I’m happy to say that my quest to find a new acupuncturist is finally over and I cannot wait for my appointment! I’ve been a big believer in acupuncture since I was first introduced to acupuncture over 20 years ago as a solution for my once debilitating migraines.
When I became a runner, acupuncture became a go-to solution when dealing with an injury and was a key staple when I was training for the Chicago Marathon. Thanks to COVID, my practitioner paused her practice and then eventually closed shop for good. So, it’s been almost 3 years, and I can’t wait to get back to it!
Why am I so excited? Let me share just a few ways runners can benefit from acupuncture.
Five Ways Runners Can Benefit from Acupuncture
Accelerates Recovery — Acupuncture improves blood circulation, which helps with muscle recovery and healing.
Improves Mobility — The insertion of acupuncture needles in key points can aid in releasing tightness in myofascial tissue providing greater mobility and decreasing muscle imbalance.
Strengthens Immunity — Research shows that acupuncture can help regulate the immune system which can be especially helpful to runners who are taxing their systems with intense training. Seriously, who wants to miss runs or a race because of illness?
Improves Sleep — Runner or not, we all know important sleep is to give the body time to rest and repair.
Relieves Pain without Side Effects — The World Health Organization has actually endorsed acupuncture for pain relief. Acupuncture aids the nervous system to produce painkilling chemicals and, because it works naturally with the body, there are none of the side effects of traditional pain medication.
Have you ever tried acupuncture?
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I tried it a few years back. I am not sure if it helped my muscle soreness or recovery but it sure was relaxing and I had a positive experience
Great that you gave it a try. It is very relaxing.
Never. But I have friends who swear by it.
Just curious, what do your friends use it for?
knee pain. Back pain.
I did acupuncture several years ago when I had a baffling calf injury- no one could figure out what was wrong (and I even had an MRI) but it hurt SO MUCH every time I tried to run. I did two acupuncture sessions and it cleared up. I’ve thought about going back for my foot issue. Hmm, maybe I will! Thanks for the reminder.
Oh let me know if you decide to try it for your foot issues.
I tried acupuncture again recently and found a good place but it’s not convenient from my house. I’d like to get into a routine for sleep. They wanted me to go twice a week initially which seemed like a lot. How often do you go?
I find that with most treatments they want to start with twice a week and then scale back. I’m just starting with this new acupuncturist in a week and I’m curious to see how often she’ll want me to come.
It’s interesting, not long ago I had this conversation with a friend of mine who has been struggling with pain for a long time. She was considering acupuncture and a friend & I both told here we though she should try it!
I’ve never had it personally. But almost all of my furkids have had it, and I’ve definitely seen the benefits of it for them.
The type of Yoga I teach the most is based in TCM, and lately I’ve been diving deeper into the meridians, part of what acupuncture is based on. I would definitely be open to trying it.
I’m fascinated by acupuncture treatments for pets and love that you’ve had success with it.
By the way, did your friend decide to try it?
My husband gets weekly acupuncture and it has made a world of difference for him. He uses it for his allergies, but he also uses it when he gets hurt working out. He swears by it.
That’s great that it helps him so much!
My acupuncturist was my dental hygeinist so many body parts were sad when she relocated, although it was for amazing reasons. That was just before COVID and I haven’t found a new one. I am seriously considering it though for the crotchety old IT Band
I’m so happy to finally find a new one. I hope you can find one – I bet it would help your ITB.