According to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), performance-enhancing drugs (PED) can be extremely dangerous and even deadly in certain situations1. There are ways to train the body naturally and utilize the body to its maximum athletic and performance capacity without the use of dangerous and ethically questionable PEDs. The most commonly practiced and known method is through many hours of training the body, mind and spirit in relation to the sport along with dedication to taking care of the body through nutrition and wellness. However, how would you feel if you could gain a natural competitive advantage? Acupuncture for athletes and fitness enthusiasts could be your solution.
It’s well known that the “burning” sensation many of us feel during the middle of a workout is because working muscles demand oxygen and the lack of oxygen causes muscle fatigue. Acupuncture for athletes has been a scientifically proven method in improving athletic performance, especially in increasing local oxygenation and blood supply to a muscle during and after an acupuncture treatment2. Surely any athlete training would appreciate an extra boost of energy to help increase oxygen and blood flow in order to hit maximal athletic performance naturally.
Acupuncture is widely used by many elite athletes such as Olympians and NFL players. The New York Times featured an article where acupuncture for athletes like NFL Jets players Tony Richardson and Pittsburgh linebacker James Farrior say that acupuncture has a significant role in their athletic performance. Acupuncture is used to help increase blood flow and relax tightened muscles and help the athletes perform at their best.
Inevitably, injuries will happen with being active and fortunately, acupuncture can be an extremely effective solution for dealing with sports injuries. Many injured athletes use acupuncture for sports injuries3 such as ankle sprains, muscle soreness, tendinitis, low back pain and knee pain. Although it is most effective to use acupuncture for athletes with acute injuries, acupuncture for athletes with chronic injuries is also just as effective4,5.
Ready to take the next steps in naturally reaching your maximal athletic potentials? Call Pure Health Alliance at 858-529-1899 to see how we can help you achieve your athletic best.
1.Effects of Performance-Enhancing Drugs | USADA [Internet]. U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). [cited 2017Dec28]. Available from: https://www.usada.org/substances/effects-of-performance-enhancing-drugs/
2. Ohkubo M, Hamaoka T, Niwayama M, Murase N, Osada T, Kime R, et al. Local increase in trapezius muscle oxygenation during and after acupuncture. Dynamic Medicine. 2009;8(1):2.
3. 5 Ways Acupuncture Can Fix Your Health Problems [Internet]. Men’s Health. 2015 [cited 2018Jan2]. Available from: https://www.menshealth.com/health/5-ways-acupuncture-can-fix-your-health-problems
4. Starkey LAJ. Pain-Relief Guide: Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine [Internet]. The Dr. Oz Show. The Dr. Oz Show; 2016 [cited 2018Jan2]. Available from: http://www.doctoroz.com/article/pain-relief-guide-acupuncture-chinese-medicine
5. Nahin RL, Boineau R, Khalsa PS, Stussman BJ, Weber WJ. Evidence-Based Evaluation of Complementary Health Approaches for Pain Management in the United States. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2016;91(9):1292–306.