Martial arts
for health is about the various health benefits
you may encounter from doing one of the
many fighting arts or taking up activities
normally associated with the arts.
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To
show you the possible combative arts
and health avenues we will introduce
articles, studies, findings, research and
feedback from many sources.
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Maybe
you have an interesting story to share?
Or maybe you've read an article or similar
about the topic. If so then tell the world
about your
martial arts for health tips or
experiences here!
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Naturally, we all
like conclusive evidence... We like to know
for sure that what we hear, see, or read
is true. In a perfect world it would be
easy to figure out what is "the gospel"
and what is not.
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Some aspects of
martial arts for health are easier to verify
than others. Anything that happens on a
physical level is easier to test and document.
On the other hand, psychological and mental
phenomenon are much harder to evaluate
and back up with "hard science and
facts".
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Does this mean
that we should say it isn't "real"
or "true" simply because we cannot
(yet) test and document the mental and psychological
benefits of the fighting arts like we can
with physiology and anatomy, blood-levels,
heart-rate, lung capacity, mobility, strength and
so on. I for one think we should be aware
that these "non-physical" benefits
are real for those who experiences them!
But at the same time, let us not forget
that they also are more subjective
by nature.
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And finally, let
us not forget that we are talking of many
systems operating together as one -
emotional, mental, cognitive and physical.
And martial arts for health is about the
whole person, not "just" the physical
body!
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In the following you
will find various links, books, reports,
researches, tips, articles and much more
about your health and the fighting arts.
Here's to your health!
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Make sure you visit
my page about green
tea! You will not want to skip this
traditional beverage after reading this...
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Studies on martial
arts health issues:
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A
study on martial arts and ADHD |
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Dr. Matthew Morand |
format:
pdf
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www.tsk.com
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A
martial arts program for children
with epilepsy - pilot study |
| by:
K.D. Conanta et al. |
format:
html
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www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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download
article (right
click/"save
as")
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open
in browser
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Books about martial
arts health issues:
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Reducing the risk of falls with tai chi: |
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From: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/108259.php
(May
21, 2008):
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Statistics show that thirty-percent of ambulatory seniors over the age of 65 living in a community
fall every year. Falls represent the leading cause of death for
people over 65 and the number of fall-related deaths continues to increase with
every passing year. |
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Many in the medical world are well aware of the absolute necessity to pursue
ways to lower these numbers and help elders to remain on their feet. One of the rapidly emerging programs prescribed
by a number of medical professionals is Tai Chi. |
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Read
the rest of the story on Medicalnewstoday.com
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Tai chi - a help for type 2 diabetes?: |
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From: http://www.newsmax.com
(April
1, 2008):
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British Journal of Sports
Medicine have published a small study which suggests tai chi exercises can improve the control of type 2 diabetes.
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A team of researchers looked at the impact of a 12 week program of such
exercises on the activity of
T helper cell in 30 patients with type 2 diabetes and
30 healthy people of the same age. |
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It was found that glycated haemoglobin (that is when excess blood sugar
combines with the oxygen transporter in red blood cells) levels fell
significantly from 7.59% to 7.16 in the diabetic patients. Also, the levels of interleukin-12, which boosts the immune response, doubled.
Levels of interleukin-4, which suppresses the immune response, fell. Furthermore,
T cell activity also increased
significantly.
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Read
the rest of the story on Newsmax.com
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He could not climb stairs without the help of another person: |
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From: http://www.newage-examiner.com
(January
23, 2008):
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6-year-old Colin Schake, who was born two months premature, walked on his toes, had little
control over the movement of his legs was and was always exhausted. A doctor
indicated that he may have cerebral palsy.
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Now, he can kick and jump - and climb stairs without help
from another person - thanks to a year of exercise and therapy at a Tunkhannock
martial arts
institute. |
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School owner Kevin Robinson, who also works as a nurse, noted that other people who have
cerebral palsy and physical challenges like it, participate and do well in martial
arts. "It's all about helping them focus," the instructor said. |
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Read
the rest of the story on Newage-examiner.com
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Pilot
study on karate program
for children with epilepsy:
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From: http://brainblogger.com
(January
16, 2008):
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The unpredictability of seizures, hospitalization on a
frequent basis, side effects
from treatment which may lead to increased stress for the child as well as the entire family
- the psychosocial consequences in children living with epilepsy are significant
indeed. |
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Researchers at Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children
in Boston, have conducted a pilot study to assess the effects of a martial arts
program on children with epilepsy. |
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A series of 10-week, 1 hour per week Kempo karate
classes were offered to children aged 8-16 years. Quality of life,
self-concept, and parental anxiety were assessed through questionnaire measures. |
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It was interesting to know that the karate program reportedly
was an effective intervention
on several levels. |
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Read
the rest of the story on Brainblogger.com
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Autistic
children and martial arts:
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From: http://www.tampabays10.com
(December
28, 2007):
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Trying to fit in one of the challenges autistic kids are facing.
However, martial arts training can help autistic children build self confidence,
coordination and social skills, according to several studies.
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Using the art of karate, sensei Wayne Centra at a children's hospital in California is
teaching kids social skills. The occupational therapist developed the program
called "karate for all" at the California children's hospital. His main
objective is to
help special needs children.
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Even
though an outside observer might not know
it, many of the children in
karate class have some form of autism. The karate activities have been adapted to help the children maintain
attention span and focus, according to Centra.
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Read
the rest of the story on Tampabays10.com
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Runners
using martial arts techniques
to avoid injury:
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From: http://www.nbc17.com
(December
7, 2007):
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North
Carolina -- Doctors estimate
that 70 percent of all runners
will suffer a range of injuries
that could sideline their training.
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However,
local runners say an approach
to running that incorporates
the mind/body energy of T'ai
Chi is helping them avoid injuries.
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Chi
Running sets out to modify the
way we run and calls on some
of the basic concepts in T'ai
Chi. Key elements include:
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- Good
posture, with emphasis on tightening
the core, or abdominal muscles
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Leaning forward, not standing
upright while running
- Picking
up the feet while running, instead
of pushing off the ground
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Relaxing arms and legs
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Read
the rest of the story on Nbc17.com
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From: http://www.silive.com
(August
20, 2007):
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The
University of California at
Los Angeles' (UCLA) Center for
East-West Medicine has conducted
a study which adds
one more medical malady to the
list: Tension headaches.
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Dr.
Ka-Kit Hui, founder and director
of the center and co-author
of the study, says that "A
lot of people have tension headaches
and they just take Tylenol or
over-the-counter medications,
which buys them some relief,
but doesn't get to the root
of the problem. We teach them
how to deal with negative emotions."
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Tai
chi addresses body-mind issues,
Dr. Hui added, which can
help improve a practicer's quality
of life.
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According
to the National Headache Foundation
(NHF), tension headaches are
the most common form of headache,
with about 78 percent of adults
experiencing one at some point
in their lives.
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Read
the rest of the story on Silive.com
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Tai chi
benefits elderly, says Hong Kong hospitals: |
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From: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/60846.html
(May
9, 2007):
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Hong
Kong -- Elderly people can reduce
their chances of falling and
injuring themselves if they
regularly practice tai chi,
a slow motion martial art, according
to a survey by the Hong Kong
Hospital Authority released
Wednesday. A study of 3,221
elderly aged over 60 showed
that the 893 people who regularly
took part in tai chi exercise
had fewer falls, the South China
Morning Post reported.
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The
research, carried out between
January 2005 and March this
year by hospital officials,
found the number of falls resulting
in injury dropped from 2.7 per
cent to 1.5 per cent for those
that regularly practiced tai
chi. By comparison, the rate
actually increased to 4 per
cent for people who stopped
tai chi.
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Read
the rest of the story on Earthtimes.org
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T'ai chi boosts immune system
against shingles in older adults: |
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From:
ajc.com/health/content/shared-auto/healthnews/agng/603323.html
(April
6, 2007):
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A new study shows that T'ai chi significantly improves the ability of older
adults' immune systems to fight varicella zoster - a virus that causes shingles
(a painful, blistery rash). |
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It is alleged that about one-third of adults
over age 60 develop shingles. |
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The 25-week study was conducted at the
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). It involved 112 people, ages 59 to
86. |
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Researchers found that T'ai chi, by itself, increased immunity
against the virus to a level that was comparable to having received the standard
vaccine. |
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Read
the rest of the story on Ajc.com
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Tai Chi Chuan may benefit type 2 diabetes patients: |
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From:
http://www.sciam.com
(March
8, 2007):
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A new study suggests that participation in the Chinese martial art Tai Chi Chuan
may help boost immune function and improve blood sugar control in people with
type 2 diabetes.
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After completing a 12-week Tai Chi exercise program, men and women with the
disease had statistically significant reductions in their levels of A1C, a
measurement of long-term blood glucose control. The participants also showed
increases in regulatory T cells, which help to keep the immune response in
check, while their levels of killer T cells, which destroy abnormal cells in the
body, decreased. |
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Read
the rest of the story on Sciam.com
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From:
http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006610080344
(October 8, 2006):
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When the sharp stabs and dull aches of his sickle-cell anemia become
unbearable, 15-year-old Terrell Harrison remembers what Rabbi Elimelech Goldberg
told him, and his suffering eases.
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Goldberg is the founder and director of Kids Kicking Cancer, a Detroit
organization that helps children ages 4-17 overcome the pain of cancer,
sickle-cell anemia and other serious diseases.
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The group offers weekly classes using martial arts, breathing techniques,
visualization and meditation to help youngsters gain a greater sense of control
over their minds and bodies. |
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Read
the rest of the story on Freep.com
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Senior gets fit exercising in bed, winds up earning
karate black belt: |
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From:
broadcastnewsroom.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=64884
(September 13, 2006):
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In his 60's, Ted Kavanau was so out of shape that he starting exercising in bed
and wound up winning a karate black belt. With nationally known chiropractor Dr.
Genie Tartell, they have introduced this exercise program for
others.
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Kavanau, Founder of CNN Headline News, and Tartell have combined
elements of yoga, Pilates, karate and stretching. They explain the program in
their new book "Get Fit in Bed". |
Kavanau says these exercises helped him
at age 73 to still do karate sparring and go rounds in boxing competitions.
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Read
the rest of the story on Broadcastnewsroom.com
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Research reinforces findings that Chinese exercises benefit older adults: |
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From:
sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/06/060629084229.htm
(June 29, 2006):
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New work by researchers at the University of Illinois lends strength to
previous research documenting the health benefits of Qigong and Taiji among
older adults who practice these ancient Chinese martial-arts forms.
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"Traditional Tai Chi training includes Qigong, but most
contemporary Tai Chi researchers have omitted Qigong from their research,"
said visiting kinesiology professor Yang Yang. "As a result, previous
researchers may not have documented all of the health benefits possible from
traditional Tai Chi training."
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In two studies – one quantitative, one qualitative – presented recently
at the North American Research Conference on Complementary & Integrative
Medicine, lead researcher Yang found that healthy seniors who practiced a
combination of Qigong and Tai Chi three times a week for six months experienced
significant physical benefits after only two months.
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Read
the rest of the story on sciencedaily.com
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Kung fu's healing qualities: |
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From:
http://www.burbankleader.com/news/story/44151p-66501c.html
(April 26, 2006):
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It may have been in slow motion; it may have been just part of practice, but
when Tammy Johnston first started taking kung fu in Burbank, she cringed at
every feigned kick and slow-moving fist.
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"At first, you do sets," Johnston said. "No matter how slowly we did them, I
would hold my breath and close my eyes."
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Eventually, however, Johnston began to keep her eyes open, and the classes
began to help her recover from a past of domestic abuse. Now, Johnston is using
her experience to give back to other abuse victims -- teaching them confidence
and focus through martial arts.
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"Tammy was motivated from her soul to change her life," said Tatyanna
Wilkerson, who now serves on the board of Johnson's nonprofit. "She didn't just
take small steps in changing her life, she went big." |
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"In 1995, I was almost killed in domestic violence," she said. "He broke my
back, I had multiple fractions and concussions -- right now I still have a
ruptured disk that pushes in my spinal cord."
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A year after the attack, Johnston was still in recovery when she wandered by
a kung fu school in Burbank.
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Read the rest
here
(pdf document). Open in new
window here.
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Octogenarian teaches tai chi to help other seniors heal: |
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From:
http://www.delawareonline.com
(April 23, 2006):
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It's difficult to apply one word to Helen R. Thomas' perspective on tai
chi.
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Better to use several -- moving meditation, peace, spiritual expression and
healing.
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At 85, she's such a believer in the benefits of the gentle martial art that
she's improvising a new sitting form of tai chi for people using wheelchairs and
canes.
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On Thursday she was teaching one of the classes to her seated students of the
Lorelton, a Wilmington assisted-living facility where Thomas has an
apartment.
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"One woman, who has severe Parkinson's disease could barely move her hands,
when we started," says Thomas. "Now she can open them and close them. That's a
victory for her."
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Eight years ago, Thomas feared she might become a cripple from the arthritis
in her back and knees. She did not relish surgery, turning in desperation to tai
chi, which she now credits with healing the pain and stiffness in her
joints.
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Read the rest
here
(pdf document). Open in new
window here.
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Tai chi - smooth move for arthritis: |
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From: http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/newssentinel/14286985.htm
(April 7, 2006):
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Laura Henry had severe shoulder pain from osteoarthritis. She couldn't pick
up a gallon of milk or reach for a dish from her cupboard. Lifting weights or
riding her bike was unthinkable.
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She saw only negligible improvement from anti-inflammatory drugs and
exercises prescribed by her doctor. "I had done all the exercises, and I took
all the medicines," she says. "My range of motion was very poor. I didn't know
what to do."
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Then she read about a new class in a flier from her corporate fitness center:
Tai Chi for Arthritis.
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"I'd done everything else," she says. "It wasn't working. That's what led me
to try it."
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Nearly two years later, Henry, 52, attends tai chi class twice a week. She's
pain-free and more active than she's been in years. |
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Tai Chi for Arthritis is recommended by the Arthritis Foundation. The series
of slow, gentle movements offers pain-reducing benefits to those with joint
sensitivities, says Jeff Savage, director of programs for the Arthritis
Foundation of Texas.
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Read the rest
here
(pdf document). Open in new
window here.
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Slo Kwon-do is local invention: |
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