Dr. Henry Cheng
Drugging in whatever form is illegal and immoral in competitive sports. What I want to talk about here is how to achieve the best physical and mental wellness state needed to deliver the best performance.
It goes without saying that regular training, conditioning, proper diet, adequate rest are the basis of health. Proper and adequate warm up and stretching before exertion will prevent injuries. Replacing mineral loss and rehydration with a good electrolyte drink is crucial in preventing cramps and exhaustion. An electrolyte preparation that contains chelated ingredients and malic acid that prevents fatigue is ideal for performance sports. One such preparation is called Endura®.
Under normal conditions when oxygen supply is adequate, carbohydrate in the muscles is “burnt” into water, carbon dioxide and energy. When this oxidative process is sub-optimal, lactic acid is produced. The lactic acid irritates the muscle and cause pain and fatigue. Lactic acid production can be minimised by supplementation with di-methyl-glycine (DMG), or by using homeopathic medicines like zincum sarcolacitcum. In homeopathy we use a poison to treat symptoms caused by the poison. Lactic acid is the culprit causing pain in muscles, so we use a homeopathic lactic acid (Zincum sarcolaticum) to counteract the effect of lactic acid. Zincum Sarcolacticum can be found in preparations like Sportenine®. If muscle cramps happen during sports, homeopathic cuprum metallicum (as in “Spasm Complex”) will relieve the spasm. Homeopathic medicine will not test positive as we are utilizing energies rather than physical substances.
Cardio-vascular and lung performance are also important considerations in sports medicine as the lung draws in oxygen and the heart pumps it to the muscles. Regular conditioning so the heart and lungs are used to the demand of exercise is the most effective way to address this issue. The conditioning process can be facilitated by catalysts like crataegus ( hawthorne berries) and cactus plant. The excessive heat generation and sweating during severe exertion can be minimized with homeopathic glonoinum. General uplift of the energy level can be achieved with homeopathic phosphorus, adenosine triphosphate and coenzyme complexes which accelerate cell metabolism. All these ingredients can be found in a homeopathic mixture called “Endurance complex“. Homeopathic medicine works by conditioning the body so the body adapts to unusual demands and changes more efficiently.
The anatomical pre-requisite for performance sports is a healthy musculo-skeletal system. Joints can be lubricated and wear and tear minimized with supplement like glucosamines, methyl sulfonyl methane (MSM), anti-oxidants, minerals, hyaluronic acid, etc.
A sound psychological approach is also essential to good results in performance sport. Mental preparation, elimination of anticipation anxiety, reduction of “gate-shyness” and “spot light panic”, determination to win, persistence despite soreness, etc. are just as important as physical conditioning. Other than sports psychotherapy, there are various homeopathic mixtures that help to achieve these goals. Talk with your natural medicine specialist for some guidance.
Dr. Henry Cheng is a medical graduate of the University of London, England and is now Natural Products Consultant at Cloverdale Wellness.
