Previous studies suggest that acute acupuncture applied during exercise may improve exercise performance and post-exercise recovery. Birinder Singh Cheema, from University of Western Sydney (Australia), and colleagues reviewed data collected in four separate and published studies. The team found that acute acupuncture applied during exercise exerted beneficial effects on power and blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen consumption, and blood lactate, as well as the body’s ability to recover post-exercise. The study authors submit that: “There is preliminary support for the use of acupuncture as a means to enhance exercise performance and postexercise recovery.”
Acupuncture Amplifies Exercise Performance
Paola Urroz, Ben Colagiuri, Caroline A. Smith, Birinder Singh Cheema. “Effect of Acute Acupuncture Treatment on Exercise Performance and Postexercise Recovery: A Systematic Review.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. January 2013: 9-16.