Exercise is important for both physical and mental health. It strengthens the body and triggers the release of endorphins (or “happy chemicals”) in the brain, which can relieve anxiety and depression.
For centuries, TCM has been used to promote natural healing, balance, and overall well-being. Its principles and practices can be seamlessly integrated into modern fitness and athletic training, which gives athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike a unique approach to enhancing performance and overall health. TCM may be one of the keys to living a fit and active lifestyle.
Read on to learn the various ways in which TCM can be integrated into a healthy and active lifestyle.
Herbal Formulas for Fitness Goals
TCM formulas can be excellent for athletic performance and recovery. Seasoned athletes and those who are new to fitness alike can use these time-tested herbs for performance enhancement, stamina, and general improvements in health and vitality.
Let’s break this down into performance and recovery, both of which are essential elements of overall fitness.
For Athletic Performance
There are several herbal formulas that can help enhance athletic performance.
Si Wu Tang (Tang Kuei Four Combination) tonifies Qi and blood, which supports increased energy and performance. It could be considered similar to a “pre-workout,” but without unnatural dyes or chemicals.
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Ginseng & Astragalus Combination) lifts Qi, supports digestion, and enhances endurance. This gives a stamina boost that allows athletes to continue workouts for longer and provides more energy during their activities.
Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan (Anemarrhena, Phellodendron & Rehmannia Formula) can not only be used for performance enhancement, but also overall vitality. It nourishes Yin, clears heat, and supports physical performance.
For Recovery and Healing
Proper recovery is essential for muscle growth and overall athletic improvement. Every good athlete needs to give his or her body time to rest and recover. Using herbal formulas during this necessary rest period can boost recovery, and thus improve performance long-term.
Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) is known to clear heat and relieve muscle tension. This may soothe sore or overworked muscles, hastening recovery times and relieving discomfort from DOMS, delayed-onset muscle soreness.
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (Tuhuo & Loranthus Combination) nourishes blood, relieves pain, and reduces inflammation. This can be an excellent formula for a recovery day.
Acupuncture for Performance and Recovery
Acupuncture is one element of TCM that many athletes and fitness enthusiasts are already familiar with. It’s not uncommon for Western athletes to incorporate this traditional practice into their routine, especially during recovery. But why do they do it?
For athletes and anyone who wants to be active and get stronger, acupuncture offers numerous benefits.
Reduced Muscle Soreness, Inflammation, and Pain
Acupuncture has been shown to decrease DOMS and reduce pain, allowing athletes to recover faster, thus train more intensively. In a study published by Current Sports Medicine Reports, acupuncture both reduced muscle soreness and improved muscle strength after intense exercise.
The reduction in soreness is partially because acupuncture has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help alleviate swelling and pain in joints and muscles. Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing processes as well, promoting faster and more effective recovery from injuries and micro-tears in the muscles, which are essential for muscle growth.
Increased Circulation
Acupuncture naturally improves blood flow. This improves the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles and promotes faster recovery.
This may reduce the length of recovery periods for people who are new to fitness or anyone who’s on a rigorous workout schedule. People can return to workouts or competitions more quickly without jeopardizing safety or feeling too much pain or discomfort.
Better Recovery Periods
Acupuncture helps regulate the body’s natural rhythms, promoting deeper sleep, reduced stress, and enhanced recovery. As mentioned before, recovery is an absolutely essential part of the fitness journey. Having too much stress or too little sleep can stall that recovery and slow down athletic improvement.
Acupuncture has a calming effect on the body, reducing stress and anxiety, and promoting mental clarity. This boosted mental clarity can also be helpful during workouts or sports competitions.
Increased Flexibility
According to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, targeted acupuncture may be effective for improving muscle flexibility. Tests showed that acupuncture improved flexibility in test subjects’ hamstrings. This increased flexibility can lead to an overall reduction in injuries during future workouts or competitions.
This doesn’t reduce the need for proper stretching and warm-ups, but it can be beneficial for athletes who struggle with tight muscles despite conventional stretching methods.
TCM: An Essential Addition to a Fitness Routine
TCM can be incredibly beneficial for anyone who’s looking to improve athletic performance, regardless of skill or experience level. Between herbal formulas and acupuncture, it’s possible to increase energy and endurance, reduce post-workout discomfort, and even reduce the risk of future injuries.
To get the best results, it’s always wise to work with a qualified TCM practitioner and use the highest-quality herbal formulas on the market. At KPC Herbs, we aim to provide top-quality formulas for all of our clients. Learn more about our products and processes through our website today.
*Please note: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to suggest specific treatments for patients or that any supplements mentioned prevent or cure diseases or problems. Before taking any herbs, all patients should discuss their options with a licensed practitioner, including any other medications the patient is currently taking, as there may be contraindications between pharmaceuticals and herbs.
