Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/1538101
Fitness vs. wellness | Meet the Athlete | Instructor Insights 24 WAC Magazine | wac.net Fitness vs. wellness Meet the Athlete Fitness in the Park Instructor Insights By Rae Wang, WAC Acupuncturist and Wellness Practitioner Elite athletes oen appear to be the epitome of good health. ey are strong, agile, and energetic. But being fit and athletic does not always equal being healthy and well. I learned this lesson early on in my life growing up around top athletes, team doctors, and coaches in China. I watched elite athletes suffer from chronic illness or die way before their lives reached their full potential. What puzzled me as a young person got me determined to find another way to explore sports medicine later in life. Many athletes deal with discomfort, injury, and pain. When not dealt with in a timely manner, these issues can be- come hidden time bombs buried in our bodies. Athletes with access to functional medicine and alternative medicine are oen better equipped to resolve these problems, which are typically related to off-balance movement patterns and over-training. Conditioning through natural and alternative medicine promotes athletic performance and fatigue recovery. e WAC Wellness Center is an integrated care environment that provides several natural approaches for our members. Tui Na, a form of Chinese medical massage, offers a simple and effective treatment strategy to prevent minor injuries from becoming chronic problems. Other mo- dalities providing similar intervention include cupping, herbal remedies, and acupuncture. Stuart McMillan, who has coached over 70 Olympians and is one of the most sought-aer sprint coaches on the planet, recently commented on the relationship between sports and health, writing: "Elite sport is not healthy— hopefully, this is not controversial." Living Fit Unlocking the athlete's paradox What to do when peak performance and holistic wellness are at odds