A systematic review on the application of Aikido as a psychosomatic tool in therapeutic setting (Part I)

Abstract

It is our contention that Aikido may have sufficient support for its use in complementary therapies in the field of clinical treatment. However, as far as we are aware, no extensive scientific studies highlighting the application of Aikido as a psychosomatic therapy in the field of psychological behavioural disorders has been carried out. Our aim here was to conduct a systematic review of scientific studies associated with the possible psychosomatic benefits of Aikido practice and to examine whether there is any theoretical basis for this psychosomatic health connection. In terms of methodology, a systematic review of published scientific literature on health and Aikido was conducted in adherence with PRISMA guidelines. Three aspects of the application of Aikido were identified, one corresponding to phases more susceptible to psycho-emotional instability such as during the period of adolescence; another aspect related to the treatment of overcoming trauma in subjects with post-traumatic stress disorder and the final aspect related to the improvements as a result of the practical intervention of mindfulness. It is evident from our review, that the treatment of Aikido as a discipline with psychotherapeutic potential requires further expert analysis from a cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspective, which would involve establishing a suitable intervention model in order to attain a deeper understanding of the discipline of Aikido. Moreover, a mastery of the field of psychology and psychiatry is required to understand the internal cognitive processes of the subjects studied.