Have You Heard of Chinese Sports Medicine or "Deet Da" Medicine?
Ancient healing practice for the modern world
Introduction to Chinese Sports Medicine
Chinese sports medicine, is a sub-branch of Chinese medicine. It is more commonly known as 跌打 “Deet Da” or “Die Da” medicine,
The literal translation of “Deet Da” is falling and striking.
As the name implies, the medicine focuses on injuries that are related to accidents such as tripping, falling, car accidents, sports injuries, and etc.
It is commonly believed that the medicine is originated from the Shaolin Temple and various Chinese martial arts lineages across China.
Throughout history, China has always been at war, which also played an important role in the development of “Deet Da” medicine, as emergency medicine was crucial on the battlefield.
When did I first experience Chinese Sports Medicine?
It started at my birthplace, Hong Kong.
Growing up, I was an active child who played and competed in various sports.
Over the years, I had a few minor injuries, all sprained ankles from soccer or basketball.
Even as a small child, I learned from my mother to take care of injuries right away. She would tell me that I would develop arthritis if I didn’t; as well as the head and spine were two very important parts of the body. Her words have stayed with me forever.
That is when I first heard about a Chinese sports medicine doctor called “Deet Da” Master.
A “Deet Da” master is different from a Chinese medicine doctor, more commonly trained under a family lineage, a martial arts lineage, rather than going to a school. They are usually very hands-on, trained in manual manipulation of joints as well as using herbal medicine, both internally and externally.
I remember the first time stepping into a “Deet Da”master’s office; I was in total fascination.
The space looked like a hybrid of a doctor’s office and an herbal pharmacy.
It felt like traveling through time and space when I walked into the store, where I could connect with the plants and the natural world.
Aromas of herbal medicines filled the room. The medicines were in jars, hidden behind closed drawers, and being made for the current client.
While waiting for my turn, I turned my head around to look at pictures on the wall, which was a historic timestamp of his medicine lineage; I saw his teachers, as well as calligraphy from his past patients to express their gratitude.
During that visit, I had a sprained ankle injury from playing basketball, after landing on someone’s foot.
While I was in desperate need of pain relief, it appeared that I had come to the right spot. I already felt a sense of relief.
During my turn, the master carefully examined my foot, checked for signs of dislocation, soft tissue injury, broken bones, and more.
After some skillful manipulation with my foot, his wife handed him the freshly made herbal poultice, warm and freshly made in a small saucing pan.
Once cooled, he then carefully placed it on my injured ankle and secured it with gauze and wraps.
At the end of the session, he reassured me that it was a minor sprain and I should fully recover in a few days.
And I did.
Ever since then, I have been holding Chinese Sports Medicine in high regard. Two years ago, I had a martial arts training injury. My right collateral ulnar ligament had a minor tear. I received a treatment from one of my teachers the following day, and fully recovered subsequently.
Herbal liniments for topical use, moxa stick, acupuncture needles, and gua sha tool
Fast Forward thirty years, I am now a Chinese Medicine Practitioner.
The universe truly works in mysterious ways.
It never crossed my mind to become a Chinese Medicine Practitioner when I was younger.
Through the twists and turns in life, after 30 years, I ended up living in America, quitted working in the financial industry, and became a Chinese Medicine Practitioner.
During this eventful ride, I have been fortunate enough to meet some of the brightest minds in the communities of Chinese Medicine, strength and conditioning, and physical therapy in the past 12 years.
While Chinese Sports Medicine primarily works with sprains, strains, tears, and fractures, my practice offers beyond these conditions.
People come to me with a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders; including chronic pain related to rheumatoid arthritis, Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), degenerative discs, and more.
Having spent more than 20 years in America, I have observed the disparity in attitudes and mindsets regarding injuries, as well as the lack of awareness and support in the healthcare system to provide our citizens with better care.
As I have been going through the circle of life, traveling from east to west, I feel compelled to pass this message along and continue to serve our community.
I hope that you find this newsletter helpful. Thank you for reading.
Good Health & Qi,
Anthony
Beacon, New York
Bonus Video: https://youtu.be/XMrDmESj4Xw?si=GRpbYBDY-4qQRrXm