The numbers of Americans who have asthma has steadily risen since the 1980s, and has reached a whopping 26 million. Despite these increasingly high numbers, there are ways to limit symptoms of the common disease, and martial arts may be one of them. Martial arts can provide enormous benefits to physicality and even brain function. But it may be that participating in martial arts can also have a positive effect in improving symptoms of asthma.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition that affects 1 in 13 Americans. Asthma causes breathing problems as the airways become inflamed. Although there is no cure for asthma, attacks can be avoided and symptoms regulated through avoidance of certain triggers, including allergies to mold, pollen and other irritants. Symptoms of asthma can be regulated by taking asthma medications regularly or at the onset of symptoms, as directed by a doctor.
The Mindfulness Of Martial Arts
Martial arts is a sport that combines intense physical discipline and exercise with the concept of mindfulness and meditation. Science shows that both of these aspects can be influential in decreasing asthma symptoms in asthmatics. The University of Wisconsin-Madison has found that mindfulness techniques can help to control the symptoms of many types of chronic inflammation, including asthma. This is because of the role that psychological stress plays on increasing symptoms of inflammatory disease. Meditation type practices, including martial arts, are extremely effective methods of stress reduction.
The Effect Of Exercise On Asthma Symptoms
Research cited in the European Respiratory Journal suggests that exercise may improve lung function, quality of life and breathlessness in asthmatics. Non-endurance sports that require short spurts of energy instead of long periods of exertion are the easiest on the lungs of asthmatics. Additionally, cold air can be particularly triggering for asthma symptoms, so sports that take place in a climate controlled environment are the best bet for reduction of asthma symptoms. Both of these aspects apply to the realm of martial arts, making it a safe option for asthmatics to improve lung function and reduce breathlessness.
There are many approaches that can be taken to avoid and control asthma symptoms, from changes in diet to avoidance of many environments and activities. But not only can martial arts be practiced safely with limited onset of asthmatic symptoms, it may also be a productive method of improving the health and function of their lungs.
