In Traditional Chinese Medicine pain as a result of sporting injuries is considered to be a result of stagnation – a lack of free flow of Qi (energy) and blood-in the injured area. The concept of pain in Chinese sports medicine is succinctly explained in the following equation:
Pain = lack of free flow of Qi and/or blood (stagnation)
How does acupuncture treat sport injuries?
Acupuncture stimulates your body to heal itself. It encourages your blood and Qi to circulate freely so that injured tissues get fresh nutrients needed to heal. It helps remove dead cells and toxins that slow healing, and it helps moderate inflammation.
Acupuncture treatments help to reduce swelling, relieve pain, improve mobility and hasten recovery from sporting injuries.
In the treatment of sports injuries, acupuncture works on two different levels. On one level, it works on the local area of injury by increasing blood circulation and attracting a healing response to where the needles are placed. The local increase in blood circulation has the effect of reducing healing time and aiding in the dispersal of swelling and bruising. In addition, an increase in the number of white blood cells and biochemicals in the area speed up the healing rate of soft tissue as well as reduce pain.
A whole – body view of injury.
Acupuncture also works on the whole body to treat sports injuries as well as increase performance. It causes the body’s nervous system to release a variety of chemicals, including endorphins, serotonin, and neurotransmitters, which aid in the healing process by reducing pain and promoting relaxation.
Additionally, the relaxation effects of acupuncture can reduce anxiety and help alleviate some of the mental barriers that athletes experience which might hinder performance.
Here are 7 benefits you may receive by alleviating sports injuries with acupuncture:
- Quicker recuperation rates
- Exercise becomes much easier
- Better moods because of less pain
- Increased flexibility
- Better fitness
- Endurance improves
- Revitalised