Before we delve into the types of medicines used by martial artists, we must first explore why martial arts and medicine have been strongly linked for centuries. Considering the ancient roots of martial arts, modern medicine was still in its early stages and had not as yet reached the East.
During the course of training, it was likely that martial art practitioners would become injured and being far away from hospitals, martial arts teachers developed techniques to treat and prevent injury.
Herbal Medicine
Commonly used to treat chronic pain or traumatic injuries, herbal medicine is the most common therapy associated with Chinese medicine. Typically ingested in powder, tablet, or tea form, the Die Da Ke or “Fall and Hit Medicine” – the treatments martial art physicians focused on – instead makes use of external herbal treatments.
Not commonly seen today in Western medicine, external herbal medicines are applied in topical form through poultices, liniments, or compresses.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the most common treatments for pain management in traditional martial arts medicine and there have been numerous scientific studies which have proven its efficacy.
Six Harmonies Acupuncture is one of the most potent acupuncture methods of martial arts medicine and is based on the internal martial arts theories of Hsing I and T’ai Chi Ch’uan. In this method, the acupuncturist needles areas almost entirely away from the pain site for powerful results. In fact, the results are almost as incredible as the Rival online casinos experience.
Cupping and Other External Therapies
While acupuncture and herbal medicines are common amongst martial art medicine practitioners, these aren’t the only external therapies utilised. Other methods such as Cupping, which involves cups attached to the skin using suction to treat pain and inflammation, are also used by Die Da Ke practitioners.
Scraping therapy, or Gua Sha, is another popular therapy which involves scraping the skin with a special tool to improve circulation and address issues such as chronic pain and inflammation. Gua Sha is also the original version of what many today know as Graston Technique.
Movement Therapy
Movement therapy makes use of movements taken from martial arts and is incredibly helpful in improving strength, flexibility, balance, the connection between body and mind, and an overall feeling of general wellbeing.
Furthermore, a tremendous amount of scientific research has been dedicated to how exercise increases energy and helps to prevent diseases such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
One such movement therapy is Taiji Therapy which is based on a series of exercises known as the Silk Reeling Skill, adapted from the classic Chinese martial art Taijiquan.
Health from the Inside Out
Dietary therapy is also an important part of martial art medicine as the foods we consume greatly impact our bodies and can influence pain levels and the ability of the body to recover from injury.
Martial arts medicine makes use of a combination of ancient food cures and the modern understanding of nutrition in order to aid martial artists in dealing with injury and pain.