Muscles require some level of tension for the best performance. Just like a rubber band; if muscles are too loose, they lose power. If they are too tight, they also lose power and the risk of injury increases. This is one reason why static stretch or full body massage before athletic performance is not recommended. Professional athletes are especially sensitive about their muscle conditions. Acupuncture also releases tension. Therefore, acupuncturists must be extra careful when selecting acupuncture points for athletes who are getting ready for their performance.
Many acupuncturists practice local acupuncture for musculoskeltal disorders. Local acupuncture means needling where the main complaint is. When the main complalaint is lower back pain, needle to lower back. When the mian complaint is knee, needle the knee. Local acupuncture improves blood flow and releases neurotransmitters & hormon to enhance the healing process. This method may not be suitable for athletes without enough breaks, because it releases the tensions needed for the best performance.
SEIDO acupuncture looks at a body a little differently. When the main complaint is lower back pain, it looks for some points in other areas of a body which might be causing the pain. If these points are identified and accurately needled, the main complaint is solved without releasing tensions needed for the best performance.
Day before yesterday, I injured my right hamstring during Kendo practice. I was feeling some tension and pain around the right side sitting bone. When I took a lunge position yesterday before Kendo practice, I felt the same tension and pain as I felt the day before. When I needled an acupunctre point to adjust fibula, it immediately released the tension and pain I was feeling.
The needle only released the over tension on my right hamstring and I was able to move smoothly without any pain nor motion dis-cordination during the practice.
SEIDO acupuncture is highly recommended for all athletes!!
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