For thousands of years testimonials have expounded on the benefits of the martial arts. Although replete with claims of physical well-being and mental self-actualization, Western science has only recently begun to research the effect these ancient Eastern practices have on mental health. The pressure to identify adjunct sources of support and preventative interventions continues to increase, with fewer health care dollars available for mental health services under managed care systems. Creative strategies designed to assist individuals in using community resources such as the martial arts can be a positive step toward the promotion of self-care.
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