Heal your Mind, Body and Soul
Acupuncture Treatment for Athletes at Central Earth Healing, Cupping & Massage
A Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic in Aiea, HI
Whether you’re a professional or student athlete, or you exercise and play sports for fun or to challenge yourself, there are five ways acupuncture can boost your performance.
In the ancient Chinese medicine of acupuncture, thin needles are gently inserted into specific areas of the body, stimulating blood flow to speed the recovery of certain ailments. It can be used as a treatment for everything from headaches and unbalanced hormones to joint pain and weakened immune systems. Acupuncture is also popular among athletes, as many of them incorporate it into their wellness regimens to stay in peak physical condition.
5 Ways Acupuncture Can Enhance Athletic Performance
“Back in the day, athletes ate steak, smoked cigars and drank whiskey during the week and then played football on Sunday,” says Thomas Betts, a sports medicine acupuncturist. “Today, athletes have talked about how acupuncture keeps them feeling their best.”
Acupuncture can help you recover more quickly from an injury
“If a muscle is torn, acupuncture won’t put it back together, but for sprains and strains, muscle soreness and tendonitis, acupuncture can decrease inflammation and speed the healing process,” says Betts.
Acupuncture can reduce the need for “rest days” If you just had an intense workout and your muscles are sore, getting acupuncture afterward can loosen the muscles and decrease soreness so you don’t have to take a day off to recuperate before training again.
Acupuncture can improve flexibility, decrease muscle tension and increase muscle activation on an athlete's body
“This is done with motor point acupuncture,” says Betts. “The motor point is where the brain attaches to the muscle via the motor nerve. By using needles to stimulate a motor point, it is like rebooting a phone or computer that isn’t working well: Motor point acupuncture is autoregulating, in that it can deactivate a tight muscle or reactivate an inhibited or weak muscle.”
Acupuncture can provide immediate pain relief
“Some studies show that acupuncture can provide as much as if not more pain relief than medication,” Betts says. “It differs for everyone, and it depends on what is being treated, but some people say they feel a difference right after a session, and others say they feel better about 20 to 30 minutes later.” Pain relief can last from a few hours to a few days.
Acupuncture can help prevent injury
Because acupuncture can reactivate weak muscles and decrease muscle tension, it can also be used as a preventative measure against injury, Betts says. But you should always still stretch before and after exercising.
Sports injuries can cause a significant setback for athletes, often requiring extended recovery periods and impacting their overall performance.
While conventional treatment methods play a crucial role in rehabilitation, some athletes are turning to acupuncture to supplement their recovery process. Acupuncture can be used to address a range of issues that affect athletes, including pain, injury and performance enhancement. Here are some ways acupuncture can help in sports injuries:
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Acupuncture can help alleviate pain caused by sports injuries, such as sprains, strains and tendonitis. By targeting specific points on the body, acupuncture can stimulate the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins and serotonin, providing immediate pain relief and reducing discomfort
INJURY REHABILITATION
Acupuncture can be used as part of an overall rehabilitation plan for athletes recovering from injuries. By improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and increasing range of motion, acupuncture can help speed up the healing process.
STRESS REDUCTION
Sports injuries not only affect the body but can also impact an athlete's mental well-being. The frustration, anxiety, and depression that often accompany injuries can hinder the recovery process. Acupuncture can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common issues for athletes. By promoting relaxation and reducing tension in the body, acupuncture can help athletes feel calmer and more focused, which can help them perform better.
Overall, acupuncture is very beneficial in treating or managing pain, promoting healing, and enhancing performance. However, it's important for athletes to work with a trained and licensed acupuncturist like Dr. Annie Yang 杨 of Oahu Acupuncture Clinic - Central Earth Healing and Traditional Chinese Medicine in Honolulu to ensure that they receive safe and effective treatment.
Meet our Oahu Acupuncture Clinic's Newest Acupuncturist, Dr. Sharon
Dr. Sharon is a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in Hawaii who recently moved to Oahu, Hawaii in 2023 after practicing in Boston for 5 years.
She specializes in Women’s Health, Mental/Emotional Health, Pain Management, Injury Recovery and Fertility.
She received her Masters in Oriental Medicine at the New England School of Acupuncture in Boston and also completed graduate courses at Tufts University in their Pain, Research, Education and Policy program.
Dr. Sharon’s primary focus is Women’s Health, helping women with period regulation, fertility support (TTC, IVF, IUI), pregnancy and postpartum support, perimenopausal and menopausal support. The female body goes through so many phases of change and it can feel overwhelming. Dr. Sharon’s hope is to help women be better equipped to face these changes and feel more comfortable in their bodies.
During her free time, Dr. Sharon enjoys cooking with friends, hiking, and chilling on the beach. She also serves at her church, Leeward Community Church and mentors at Waiau Elementary School through Common Grace. She’s completely fallen in awe of the Aloha spirit here in Hawaii and is excited for life on island.
Meet our Oahu Acupuncturist, Dr. Annie (Han) Yang 杨
"Traditional Chinese Medicine is rooted in its power to transform our health and wellness. Treatments offered at Oahu Acupuncture Clinic are personalized to each individual."
Dr. Annie (Han) Yang 杨
Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine (DACM)
Dr. Annie Yang is a Doctor of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine (DACM). She is also a Licensed Acupuncturist in both China and Hawaii. Dr. Yang Specializes in Pain Management, Female Irregular Menstruation, Digestion Issues, & Stress Relief.
Dr. Annie Yang studied Internal Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine for 6 years at
Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
She has over 15 years of clinical experience in Acupuncture.
Restore balance and harmony to your body and mind, please contact OAHU ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC in Aiea, HI at 808-582-8660 to learn more about our Acupuncture and other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatments.
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OAHU ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC
Central Earth Acupuncture, Cupping & Massage
Traditional Chinese Medicine
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98-199 KAMEHAMEHA HWY STE 53, AIEA, HI 96701
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Consultation with Dr. Annie, Includes Acupuncture Treatment, Cupping Treatment and Treatment Plan ($160 Value) for $100
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