In This Issue:
**Summer is Here!
--Acupuncture for Performance and Sports Injury
--Getting Outside Again - Be Active and Safe
**Thanks for Tuning In! Book On-lineAnytime!---------------------
Summer is Here (finally!)
Well, it seems some sun has FINALLY arrived in the Pacific Northwest and I for one have had an uncontrollable urge to exercise and be outside. My first run in park was a painful reminder of the fact that I'm not 21 anymore, with the endurance and bounce back of a zebra (I was never quite a gazelle...). I am here to preach caution, therefore and offer some advice that will help you make the most of summer workouts while decreasing your risk of injury.
--Acupuncture for Performance and Sports Injury
Many professional and amateur athletes use Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to increase their athletic performance and to decrease sports injury, as well as to recover more quickly from injuries that may occur. In 1993 at the Chinese National Games, nine Chinese women runners broke world records and when they were accused of using performance enhancing drugs, they reported that the only additives to their regime were Acupuncture and Chinese herbal therapies (they were cleared of all accusations after testing).
Indeed, Acupuncture is commonly used to treat both acute and chronic pain, and has been proven effective in relieving muscle spasm, increasing circulation to tissues, and can be especially helpful in tendon and ligament sprains and strains. It is easy to understand, therefore, how Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine have found their way into the sports medicine world, since increasing circulation and relieving spasm alone can keep your muscles strong and efficient, keep your body loose and flexible and help you perform better and decrease your propensity towards injury.
Depending on the intensity of your exercise regime, receiving Acupuncture anywhere from weekly to monthly can help you stay limber and strong towards achieving your workout goals. If you haven't considered Acupuncture for increasing performance or decreasing injury, a new Summer season of outdoor activities is a great reason to think about making Acupuncture part of your normal self-care routine!
--Getting Outside Again; Be Active and Safe!
I don't know about you, but one of the most frustrating things I've experienced is starting a new workout regime and experiencing an early injury which delays my progress. As I get older, I notice that these types of setbacks seem to last longer and that my recovery, while complete, is a little slower as well. Anytime you start a new exercise regime, or especially when getting out for the first days of Summer after a long cold Winter, it is especially important to be cautious and to ease your way in. Therefore, here are a few tips to help you be both active and safe (injury free I hope!) when getting back into the swing of things:
Whatever you think you're capable of, start at 60%. Yes, I know it sounds extremely frustrating and it takes discipline, but it pays off in the long run. When you first go out, take it easy. Test your capacity gently and see what your body feels like over the next day or two. That will tell you if you are ready to increase your activity or if you need to continue to ease back in incrementally. This will go a long way towards making sure that you don't overextend yourself your first time out and experience a setback.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! Whenever you work out, drinking water is a must! Add at least an extra 16 ounces to your day to ensure that your tissues stay properly hydrated and supple.
Consider Chinese Herbs There are several herbs that can help enhance performance and are often used by Chinese athletes.
Siberian Ginseng is adaptogenic, meaning that it helps the body find balance, and adapt to stresses. Siberian Ginseng is considered "hot" and suitable for people with a "cold" constitution - i.e., if you tend to feel cold all the time, Siberian Ginseng is a good sports tonic for you.
American Ginseng has similar properties but is "cold" and suitable for people with a "hot" constitution. Ginseng in general can help regulate heart rhythm, stabilize blood sugar, nourish the adrenal glands and more.
Cordyceps is the last herb on this sports performance list. A fungus, it is a very mild yang tonic that strengthens the Lungs and Kidneys. Great for runners and high aerobic activities and people with exercise induced asthma.
Thanks for Tuning In!
As usual thanks again for tuning in! If you are interested in more information about Chinese Medicine to enhance sports performance or about getting in shape safely this summer, please don't hesitate to call or book on-line. Free 15 minute consultations in person or over the phone are always available which you can book via phone at (503)445-8888 or on-line as well if you have more specific questions.
Looking forward to seeing you!
~Rebecca
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