As the world watches the Summer 2012 Olympics with bated breath, Chinese medicine has stepped into the spotlight. Many professional athletes employ an acupuncturist to keep in top shape or combat with sports injuries. In return, acupuncture helps them win Olympics medals and gains honours to their countries.
The USA men’s archery won silver at the 2012 Olympics and has regular acupuncture as part of their training and fitness protocol. McKavla Maroney, the world vault champion has been using acupuncture for her toe injury. Other olympians such as Jeremy Scott, a pole vaulter and track, Kim Yeon-koung, a women's volleyball player, and field star Dee Dee Trotter also have used acupuncture for sports injuries and as such have been able to go to London to compete in the 2012 Olympics.
In fact, it is no secret that athletes from Canada have been using acupuncture for some years. Back in 1998, Canadian speed skater Kevin Overland was in a panic in Nagano, Japan, due to an injured hip. The Winter Olympics were just a month away, and his physical therapist continually told it wasn’t possible for him to make it in time. Overland was recommended to try acupuncture by his friend and reacted really well to it. Finally he won a bronze medal.
