Back in August, I wrote in “Shovels & Your Health” that Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine were wonderful sources of health enhancement, not simply health repair. I wrote about the studies where Taiwanese basketball players using Acupuncture had less lactic acid creation and quicker recovery times in heart rate and oxygen consumption; that Acupuncture was associated with an increase of muscle strength and power and that one Acupuncture study demonstrated a 10% increase in aerobic performance in healthy men.
Well clearly Muscle & Fitness magazine was reading my blog! In an article by Christina Schreil, the magazine concluded:
“When viewed as a way to optimize your overall health routine in a more holistic way, Acupuncture may help you uplevel your fitness to new exciting heights.”
Schreil cites research studies and opinions from MD’s at the Mayo clinic in Arizona to back her claims of Acupuncture’s efficacy. First, not only does Acupuncture reduce pain, but also makes individuals more resilient to pain. This is cited from a 2010 study presented to the Radiological Society of North America. Second, Acupuncture may possibly lead to earlier relief of delayed onset muscle soreness. This was cited from a Japanese study where the patients were analyzed doing one legged vertical jumps. Another Japanese study showed that Acupuncture boosts the body’s production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is essential in the regulation of blood circulation. Better blood circulation and less lactic acid creation = faster and easier workout recoveries.
Last and most relatable to our SOPHIA Natural Health Center, Ms. Schreil’s article emphasizes how acupuncture promotes both self awareness of one’s health and overall balance or homeostasis in the body. She quotes Dr. Kristen Paynter from the Mayo Clinic-Arizona:
“Acupuncture really is a holistic part of a person’s general self-care, in an attempt to rebalance or maintain balance within the system to make sure the system is optimally performing at all times…. “
Remember, Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine is only one part of what we do here at SOPHIA. With our integration of functional medicine, your health can be transformed and your exercise performance can be transformative! For a complimentary consultation, contact us at SOPHIA Integrative Natural Health Center: 203-740-9300.
Jim Fitzpatrick, L.Ac.
Resident Acupuncturist