Illnesses That Martial Arts Can Help Cure

Practicing any sport is obviously full of benefits for one’s health. But, martial arts can be especially healthy and can bless the practitioner with a long and healthy life. Thanks to exercise, breathing practice and meditation martial arts require, they can provide the body with all it needs to stay fit long into old age. So, here are the four major health issues martial arts can help cure which will definitely encourage you to start practicing. 

Organ disease

Martial arts require regular physical activity. Each discipline usually involves the practice of techniques (kicks, punches, and throws) and workouts that allow the fighter to maintain performance levels, posture, and mobility. All of these do wonders for our internal organ health. Since it spikes metabolic functions, it can help battle diabetes, maintain a healthy heart and boost the function of one’s circulatory system. A healthy heart and functional circulatory system make the blood vessels elastic and keep it safe from all kinds of blockages. 

Regular activation of organs like the liver and kidneys also helps keep them in top shape and allows them to remove toxins from the body and replace old cells with new cells. Additionally, physical exercise is great for lung capacity since martial arts require you to maintain steady breathing while performing all kinds of intense movements. 

Eating disorders 

After an intense martial art class, your metabolism will spike and continue to burn calories even when you’re resting or during the periods of very low-level activity. Martial arts also include various critical scenarios that are hard on the psyche and build up anaerobic respiration which can also contribute to better weight loss. Besides that, many martial art disciplines are big on moderation and self-discipline which can be great for those who struggle with eating habits and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 

Individuals who are struggling with weight in a different way can also benefit from martial arts. Underweight people will see their body develop and become stronger. And stronger bodies need more food to function which can bring them to healthy body weight. As soon as they develop a more friendly relationship with food, they will notice their overall health improve. With only a few pieces of equipment, you can get a complete weight loss or weight gain treatment and meet new and amazing people. Websites like Fighting Report have all the necessary information about gear and supplementations, so read on it a bit before you hit the stores in search for your gis, gloves, and belts. While the gear you have is not that important, it can keep you and your opponent safe from injury, so choose wisely. 

Colds and flus

Frequent physical activity boosts your metabolism, which is key to warding off the flu and the common cold. No matter how much multivitamins and supplements you take, if you don’t combine them with exercise, you won’t see the results. Martial arts are especially beneficial because they encourage the production of antibodies. Also, any sort of aerobic exercise helps reduce inflammation while resistance training keeps the body strong and capable of fighting influences. Since both of these actions are included in martial arts, you can expect amazing health results. While quick and explosive exercises in karate and jiu-jitsu have an amazing effect on inflammation and respiratory tract infections, the prolonged activity can do the opposite (like running a marathon), so stick to martial arts if you want quick and visible results. 

Chronic pain

While it might sound contradictory, martial arts are a great way to battle discomfort in bones, muscles, and joints. They put a lot of emphasis on mobility and encourage good posture which can help with the pain. Martial arts also slowly and gradually build strength in both major and minor muscles which can improve posture, balance, and stability of joints and bones. Also, fighting, doing techniques and sparring is just fun which can take people’s minds off of pain and health issues. 

These physical gains are simply amazing, and when you combine them with a boost in confidence, camaraderie, and happiness, martial arts are really the key to being healthy and content. So, find a dojo near you, sign up for classes and start your journey towards being a healthier and better person. There’s no way you will regret your decision to become a fighter! 

Bio: Ian Lewis is a father, writer, and a fitness nut. He’s passionate about many forms of strength training and spent years lifting all kinds of heavy objects. His favorite quote: “There are three ways to ultimate success: The first way is to be kind. The second way is to be kind. The third way is to be kind.”

You can find him on Twitter.