Acupuncture is well known for its powerful ability to reduce and often eliminate pain. This is a huge attraction for athletes who are playing with a strain or injury. The athletes never have to worry about experiencing side effects from pharmaceutical drugs or failing a drug test. How does acupuncture alleviate pain? There are several studies which suggest that when needles are inserted, they stimulate points that boost our natural painkillers. One study, from researchers at the University of Michigan found that acupuncture affected the brain’s long-term ability to regulate pain.
Athletes train for thousands of hours which is punishing to their bodies. Acupuncture reduces soreness from workouts and helps athletes get ready for another day by relaxing their tight muscles and reducing inflammation.
Written by: MOD LIFE Support Team
Sources:
University of Michigan Health System in Journal of NeuroImage, Vol. 5, No. 83, 2009
NCBI-National Institutes of Health-Recovery
NBA players: https://hoopshype.com/2017/12/30/nba-players-trying-acupuncture-to-relieve-pain-maximize-effectiveness/
NFL players: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/proof/2018/february/james-harrison-nfl-cupping-therapy-football/
NHL players: https://acuzenme.com/tag/nhl-acupuncture/
MLB players: https://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=32011
Golf: https://www.golfchannel.com/video/anna-nordqvist-shows-results-acupuncture
Olympics: https://www.sportsinjurycenters.com/blog/olympic-athletes-use-acupuncture/