Chinese Martial artists for the last 3000 years have been training and getting injured like any other athlete today. In fact, martial artists that were considered 'Masters' at the time were usually doctors or bone setters. If you aren't healthy, you can't train- its that simple. Obviously Physical Therapists and Western Medicine were not around around to lend modern advice and techniques, but they also weren't needed. The Chinese used herbs and body therapy techniques to heal injuries and keep students in top condition. The big 'secret' about these techniques is that Westerners just aren't educated about Chinese Sports Medicine. The product regimen of these natural products, in most instances are far superior to anything even available to a Westerner. For instance- in training, Westerners make a great amount of use to supplements of protein and such. It would just take a couple minutes of anyone's time to see that 90% of products on the market have never shown a gain in athletes. The difference here is that Westerners are trying to chemically break down and synthesize natural processes in your body for a greater effect, the same chemicals found in herbs. The Chinese however use 5000 years of research on herbal properties to enhance or heal their bodies with little or no side effects.
Another main difference is that Westerners prefer to 'grin and bear it.' When they get bumps, bruises, sprains, strains, and aches unless it is seriously affecting them, Westerners will just try to 'walk it off' or ignore it. The only thing this accomplishes is that you 'baby' the injury and usually injure another part of your body by wanking incorrectly. Another problem here is that you are not helping the injury heal, you want to be proactive with injuries. The body will of course heal itself, but aiding the body speeds this process up (this is where we get First Aid from). Lastly, these injuries can have lasting effects. Bruises are patches of stagnant blood over your muscle that could harden and crystallize over your muscle, giving you pain for years to come. A last great example of Chinese Sports Medicine is they don't use ice. The short explanation here is to think about what your muscles do when they are cold and what does fluid do when it is exposed to freezing temperatures? Ice will help reduce inflammation, but with a huge cost. A simple mixture of Chinese herbs however can sedate paid, reduce inflammation, and most importantly remove stagnant blood and fluids and bring in fresh healing blood to the area.
So what can you do as a newly informed person in Chinese Herbal Medicine? Well, unless your an herbalist or Oriental Medical Doctor should look into buying some product. Here is your short list:
Liniments or Dit Da Jow - You need to be able to have a product that will relieve pain, warm up muscles, remove bruises, and relieve aches and pains.
Ice Substitute - This one is a tough one for you if you don't buy some type of product like Herbal ICE like we make and sell. However, remember if you use ice to only ice for very short periods of time.
Emergency Products- Such as those to stop bleeding, and pills like Trauma Pills by Dimmak Herbs. I will not leave you here with only a shopping list. Here are some helpful things for you to have around should you choose not to buy product:
Agrimony - Stops bleeding. Take internally as strong tea, or bruise together and apply to wounds. Burning it and using the ashes would be superior to stopping bleeding (internally or externally).
Tea Tree Oil - Here is an all around First Aid miracle. Apply to bumps, bruises, sprains ect. for pain relief. Mix a few drops with Vegetable oil if you have sensitive skin
Valerian Root - Chew on the dry root for pain relief. Not only will this taste horrible which may distract from pain, but Valerian dry has the most pain relieving properties of the non-toxic herbs. Aloe Vera - Since this is a readily available product, I will suggest its use for inflammation. Rub directly on inflammation and take internally often. Pure Aloe Vera Gel is made for consumption as well so internal and external application can be used here. Alternatively, use all Yin Tonic herbs for inflammation.
