Voodoo Chile?

You know that I am a Runner's World junkie and that I worship the paper they publish on, but when it comes to boredom at work, I turn to their website, which is just as satisfying. Since I study Chinese Medicine and eventually want to open a sports acupuncture clinic (lightyears from here and now) I thought it would be cool to see what the experts at Runner's World had to say about alternative therapies. I believe that acupuncture and herbs can be just as efficient as preventative medicine as it is for healing injuries but all I found was an article on Natural Cures for Running Injuries. I will keep on looking and maybe I will send the Magazine some proof that it can be helpful... :)

Here is an exerpt from the article which you can read in length by clicking on the title above.



Acupuncture

The Promise: This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting fine needles in specific areas of the body to improve circulation, restore energy, and promote healing, says Patricia Piant, an acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare Integrative Medicine Program in Glenview, Illinois.

The Science: Research has been controversial, due to the difficulty of creating a placebo effect with needles. But studies have shown that acupuncture stimulates endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and also increases range of motion.

Who Should Try It: In 1996, the World Health Organization issued a report on the efficacy of acupuncture, saying that it could benefit patients with knee pain, plantar fasciitis, sprains, lower-back pain, and osteoarthritis.



Herbal Remedies

The Promise: Proponents of herbal therapies say that the phytochemicals in plant-based supplements enhance the body's ability to heal itself--rather than just masking symptoms--and can treat muscle and joint pain and swelling.

The Science: Herbal supplements don't undergo the rigorous testing of traditional medicines, and they aren't subject to the approval process of the Food and Drug Administration. But a 2007 review of studies concluded that the supplements devil's claw and white willow bark could help reduce back pain. And the remedies Jurek uses--arnica and bromelain--have been shown to reduce swelling. Garlic, ginger, and red pepper are also known to decrease inflammation.

Who Should Try It: Herbs with anti-inflammatory powers can treat plantar fasciitis, back and knee pain, sprains, and muscle stiffness, Piant says. Spicing up your meals is the best and safest way to start. Talk to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter supplements.



I believe in herbs as much as the next chinese practitioner, I just don't connect as well with them...



In other news, TRAINING STARTS SUNDAY!!! (I still believe that I need to be institutionalized for contemplating the full marathon here in Jerusalem but I am ready for the challenge! Bring it! Danielle, put on your game face.) I haven't really been running this week but it was a needed break from hitting the pavement, I biked instead. I hope that I make it thru the training, that's the hard part... And since I have a stalker keeping track of my every move, I guess I can't really let her down, she goes to my school.



Until next time.



Peace.