Acupuncture is used by marital artists to help stay in top shape and to manage injuries. Acupuncture has been used in Japan and China for thousands of years for good health and best performance in martial arts. Acupuncture points are used in more advanced training for more effective strikes. Acupuncture can be used to both damage and heal. Herbs are also used in Chinese medicine to help strengthen the body and to help it heal. This is one of the best websites we’ve found as to how acupuncture works from an acupuncture clinic in Moonee Ponds.
How Acupuncture Helps Martial Artists Stay in Top Shape
Acupuncture is used to encourage the flow of energy and blood to different parts of the body. Good energy and blood flow means the body is able to maintain and repair itself more efficiently. By inserting fine needles at specific points on the body, energy and blood is stimulated in that area. Eastern medically, improved energy flow brings a substantial therapeutic benefit. Western medically, acupuncture triggers the central nervous system to increase blood flow to specific areas of the body. This increased blood flow brings red and white blood cells and the body’s natural repair mechanism of macrophages and collagen to the area. This not only keeps things in top shape, but it also speeds up recovery from training.
Acupuncture Points Also Used in Self Defence
Whilst acupuncture points can be used to heal you, they can also be used in self defence. By striking specific points on the body, it causes temporary damage to those points and meridians to interrupt the flow of energy and blood around the body. Sometimes the damage caused will bring on immediate effects (like temporarily numbing or even disabling the muscles so they can’t be used properly). Other times the effect takes longer to come on. For example, if a specific acupuncture point is struck on the arm using a knuckle, it can render the arm ineffective for a few minutes.
Historically, acupuncture points were more often used in martial arts. Dim Mak is the common name used in the martial arts community. It is a more esoteric branch of martial arts techniques.