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Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Martial Arts
By Elisa Overholt, L.Ac., CMT
Like yin and yang, healing and the martial arts go together naturally. A knowledge of anatomy is essential for healing, but also is extremely useful to a martial artist when inflicting injury. Herbal medicine helps us treat disease, but the understanding of it helps a martial artist to heal and strengthen their body. On a deeper level, understanding the flow of qi in the body is the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine, but also helps a martial artist to focus his or her power and develop “explosive energy.”
Traditional martial artists were well versed in the art of healing injuries, using tonics and qi gong exercises to build up their body’s strength. This allowed them to withstand hours of vigorous training. Over many years (especially in Western countries) these two arts seem to have drifted apart, or have been saved for only very advanced levels of training. Medicine became a quick fix from the drug store for a painful injury or a sugary energy drink before practice for energy. In distancing ourselves from natural medicine we have lost a valuable insight into our body’s energy and state of balance. The most powerful martial artist is one who understands anatomy, qi flow, and balance in the body.
In this section I hope to revive the fading connection between healing and the martial arts. I hope that by demystifying this ancient tradition, you will be able to take a greater part in your own health care and become the best martial artist you can be. Please remember that this is not intended to be a substitute for advice from your medical professional. I hope to help you learn how to keep your body healthy and strong and develop a deeper understanding of the wonders of the human body.
Have a healthy and prosperous New Year!
Elisa Overholt is a martial artist and acupuncturist specializing in sports medicine and reproductive health. She currently practices in San Francisco.
