Acupuncture is gaining popularity for its numerous research-backed benefits, including the ability to boost blood circulation, relieve muscle tension, fight pain and inflammation and speed up recovery.
Both amateurs and professional athletes use acupuncture to amp up their physical performance, restore their energies after a demanding workout and boost their overall health.
As well as the traditional Chinese method, clinics also offer a modernized approach known as neurofunctional acupuncture. It involves soft electrical stimulation to needles which are inserted into specific acupuncture points. This amplifies the positive effects and leads to even better pain management, muscle tension relief and more.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese intervention used for centuries to treat pain and various health issues. It involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points to prompt a beneficial body response.
Experts believe that it can stimulate nervous system health and boost the release of positive hormones, such as serotonin, dopamine and endorphins (the body’s natural pain relievers and mood boosters).
Acupuncture also involves other methods, such as neurofunctional acupuncture, gua sha, moxibustion, cupping and more. Your practitioner will determine which procedures to use, depending on your needs.
What are the Benefits of Acupuncture?
Some of the most prominent acupuncture benefits include pain management, relieving muscle tension relief, reduction of inflammation and a sped-up recovery. It’s a brilliant way for athletes and amateurs, alike, to step up their physical performance and ensure they are always in top shape.
Acupuncture can help you with athletic injuries, postural pain, post-surgical issues and even cerebral palsy.Additionally, there are some surprising benefits, such as reducing stress, improving sleep and boosting the immune system.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
When you first visit your acupuncturist, they will ask questions about your occupation, medical history and symptoms, if any. This will determine the best approach and plan, moving forward.
Generally, most people need as little as 2 to 4 acupuncture treatments to notice positive effects. However, the method works best when you take regular sessions. Most patients with acute cases need 4-6 sessions, while chronic issues may require 10-15 for long-term results.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Although acupuncture involves using needles, it doesn’t usually hurt. Most people describe a slight pinching feeling at the beginning of the procedure which tends to go away as you get used to it.
Practitioners insert the needles with extreme caution into specific acupuncture points representing the “meridians”. When the needles stimulate them, it’s more common to experience relief than pain.
Nevertheless, if you are experiencing too much pain, you can always ask your acupuncturist to remove the needle. The positive results after the procedure will be well worth any slight discomfort.
Book Your First Acupuncture Appointment Today!
Whether you are a professional athlete or a passionate amateur who wants to step up his game, acupuncture can bring you many benefits. It can help with soreness and muscle tension after a strenuous workout, speed up recovery and boost your overall performance.
Our mission at Body Science is to restore and improve your performance, allowing you to get back in play, today.
Apart from acupuncture, Body Science Therapy in Mississauga offers other risk-free and non-invasive methods, such as chiropractic care, physiotherapy and massage therapy.
Call us today at (905)-997-2639 or schedule an appointment on our website.
