What Is Acupuncture And How Does It Work?

Acupuncture is an alternative medicine that inserts very fine single-use, sterilized needles into specific areas of your body so that they reach the muscles. The insertion of needles increases blood flow to your body and stimulates sensory nerves, which balances the flow of energy in the body.

The Chinese believed that disturbances, pain, or disorders in the body may arise due to an imbalance in the flow of energy called “Qi” or “Chi”, and acupuncture can help restore the flow of energy by stimulating various acupuncture points. The needles are inserted into various areas of the body, like the head, neck and back, legs, or foot, which are known as acupuncture points.

Why Should Athletic People Go For Acupuncture?

If you are an athlete or sports person, you must be aware of the importance of having high energy levels with strong and flexible muscles when it comes to sports performance.

You might agree that It becomes difficult to perform in your next tournament if your body hasn’t completely recovered from the exertion it encountered during the previous sports events. Hence, fast recovery, flexible range of motion, and strong muscles are the mainstays of high athletic performance.

From stiff muscles, body pain, and soreness to strains, spains, and injuries, there are many things you face if you are a regular athlete. Acupuncture helps reduce pain, inflammation, and anxiety, improves blood circulation that enhances athletic performance and fast recovery from muscle tightness, pain, and inflammation.

How Does Acupuncture Work For Athletes?

Acupuncture works for athletes by preparing their bodies for exertional activities and boosting recovery from previous performances.

Reduce Pain And Inflammation

No matter how strong or regular an athlete you are, you may experience some pain, inflammation, or discomfort after your performance, and acupuncture is the best and most natural way to relieve pain and soreness without using any medications.

As the needles are inserted into your skin, it stimulates the nervous system to release natural pain-relieving hormones, known as endorphins. Endorphins are neurotransmitters that are released within the brain to alleviate pain, and inflammation, and enhance the feeling of well-being.

Improve Performance

Acupuncture helps loosen stiff and sore muscles by inserting needles into various areas of tightness where there are muscle imbalances, chronic overuse, or strains. This improves muscle flexibility, increases muscle activation, and reduces muscle tension, improving overall body performance.

Enhance Range Of Motion

By releasing stiff muscles, and alleviating pain, soreness, and tightness, acupuncture increases the range of motion.

Reduce Performance-Related Anxiety

You can’t perform well if you are going through any mental pressure, causing a lack of concentration and anxiety.

By releasing feel-good neurotransmitters, like serotonin and endorphins in your brain, acupuncture helps reduce performance-related anxiety and distress, increasing pleasure and feeling of well-being; thus improving your concentration, and cognitive performance.

Prevent Injuries

As acupuncture helps reduce muscle tension and reactivate weak muscles, it strengthens your body against falls, reducing the likelihood of injuries.

How Many Acupuncture Sessions Are Needed For Athletes?

Acupuncture is a safe, natural, and effective procedure with minimal to no side effects if performed by an experienced and trained acupuncturist. Hence, athletes can have as many acupuncture sessions as they wish based on their individual needs, tolerance, and outcomes.

Some athletes prefer having acupuncture sessions right after their sports performance to boost relaxation and alleviate muscle soreness, tension, and pain. With that, one or two sessions per week are also enough to achieve the desired outcomes. You can also shift to 1-2 sessions per month after the 1st month if you don’t feel the need for more sessions.

Benefits Of Acupuncture For Athletes

As we discussed, there are numerous benefits of acupuncture for athletes, including:

• It helps to reduce overall muscle fatigue and soreness.
  
• It relaxes and loosens tight muscles.
  
• Acupuncture relieves pain and discomfort.
  
• It reduces stress and anxiety.
  
• It improves blood circulation to the brain and all over the body.
  
• Acupuncture enhances athletic performance and promotes fast recovery and healing from muscle strains and chronic muscle use.
  
• It allows for better sleep.
  
• Acupuncture increases the release of feel-good hormones, enhancing emotional well-being and the feeling of pleasure.
  
• It eliminates the need for using painkillers by resolving underlying issues that are causing pain. 

Does Acupuncture Have Any Side Effects Or Risks?

As very fine and sterilized needles are inserted in the body, there are chances of only minor side effects such as mild swelling or discomfort at the area of insertion. More serious side effects, like bleeding, infection, or bruising are common only when the procedure is performed by an inexperienced or a lack of qualified practitioner. Hence, it is crucial to get your acupuncture procedure done by a qualified, trained, and certified acupuncturist to reduce the chances of any risks or side effects.

Conclusion

If you wish to naturally relax and soothe your body from athletic exertion, acupuncture is one of the best ways. It not only heals muscle tension and pain but prepares and strengthens your body for enhanced athletic performance and aids in injury prevention.