Korea's Sports Oriental Medicine

Kim Yu-na[김연아], a figure skater who mesmerized the world,
Manchester United's Park Ji-sung, who's known as the "man with two hearts" for his boundless energy,
and Choi Kyung-ju[최경주], whose charismatic performance earned him the nickname "tank"!
Behind all of these celebrities stands the marvelous technology of Korea's sports oriental medicine.
From prevention to treatment to rehabilitation, Korean Oriental medicine is what kept them in their best shape.

The Korean national ice hockey team is having a practice session at the Taerung[태릉] National Training Center. Ice hockey being one of the most cutthroat, fast-paced, and trying sports in the world, athletes entrust their lifeline in the hands of this oriental medical doctor, who's worked with them for 14 years.

[Interview : Ha Sang-cheol, Chairman of Medical Commission
Korea Ice Hockey Association] "Since sports organizations are strengthening their measures against the use of performance-enhancing drugs, athletes are becoming extremely wary of using them. Many of them are now turning to acupuncture and massage treatments as effective alternatives".

An athlete is injured!

[SOV]
[Interview : ] "What happened"

[Interview : ] "I twisted my wrist when I ran into my opponent".

[Interview : Ha Sang-cheol, Chairman of Medical Commission Korea Ice Hockey Association] "This kind of injury can inhibit the athlete from dribbling or keeping the puck efficiently. Moreover, when it comes to shooting, the ligament on this side will get stressed and stretch, which may become a chronic problem".

The doctor carefully surveys each athlete's condition. He chooses to perform acupuncture on an injured wrist.

[SOV]
[Interview : ] "You tap like this when you need stronger stimulation".

[Interview : ] "My wrist feels a lot better now".

Knowledge of sports oriental medicine is crucial for optimized performance.
Korea National Sport University, for instance, requires its students to learn emergency protocols that are based on Korean Oriental medicine.

[Interview : Oh Jae-geun, Professor of Health and Exercise Science Korea National Sport University] "In the case of severe injuries like bone fractures or bleeding, you'd obviously have to go to the hospital. But we have more minor cases on site, like twisting and swelling. In these cases, we perform acupuncture or moxibustion on the spot. These methods are a lot more useful and effective, so a lot of athletes prefer them over other treatment methods".

These students are thus able to take care of their own minor injuries.
Sports oriental medicine is, in fact, continuing to expand its horizons, from acupuncture to weight control to qigong[기공] therapy, which helps athletes calm their minds before each match.

[Interview : Kim Hwa-rim, Student Korea National Sport University] "Most physical therapists give me a cast when I stretch a ligament. But this place gives me acupuncture, which I think is more convenient and effective".

Sports oriental medicine has helped upgrade Korean athletes.

The Jaseng [자생] Center for Alternative Medicine, for instance, is renowned for its non-surgical treatment of spinal diseases. Its non-invasive prescriptions are popular among both Korean and foreign athletes.

Dr. Shin Joon-shik[신준식] says that only 5% of all patients require surgical intervention. Results from clinical trial, in fact, show that 95% of those who received oriental medical therapy have completely recovered from their spinal disorders.

[Interview : Shin Joon-shik, Founder Jaseng Center for Alternative Medicine] "We don't cut the discs. Instead, we try to induce their natural absorption back to where they belong. The lingering infectious materials are what cause the pain, so we first use "cheongpajeon", a chuna drug, to eliminate these substances. Then, we administer the "yanggeun" therapy to heal the ligaments and muscles. Finally, the "bogol" therapy will strengthen the weakened bones and soft tissue. These are all non-surgical procedures that are effective treatments for slipped discs".

Jaseng[자생]'s solution for spinal diseases is garnering attention from practitioners in Japan, the U.S., Europe, and Russia, luring them into the world of Korean Oriental medicine.
Jaseng[자생] has branches in California, and is sponsoring athletes in the Professional Golfers Association.
They're planning to further expand their practice by collaborating with Western practitioners and creating an automated prescription system.

[Interview : Shin Joon-shik, Founder Jaseng Center for Alternative Medicine] "Korean Oriental medicine strives to restore and sustain the natural conditions of our body throughout our lives. Our rehabilitation method is especially effective in treating muscle and bone disorders".

Korean sports oriental medicine has a bright future ahead. We especially look forward to its contribution in the London 2012 Olympics.