How Chinese Medicine Works Its Magic on Sports Injuries?

Athletes may experience a range of sports injuries, from minor strains to severe injuries that could be career-ending.Chinese medicine is highly effective for treating sports injuries.It emphasizes treating the entire person, rather than just the injury. Due to its holistic healing approach, it gains global popularity.

Understanding Sports Injury in Chinese Medicine Perspective

Chinese medicine highlights the qi, blood, Yin and Yang interconnectedness, as well as the importance of maintaining balance and harmony among these systems.

1. Qi (Energy) Flow: Injuries, usually resulting from trauma or overuse, are often seen as blockages in the flow of Qi, the vital life energy. Acupuncture and acupressure are used to restore this flow, promote healing, and reduce pain.

   
   

2. Blood Stasis: Injuries can lead to blood stagnation, causing pain and swelling. Techniques like cupping or tui na (Chinese therapeutic massage) are used to promote circulation and break up the stagnation.

3. Yin and Yang: The balance of Yin (cool, nourishing energy) and Yang (warm, active energy) is crucial. An injury may disrupt this balance, and treatment aims to restore equilibrium, aiding recovery and reducing inflammation.

Utilize Acupuncture to Support Recovery from Sports Injuries

Acupuncture doesn't just help with pain; it also boosts circulation, cuts down on inflammation, and helps tissues heal. A lot of athletes have discovered that acupuncture can really speed up their recovery from injuries, getting them back in the game faster and stronger. It's not just about chilling out. Research shows acupuncture can slash inflammation, and studies say it can cut pain levels by up to 50% for athletes. For instance, a survey of 100 pro athletes found that 75% felt a big drop in pain and recovered quicker after regular acupuncture sessions.

Herbal Remedies: Nature's Pharmacy

Besides acupuncture, Chinese medicine practitioners usually suggest certain herbs that help with inflammation, boost circulation, and aid in tissue repair. Take turmeric and ginger, for example—they're big hits because of their strong anti-inflammatory benefits. One study even showed that turmeric can cut down joint pain by 30%, which makes it a great recovery buddy.

Herbal mixes are personalized based on what injuries someone has and their overall health. This custom approach makes sure each athlete gets exactly what they need to bounce back.

Cupping Therapy: Unlocking Deep Tissue Healing

You might have noticed athletes with round marks on their skin; those are from cupping therapy. This technique involves placing cups on the skin to create suction, which helps draw blood to the surface and release muscle tension.

Cupping enhances circulation and decreases muscle pain, making it especially beneficial for athletes with chronic injuries. Research indicates that cupping can improve range of motion by up to 15%, allowing athletes to perform better without discomfort. This method is often used for conditions like muscle strains and tendonitis.

Tuina: The Art of Chinese Massage

Another essential component of Chinese medicine is Tuina, a therapeutic massage that focuses on muscle and joint mobility. Combining acupressure and massage techniques, Tuina alleviates tension and boosts blood flow.

This therapy not only eases pain but also addresses underlying issues that might lead to recurring injuries. An athlete using Tuina reported that incorporating it into their routine improved their overall flexibility by 20%, providing significant benefits during training sessions.

So, the next time you're dealing with a sports injury, think beyond conventional treatment. Chinese medicine may just be the key to unlocking your recovery potential!

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Immanoel (Ian) Mationg R. Ac

Certified Personal Trainer, former athlete, and coach with expertise in Olympic Wrestling, Muay Thai, and Boxing. Drawing on his firsthand experience with the physical demands of competitive sports, he now helps athletes recover, prevent injuries, and optimize performance. Based in Toronto, he specializes in using Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture to address musculoskeletal injuries, enhance mobility, and support athletic recovery. Through techniques like cupping, gua sha, and muscle testing, Ian provides a holistic approach to keeping athletes strong, resilient, and performing at their best.

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Acupressure to Keep the Flu at Bay

The flu seems to pop up more often when it's cold out. Even though the cold doesn't directly cause the flu, there are a few things about winter weather that make catching the flu more likely. These include both the environment and how our immune system acts when it's chilly.

How Viruses Stick Around and Spread in the Cold

Flu viruses love it when the air is cold and dry. Winter's low humidity makes these viruses more stable, letting them stick around longer and upping the chances they'll spread.

Research shows that chilly air helps viral particles in droplets stay in the air longer, which means people can breathe them in more easily.

Winter Affects Both Mood and Immunity Together

In winter, feeling down or stressed can mess with your immune system. When you're stressed all the time, your body struggles to make the cells and antibodies that fight off colds and flu. Plus, when it's cold, we tend to skip outdoor workouts, even though they boost our mood with endorphins and help keep our immune system strong.

Assortment of Chinese medicinal herbs and botanicals, including dried roots, flowers, and barks, displayed in glass jars for traditional healing practices.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Emotions and Organs Are Connected

According to TCM, our emotions are really linked to how healthy our internal organs are and how well our Qi, or vital energy, is flowing. Excess anger or stress stagnates Liver Qi, leading to tension and weakened immunity.Prolonged grief or sadness can weaken Lung Qi, reducing the body’s defensive barrier (Wei Qi).Overthinking drains Spleen Qi, affecting digestion and overall vitality.Chronic fear depletes Kidney Qi, diminishing the body’s resilience.Prolonged emotional imbalances can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to illnesses such as the flu.

Using Acupressure to Tackle the Flu, Keep Your Emotions in Check

Acupuncture can kickstart the parasympathetic nervous system (the “rest and digest” mode), helping you chill out and relax. It can also balance stress hormones like cortisol, bringing a sense of calm. Hitting those acupuncture points releases endorphins and other “feel-good” chemicals in the brain, which lift your mood and give your immune system a boost.

Here's a bunch of acupressure points you can try out on your own.

LI4 (Hegu)

• Location: On the back of the hand, between the thumb and index finger.

• Function: LI4 is a powerful point for boosting immunity, releasing exterior pathogens, and alleviating flu symptoms such as headache, nasal congestion, and body aches.

LU7 (Lieque)

• Location: On the wrist, about 1.5 inches above the wrist crease on the thumb side of the forearm.

• Function: LU7 is effective for treating respiratory symptoms like cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion. It strengthens lung function and expels external wind pathogens.

ST36 (Zusanli)

• Location: On the lower leg, about four finger-widths below the kneecap and one finger-width to the outside of the shinbone.

• Function: ST36 is a vital point for boosting immunity, strengthening digestion, and improving overall energy. It’s often used to prevent illness by enhancing the body’s resistance to pathogens.

Yintang (Hall of Impression): Located between the eyebrows, this point calms the mind and reduces anxiety.

HT7 (Shenmen): Found on the wrist, it soothes the heart and alleviates stress.

Align with Seasonal Rhythms, Strengthen the Kidney Meridian

In winter, the Kidney is the dominant organ. Support emotional balance by staying warm, resting adequately, and engaging in reflective practices to conserve energy.

KI3 (Taixi): Located near the inner ankle, this point helps strengthen kidney Qi and improve vitality.

Ren4 (Guanyuan): Found below the belly button, it nourishes kidney essence and supports reproductive and overall energy.

Or, you also can try moxibustion; warming specific acupoints with moxa (a dried herb) can strengthen kidney energy and improve circulation.

When you balance your emotions, you boost your body's Qi and strengthen your immune system, which can help keep the flu at bay.

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Finding Relief: How Acupuncture Eases Arthritic Pain

Did you know, that according to the WHO around 350 million people worldwide are affected by arthritis? This includes osteoarthritis (OA) and inflammatory arthritis types such as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. While biomedical science and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offer different explanations and treatments for arthritis, they can be combined to provide a comprehensive healing strategy.

Biomedical Understanding of Arthritis

From a biomedical standpoint, OA pain can result from a variety of causes, including cartilage breakdown, bone spurs, inflammation and soft tissue strain. Commonly affected areas are the knees, hips, hands or spine. For rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, the pain typically arises from autoimmune attack and joint erosion. 

The management of arthritic pain in biomedicine focuses on addressing the root causes of inflammation, cartilage breakdown, and joint discomfort through specific therapies, supplements, and medications. This method combines traditional medical treatments with nutraceutical interventions to control the biochemical pathways associated with arthritis.

Common treatments include anti-inflammatory medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, and celecoxib, or corticosteroids. In cases of severe pain or autoimmune-related arthritis, biologics may also be prescribed. Although these medications are relatively safe, more people are now turning to a holistic approach for managing pain.

Pathogens in TCM related to Arthritic Pain

1. Wind (风)

- Associated with pain that shifts between joints (“wandering pain”).- Frequently linked to stiffness and discomfort that changes with the weather.

2. Cold (寒)

-Causes intense, fixed pain that worsens in cold weather or with exposure to cold.-Cold obstructs the movement of Qi (energy) and blood, leading to stagnation in the joints.

3. Dampness (湿)

-Results in heavy, aching pain often accompanied by swelling and stiffness.-Commonly linked to chronic conditions and aggravated by humid environments.

4. Heat (热)

-May occur in inflammatory arthritis types (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).-Characterized by redness, swelling, burning pain, and stiffness.

5. Deficiency of Qi and Blood

Chronic arthritis may be related to a deficiency in Qi, blood, liver, or kidney, which are essential for nourishing and lubricating joints.

How Does Acupuncture Alleviate Arthritic Pain?

In TCM, pain is commonly described as "When there is free flow, there is no pain; when there is obstruction, there is pain" (通则不痛, 不通则痛). Pain disrupts the smooth flow of Qi and blood within the body, leading to stagnation. This stagnation depletes Qi as the body attempts to regain balance, gradually exhausting energy reserves. Acupuncture works by removing any blockages in the Qi flow and significantly enhances blood circulation. Improved circulation is crucial for supplying nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, promoting healing, and maintaining overall health. Acupuncture can also assist in the reduction of the inflammation which overtime contributes to joint deterioration associated with arthritis. 

How do Acupuncturists Provide Personalized Therapy?

Acupuncturists provide tailored treatments by assessing each individual’s health condition, constitution, and type of arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout). They consider symptoms such as stiffness, swelling, and sensations of heat or cold in the joints, identifying imbalances in the body’s meridians or energy lines. Treatments are then customized to restore harmony and promote holistic healing.

Book an appointment with us and start your journey to holistic healing today.

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Jessica Waddell (She/Her/Hers) R.Ac

After graduating from a four-year Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine program at CITCM in Calgary, AB, Jessica went on to complete a month long internship at Mianyang Hospital of TCM in Mianyang, China.

Jessica is accepting new patients bookings for Monday and Wednesday at TIMC. As a Registered Acupuncturist, she treats a wide variety of conditions, ranging from cosmetic rejuvenation and gynaecological health to stress management, insomnia, chronic illness, and pain.

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