I knew it wouldn't help in time, and a friend recommended acupuncture. I've really reacted well to it. Overland, who finished third in the 500 meters, is one of a growing number of athletes who are finding a cure for everything from pain to fatigue in the deftly twirled needles of the acupuncturist. And at the Nagano Olympics, they are seeking out the skills of local practitioner Susumu Koyama. There seems to be a lot of interest in what we do.
Acupuncture involves sticking long, thin needles into specific nerve junction points on the body.
The needles often are rotated or electrically stimulated. Koyama, who has practiced acupuncture in Nagano for 21 years, says he sees the flood of world-class athletes in Japan for the Olympics as a chance to test the value of his needles and traditional Chinese herbs in sports medicine. As Overland underwent treatment, about a dozen doctors and researchers from around Japan looked on, taking notes and asking questions. He already has treated about 20 foreign competitors, most for fatigue. In Nagano, safety is something you can hum to The light turns green at a downtown Nagano intersection and the music begins.