A wellness clinic in Tysons will soon offer massages, acupuncture and other treatments to competitive video game players.
The Virginia University of Integrative Medicine (VUIM) announced last month that it has been named the official health and wellness partner of the Ultimate Endgamers League (UEL), an esports league based in Stafford. The private university’s clinic at 1980 Gallows Road will provide care to players once the UEL season starts in August.
“We are thrilled to partner with UEL to bring integrative health solutions to the forefront of eSports,” VUIM CEO John Yoo said in a press release. “This partnership highlights our commitment to providing world-class training and clinical care, ensuring accessibility and affordability for all.”
Founded in 2004, VUIM specializes in acupuncture and herbal medicine education, offering master’s and doctoral programs in English, Korean and Chinese, according to its website. In addition to the Tysons clinic, it has campuses in Ridgefield, New Jersey, and Duluth, Georgia.
As of fall 2023, the school had 534 students enrolled.
VUIM’s clinic focuses on traditional Asian therapies, including acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal medicine, cupping and moxibustion, a form of heat therapy. In addition to pain relief, it says its services can be used to address respiratory, mouth, gastrointestinal, neurological and muscle conditions, among others.
Per the press release, the clinic “will provide comprehensive clinical care and wellness therapies to UEL players, with a primary focus on acupuncture treatment.”
“This multidisciplinary approach aims to enhance the performance and overall well-being of UEL players, addressing the unique physical and mental challenges faced by esports athletes,” the university said.
Planning for the new program is now underway in preparation for the UEL season, which runs from August through December.
UEL started as a family-owned gaming lounge and esports league in Stafford. It now has over 400 members in Northern Virginia and offers competitions involving 33 games, culminating in a championship with a $100,000 prize, according to its website.
“We believe that the holistic care provided by VUIM Clinic will be a game-changer for our players,” UEL founder and CEO Titus Walker said. “The expertise and dedication of VUIM’s practitioners will help our athletes achieve peak performance and maintain their health throughout the season.”
