treatment: Another benefit that acupuncture brings for sportsmen is that it serves as a natural alternative for injury treatment. The therapy regulates the microcirculation and nerve conduction in the inflamed area and accelerates the healing process. The common athletic injuries that can be effectively addressed with this therapy include sprains and strains, wrist and shoulder tendonitis, Achilles tendonitis, hip bursitis, etc.
Endurance Enhancement: Acupuncture treatment is also known to promote the endurance and energy levels in athletes. It plays a key role in regulating the nervous system, which leads to higher endurance. Higher endurance translates into enhanced athletic performance for athletes. As a result, the athletes who take this therapy are likely to do better in the field.
Overall Wellness: Another reason that more and more athletes are taking up Acupuncture Atlanta and elsewhere is that it promotes overall physical and mental wellness. The therapy addresses multiple sites that are directly linked with the functions of vital organs such as the lungs, liver, brain, and heart. It removes the blockages in the respiratory, digestive, endocrine and neurological systems. It also channelizes the energy flow within the body. The sportsman becomes healthier in the body and mind, which has a positive impact on his performance.
Faster Recovery: Athletes who take up acupuncture therapy on a consistent basis as well as between training sessions are able to recover faster. The treatment alleviates pain, minimizes muscular fatigue and boosts energy, thus speeding up the recovery process. Additionally, it promotes sound and restful sleep, which again plays a key role in restoring the energy levels and rebuilding of the muscle tissues.
Being a non-surgical and non-pharmaceutical therapy, acupuncture makes the best choice for athletes looking to enhance their performance naturally. Not only does it heals the body, but also makes the mind stronger and healthier. Overall well-being is a key determinant of an athlete’s performance.
