Sport and health

TCM in sports: universally applicable

 

Participation in sports is fundamentally healthy – but it can entail some health risks. With intensive exercise and competitive sports in particular there is always a chance of suffering a strain or injury. Muscles, tendons, joints and bones are vulnerable. TCM methods are ideal for preventing problems, treating all kinds of sports-related conditions and for use during periods of rehabilitation.

 

The range of applications for TCM methods in the field of sports medicine is almost unlimited and covers all ages and ability levels.

• Children and young people respond well to TCM treatments for sports injuries because their Qi life energy is very active at their age.
• Committed amateur athletes of all age groups can strengthen their resilience to the effects of excessive strain and reduce the risk of injury. If damage does occur, it can be treated effectively without side effects through TCM, and the convalescence period will be shorter.
• Competitive athletes can use TCM to strengthen specific muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments and considerably enhance their performance by activating their Qi life energy.

 

TCM treatments individually tailored to the athlete’s constitution serve to safeguard their health, in particular during periods of intensive training as well as before and after competitions. TCM is especially effective in the treatment of pain associated with over-exertion, strains or injuries. TCM can often replace the use of pain relief medication.
 

Free flow of Qi as an energy source

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the focus is always on Qi life energy and its holistic effect, whether it be for preventive purposes or strengthening the body, treating complaints or injuries, or supporting the regeneration process. When applied in the context of sport, it also incorporates metabolic and biomechanical aspects – just like conventional Western medicine. However, its real effect is released deep within the body. TCM ensures that the Qi life energy can flow unobstructed throughout the body and especially in the energy channels, or meridians. The removal of blockages to the flow of Qi leads to a significant improvement in the body’s energy status, with a resultant increase in performance capability and a reduced risk of injury. 
 

Performance optimization using the power of nature

TCM therapies such as acupuncture are ideal for accompanying sporting activity but can also help people cope with the increasing demands of professional life. The energy potential generated by stimulating the Qi flow increases performance capability and promotes physical resilience. But the holistic nature of TCM means that alongside the physical revitalization, it also works at a psychological level to improve motivation and concentration levels. 
 

Treating strain, pain and sports injuries with TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine sees a clear correlation between the various tissues and specific organ systems:

• Muscles are related to the spleen-stomach system.
• Tendons and fascia are matched to the liver-gall bladder system.
• Joints and bones correspond to the kidney-bladder system.

TCM therapies initiate and boost the flow of Qi in the respective organ systems. This provides the basis for targeted treatment of the areas most at risk from sporting activities. Once sports injuries are healed, acupuncture treatments enable a swift return to maximum performance levels 
 

The risks associated with sporting activities should not deter you from participating, which you should do at a level of intensity matched to your personal physical constitution. Preventive and therapeutic treatments using Traditional Chinese Medicine offer the guarantee of a healthy and rewarding sporting experience.