For many people with PTSD one of the most important things is finding ways to alleviate their symptoms whilst they heal and recover. 

There are several physical activities that may ease your symptoms and improve wellbeing such as horse therapy and ocean therapy, but now martial arts are a major part of it too.

How do martial arts help PTSD?

Martial arts allow you to understand and develop a good relationship with power, helps you express emotions, helps to practice self-care, helps set and maintain boundaries, can help you relax, and can also help with disassociation by reconnecting the body and mind with repetitive movements.

It is thought that the concentration, discipline and training of martial arts, have been found to aid the healing process for some PTSD sufferers. “I was not expecting any martial arts to come to my rescue by not only helping me relearn old tricks, but also by giving me new tools. I can’t tell you what it is exactly about this discipline that pulls me back from the edge. All I know is that at first, when my instructor’s hands went around my throat in a chokehold, I would be flung straight into the claws of a panic attack. 

Now… well, not so much.”

“What I wasn’t expecting is to reveal itself a powerful ally in dealing with my C-PTSD. I have been dealing with C-PTSD for a very long time now. It is a constant, unwelcome companion, but the intensity of it comes in waves, sometimes the symptoms are fierce, other times they are more manageable. And sometimes it almost feels like they are gone.”

“My panic attacks are less frequent and more manageable. Generally, I can wake up from a nightmare and not spend the rest of the night wide awake. Generally, I can have a flashback and not throw up from the shock of it. Not all the time, but enough that it counts.”

This has helped him ‘battle’ his PTSD. 

Along with sleepless nights and headaches have ‘gone away’ he says, “I feel good. I haven’t felt this way since before everything. I feel okay.”

Mixed martial arts (MMA) – a sport which incorporates elements of boxing, kickboxing and wrestling – is another form of martial arts which has been found to help when it comes to addressing PTSD. 

Evolution Martial Arts and Fitness Academy has MMA class which will help for PTSD sufferers.

He feels the results in putting veterans on the right track are there for all to see. 

It has been proved that veterans training in MMA, their stress and PTSD coping mechanisms improved by 80%.

What are the benefits?

Amongst many other symptoms, PTSD sufferers can struggle with the sleepless nights and headaches which the condition can bring about. 

Martial arts have been found – directly or indirectly – to help eliminate some of these symptoms

More specifically, martial arts in a non-competitive form of martial arts, promoting patience, discipline and internal harmony and so there is no ego involved and it helps to re-centre and refocus yourself.

Whether it is the physical or mental aspect of martial arts which is most effective for those with PTSD is likely to depend on the individual, but one thing is for sure, it is working.

It turns out, martial arts helps saves lives in more ways than one. 

Maybe it can save yours, too. 

Maybe it can give you the tools to fight your way through it — literally.

Please remember, these aren’t meant to be medical recommendations, but they are tactics that have worked for others and might work for you, too. 

Be sure to work with a professional to find the best methods for you.

Book your FREE TRIAL at Evolution Martial Arts and Fitness Academy and let us help you improve your mental health…