During a time of increased worry of being attacked since the September 11 attack on the USA, many people are finding solace in the ability to protect oneself.  And with that ability comes improved psychological well-being.  If people can protect themselves, they feel less vulnerable in a time of unrest and uncertainty.  Thus, if an individual is provided with the means of protecting oneself, decreased anxieties about one’s safety will follow.

The psychological benefits of martial arts include increased self-esteem and self-confidence as well as decreased tension, stress, anxiety and depression.  An individuals total well being, both psychological and physical, can be improved simultaneously.  While the physical aspects of exercise improve your general health, it likewise improves one’s emotional health.  In fact, it has been found that one viable treatment option for depression and other mental disorder is martial arts.  It’s utilization of meditative principles allows the participant to utilize self-evaluation and self-introspection as a means to practice martial arts.  It has been stated in the literature that martial arts and psychotherapy utilize the same principles to achieve wholeness.  The pursuit of self-improvement is the theme that martial arts and psychotherapy purports as the ultimate goal of the practice.

If you are interested in learning how to utilize martial arts to improve your mental and physical well-being, contact Cherlyn Monk, LICSW, CEAP C/RS at (202) 433-0087 or outside the local dialing area you may use 1-800-995-9791.