Marathon Runners by Justin S. Campbell
The Northwest edition of Competitor Magazine has a great article in the September edition about the use of natural medicine for athletes. Endurance athletes in the Northwest region are discovering the benefits of using Chinese medicine along with naturopathic care to heal injuries that have already occured, and prevent more from happening.
Although it is often referred to as "new" medicine, natural medicine predates Western approaches to health care. It draws it's roots from ancient China (herbal remedies, acupuncture) and Greece (hydrotherapy). The focus of the medicine is to remove obstacles that detract from one' health. There is no cookie-cutter approach to this medicine.
While many people must pay out of pocket for these treatments, the financial restraints, especially in the depressed economy, often outweigh the health benefits of natural health practices- even though in the long run, natural medicine is less expensive because of the focus on preventing illness and injury.
Well stated. Prevention is the key to staying healthy, fit and running, cycling, or walking through life injury-free. It is worth it in the long run to keep yourself healthy and happy!
Some events in Oregon that boast natural medicine are:
-Cycle Oregon, the yearly week-long bike ride, has it's own massage team! The Cycle Oregon Massage Team worked last week to help around 2000 cyclists make it through this event. I hear there was even an acupuncture practitioner along for the ride!
-Step Out- the Walk to Fight Diabetes also had massage therapists giving sample treatments after their 1, 3, or 6 mile walk. A lot of people took advantage of it (my 7-year old niece was the spokesperson this year!!)
- I'm sure the Portland Marathon with have a little help from practitioners of all kinds, too :)
