Many years ago, a patient came to me for acupuncture to see if I could help him with his case of the Yips. While this may sound like a funky skin condition, having the Yips is actually a golf term. It’s when the golfer jumps, jerks, or pulls up just prior to putting the ball, totally wrecking their shot.
I’m unsure whether or not I was able to help the Yip-infected golfer, as he was pretty desperate and was trying a variety of things. However, several years later, I saw a woman for a condition totally unrelated to golf—in fact I didn’t know she played golf. Until she came back for follow-up treatments, that is. Her chief complaint was only slightly better, but she informed me that since having acupuncture, she was playing the best golf of her life!
So can acupuncture help with your golf game, or with any sport? I say yes, and here’s why:
- Acupuncture can help heal your sports injuries. Whether from trauma or from overuse, acupuncture can help reduce inflammation, increase circulation to the injured area, and speed up the healing process.
- Acupuncture also works to reduce pain by producing natural pain killing chemicals in your brain and blocking the pain signals throughout your nervous system.
- Acupuncture can enhance your physical performance. Chinese medicine is all about energy. One of the most common effects of acupuncture is better energy. If you’re an athlete, this is an obvious advantage, especially for boosting your endurance and recovery time.
- Your mental performance can also benefit from acupuncture. Research has shown that acupuncture positively affects your brain chemistry in several ways. If you are looking to improve your focus, self-confidence, and relaxation prior to competition, acupuncture may be the answer.
- Acupuncture increases the circulation to your muscles and tendons. This increase in blood flow can help repair and relax overworked and tight muscles and increase your range of motion.
- Athletes who are constantly training and competing are under a lot of stress. Acupuncture can be an incredibly effective form of stress relief, as well as a toolfor relieving pre-performance anxiety.
I can’t say that acupuncture can get rid of your Yips. However, whether you’re a competitive athlete or a weekend warrior, acupuncture can be a great tool for anyone who is looking to decrease their recovery time, increase their energy, improve their focus and performance, and alleviate their stress. And it’s legal.