I’ve had a niggling hamstring problem for the last month or so of the season. I have kept it under control with various recovery methods and treatments, but the most helpful has been acupuncture. It seems to be the newest fashion in british physiotherapy but for me, in terms of loosening tight spots and muscle spasms it has been really effective.
Now to the question:
Would it be stupid/irresponsible/genius for me and a friend to buy some needles and do some work on each other? My friend is a qualified SMT and has done a course in physiology, I’ve also researched the area and read several textbooks on how to apply chinese style accupuncture (haven’t found any specifically on sports applications/trigger point) so we’re not exactly going into this blind. So has any one got any words of warning, advice or tips for us?
Sounds like a job for the experts!! Ever see the investment ad where the doc’s on the phone to the patient, sitting in his kitchen with a paring knife, telling him where to make an incision- and the patient’s line: “Shouldn’t you be doing this?” the doc replies: “Hey, it’s real simple. I gotta go.”
It would be incredibly stupid to do it on your own. I got some electro-stim accupuncture and it was probably one of the best treatments I have received for any soft tissue issue. This guy also had over a decade of experience and years of learning before that, so keep that in mind.
I respect everybodies opinion on this subject, and as such am probably not going to attempt it any more. My only wonder now is, with everyone who is warning against it, noone has mentioned what the associated risks are?
If sterile packaged needles are bought, used once and disposed of, what other dangers are involved which could cause problems?
Depends obviously on length of said needles and where you are using them, but nerve damage is not out of the question with improper placement and use. I imagine similar concerns could arise.
I don’t know how long these needles are for accupunture, but I know with regular needles; while I was receiving prolo, a doctor hit a nerve once, and it was by far the most excruiting pain I have ever felt in my life. Why not dish out some cash and go see a regular, qualified doc. Sticking anything into your body can be risky if you don’t know what your doing. I agree with the above post, caution…
I almost always use accupuncture the day before a competition.
I’ve made the mistake of not having accupuncture before a few competitions and without exception I did not have my faster times.
In the case of my left lower leg, the results of accupuncture are immediate- that is my left ankle mobility will increase and the arch in my left foot will raise.
Check out the Fundamentals 2 DVD- I’ve had more than a few injuries to my left leg.
You want try something similar to Acupuncture, try Qigong. Similar principle based on moving “life energy” throughout the body. Qigong requires you to master moving Qi, not receiving acupuncture needles ( i am not trying to put down acupuncture). Definitely cheaper monetarily, but requires your time/ commitment to learn/understand how to move Qi. The difficult part is to find someone to teach you. I am fortunate in that moved to Hawaii last year and found Master Wang and spend about 1.5 hours with him per week. It has been an amazing experience so, I could tell you a number of stories of where he has improved healing, particularly in my wife’s chronic lower back pain. If you are interested check his website out at www.wudangqigong.com/
Below is a brief description of Qigong:
China’s 3000 year old system of self-healing, combines the energy work of Oriental medicine with meditation and physical movement. The effectiveness of Qigong has been proven in China by its beneficial impact on the health of millions of people over thousands of years. Most people in China start to learn Qigong in their 50s. People from 6 to 90+ have used these enjoyable, gentle exercises to:
Slow or reverse the degeneration of aging
Prevent or to improve healing of illnesses and injuries
Boost athletic and intellectual performance
Deeply relax the body and mind
Improve sexual function
Reduce stress
Relieve depression
For most people, the first and foremost benefit of Qigong lies in helping to relieve or prevent chronic health problems. In China, Qigong is used to help relieve a range of maladies such as: diabetes, asthma, cancer, poor circulation, internal organ problems, arthritis, nerve pain, bad backs, joint problems, hypertension, autoimmune disorders and general physical disease.
Qigong and Tai Chi, like acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, are based on the concept of “Chi” - internal energy - the life force. Both Tai Chi and Qigong build Chi. and this energy can be used to heal injuries and illnesses, improve your general health or develop certain abilities. Chinese medicine treats the whole person. Western medicine treats the disease.
As someone that uses Quigong I believe it is very beneficial especially for relaxation and parasympathetic response. However, getting people of non asian origin to buy into it is difficult. It’s also something you have to practice for quite a while before you notice any benefits.
I‘ve had acupuncture with EMS on my Soleus. I found it effective in relieving achilles pain. Usually the larger needles get better myofascial release. But they hurt more.
how is it like doing chi gong? do you listen to some music and do said movements or what?
In answering your question I will first add the disclaimer that I am a student of Qigong, I do not claim to be an expert, but that said i have already benefited from practicing it ( more energy, faster recovery from exercise…).
The art of Qigong consists primarily of meditation, relaxation, physical movement, mind-body integration, and breathing exercises. Practitioners of Qigong develop an awareness of qi sensations (energy) in their body and use their mind to guide the Qi. When the practitioners achieve a sufficient skill level (master), they can direct or emit external Qi for the purpose of healing others.
Now in my terms during session I take in fresh Qi from the earth bring it in to my body and discard of the old or bad Qi outside of my body ( usually the bottoms of my feet). It is best practicing outdoors.
I spend about 20-30 minutes a day practicing moving Qi (pronounced Chee) throughout my body, it is recommended to spend about an hour. I do not use music, although you definitely can while practicing. I have a difficult time focusing on moving the Qi throughout my body, so right now music is kind of a distraction for me ( sitting still for 5 minutes was difficult before I started qigong). I attend a 1.5 hour class each week that i can describe as a choreography class, learning the movement, but more importantly learning about how to move Qi and where it comes from and should go through your body. I control it with my mind. I know this sounds crazy, I should have also told you that that I am a conservative 42 yr old US Army officer. The reason I started Qigong was because I knew I had to slow down in life after returning from combat and was searching for something and luckily found Qigong. As an athlete I can definitely see the benefits as well. Charlie