Runners turn to acupuncture
As 40,000 people prepare for the London Marathon on Sunday, increasing numbers of runners are turning to acupuncture to help them to ease injuries, aching muscles and post-race fatigue. *
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy that aims to improve overall wellbeing by stimulating the brain to release endorphins, which boost mood, relieve tiredness and trigger the immune system.
The practice involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body to help stimulate the body’s own healing process and ward off injuries and joint pain.
A study published last year in the journal Chinese Medicine found “significant differences” in muscle soreness among those who had acupuncture during an intense training programme compared with those who didn't.
Famous acupuncture patients include athlete Paula Radcliffe and tennis player Maria Sharapova.
According to British Acupuncture Council spokeswoman Charlotte McNeil, runners should seek two sessions a week to tackle injuries, while just one session before and after the race for healthy runners can help to restore the body’s natural state.
Many of Westfield Health’s cash plans cover the cost of acupuncture, up to set limits, under the therapy treatment benefit.
Acupuncture can be used to treat many conditions ranging from back pain and stress, to addiction and phobias.
For more information on the Advantage Health Cash Plan, please visit:
http://www.westfieldhealth.com/corporate-health-plans/advantage/index.asp
For more information on the Good4you Health Cash Plan, please visit:
http://www.westfieldhealth.com/individual-health-plans/health-cash-plan.asp
For more information on the Foresight Health Cash Plan, please visit:
http://www.westfieldhealth.com/corporate-health-plans/foresight/index.asp
For more information on the Chamber Primary Health Plan, please visit:
http://www.westfieldhealth.com/corporate-health-plans/chamber/index.asp
For more information on the Westfield Flex Health Cash Plan, please visit:
http://www.westfieldhealth.com/corporate-health-plans/flex/index.asp
* http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/diet_and_fitness/article6114595.ece
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