Use of acupuncture in sports medicine

Abstract:

Acupuncture is one of the oldest methods of treatment in the world that has survived to this day. It is applied in the treatment of various injuries and conditions by combining an understanding of neuroanatomy and physiology with the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (holistic principle). Its application in sports flourished in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with interest growing ever since. It is successful in the rapid recovery of sports injuries and overuse syndrome in combination with conventional methods of treatment or alone, and in the hands of an experienced acupuncturist is an effective and safe method with almost no side effects. Given that this is an unconventional method of injury prevention, healing, and improving the performance of athletes, it still raises doubts among some, but the very success of the method refutes these apprehensions. Acupuncture can be considered a potential doping agent, especially due to its analgesic effect and release of endogenous opiates, but it is not classified as such, considering that, according to WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency), it does not meet the criteria since no adverse effects on athletes' health are identified.

Key words:
acupuncture; overexertion syndromes; sports performance; sports injuries