A Tysons health clinic will soon be offering treatments like massage and acupuncture to competitive video game players.
Virginia University of General Medicine (VUIM) announced last month that it had been selected as the official health and wellness partner of the Stafford-based esports league, the Ultimate Endgamers League (UEL). The private university clinic, located at 1980 Gallows Road, will provide care for players when the UEL season kicks off in August.
“We are excited to partner with UEL to bring integrative health solutions to the forefront of esports,” VUIM CEO John Yeo said in a press release. “This partnership underscores our commitment to providing world-class training and clinical care, making it accessible and affordable for all.”
Founded in 2004, VUIM specializes in education in acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine and offers master’s and doctoral programs in English, Korean and Chinese, according to its website. In addition to its Tysons location, the school has campuses in Ridgefield, New Jersey, and Duluth, Georgia.
As of fall 2023, the school has 534 students enrolled.
VUIM’s clinic focuses on traditional Asian therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy, herbal medicine, cupping and moxibustion, a type of heat therapy. In addition to pain relief, the services are available for respiratory, oral, gastrointestinal, neurological and muscular conditions, the clinic said.
According to a press release, the clinic will “provide comprehensive clinical care and wellness therapies to UEL players, with a focus on acupuncture.”
“This multidisciplinary approach aims to improve the performance and overall wellbeing of UEL players while addressing the unique physical and mental challenges faced by esports athletes,” the university said.
Planning for new programs is currently underway for the UEL season, which runs from August to December.
UEL started as a family-run gaming lounge and esports league in Stafford, and now has more than 400 members across Northern Virginia, competing in 33 games culminating in a championship with a $100,000 prize, according to its website.
“We believe the comprehensive care the VUIM Clinic provides will be a game changer for our players,” said UEL founder and CEO Titus Walker. “The expertise and dedication of VUIM’s practitioners will help our players perform at their best and stay healthy throughout the season.”
