Acupuncture is an ancient medical technique that involves inserting and manipulating very thin needles into the body to create a sensation of warmth that is alleged to bring relief from pain. The technique is said to have originated in China, and variations are used around the world In Mandarin Chinese, the technique is called Zhen Jiu and Chinese and other Asian practitioners often use acupuncture needles together with a special herb called moxa or mugwort herb. The treatment is used extensively by alternative medicine practitioners and proper use of acupuncture needles has been found to give relief to a number of conditions where pain is often involved, included muscle aches, neck and back pain, feet and leg problems and headaches.

The theory of acupuncture revolves around the idea that the body has a number of “pain points” and pathways that carry sensations of discomfort and pain from the body to the brain. By manipulating the inserted needles, a sensation of warmth is created that rids the feeling of pain and gives comfort to the affected area. Acupuncture is so relied on in countries like China that it is often administered to patients who are in pain or who are having surgery. The Chinese believe that there are 12 main pathways or meridians that can be tread by manipulation of the acupuncture needles at certain pressure points. These meridians or channels are know as yin and yang channels and they represent opposite forces that affect a person’s well being. Both the arms an legs have important acupuncture channels, but the major body organs, including the heart, lungs, liver, etc., have acupuncture points as well. The warmth and sensation created by the needles are said to be carried by these body channels to the brain.

By listening to the reactions of the patient to the insertion of the acupuncture needles, the practitioner can know whether or not they have been inserted correctly and whether or not the correct condition is being treated.

People suffering from cardio-vascular problems are said to receive much benefit from acupuncture as the revolving needles help to remove blockages in the blood vessels and reduce pain. An experienced acupuncture practitioner is trained to observe the various body signs or “inquiries” to indicate an illness or condition. These signs give the practitioner an indication as to where the insertion of the needles where do the most good. In traditional Chinese medicine, the use of acupuncture is considered to be an individualized treatment based on a person’s body signs. Together with other forms of treatment, acupuncture has proven to be successful treatment that is gaining in popularity all over the world.

Proper sports massage techniques for athletes is no less important that other training aspects, including workouts and diet. The practice of using massage to help athletes recover from the soreness and rigors of competition has been in use even since athletic competition itself.

Modern methods of sports massage often entails a combination of known massage techniques, including Swedish, Japanese shiatsu, and others. During the harsh rigors of athletic competition, the entire human body is pressed to the limits of endurance; and joints, muscles and other parts of the body have actually been damaged, if only briefly. An experienced sports massage practitioner knows how to use his fingers, palms and knuckles to smooth stressed and ‘knotted’ muscles to stimulate better blood flow and bring relief , especially by using the thumbs and forefingers. Athletics who receive severe cramps and similar injuries during team sports, for example, may need several sessions with a sports medicine massage practitioner in order toe be able to return to the football pitch or basketball court as soon as possible.

Muscle fatigue is often present following sporting events, and the athlete needs a combination of both diet and sports massage to return fatigued muscles and nerves to their proper form. If a person is not treated properly, he will suffer from chronic muscle fatigue; which inhibit the muscles from receiving the proper nerve signals necessary to win the match or game.

Massages can be very beneficial if given prior to a workout or sporting event; and will ensure that the muscles are more relaxed and less tense. Pre-game tension can result in an athlete having less concentration, which will prevent him or her from make split movement decisions. Some of the benefits of sports massage for athletes includes faster recover from muscle damage occurring during competitions or workouts, increased flexibility and concentration, muscle rejuvenation and relief of fatigue, and healing of muscles, ligaments and tendons after injuries.

When applying massage before a workout, make sure that this is not overdone, as it may make the athlete feel tired and not wanting to play or work out. In this case, massage techniques to stimulate muscular skeletal activities are much more desirable.

Post event body massage should be done as soon a possible following a stressful athletic event – usually within an hour or two. This helps to rid the body of chemical changes brought on by severe stress, such a by-products of body metabolism. It also helps to “cool down” the body circulation in a similar manner as the “cool down” process following a stressful gym work out. Apply long, even strokes, especially towards the heart, helps to move the blood and other body fluids. It is also wise to ask the athlete how he feels and whether he drank enough fluids before and after the event.