Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient Chinese form of martial arts used as a form of exercise. In a recent 25-week study sponsored by grants from the National Institute of Aging and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers found that Tai Chi effectively strengthens the immune system. This was demonstrated by blood tests showing that adults between the ages of 59-86 who practiced Tai Chi had increased immunity to shingles, a condition caused by a resurgence of the chicken pox (varicella zoster) virus compared to their peers who did not exercise but attended health education classes during the same timeframe [Practicing Tai Chi Boosts Immune System in Older Adults, Science Daily, March 24, 2007].
A weakened immune system functions erratically, targeting the body’s own proteins. This is an underlying cause of autoimmune disease. Immunity tends to decline with age, which is one reason for the increased risk of autoimmune diseases in the elderly. In addition, the incidence of shingles, influenza, and other infections rises as we age. And vaccines aren’t as effective in the aged population. Results of the Tai Chi study showed that immunity to shingles in the adults that exercised was similar to that of older adults receiving vaccines for shingles. This level was also similar to the normal immunity levels seen in healthy middle-aged adults.
What is Tai Chi?
Tai chi or tai chi chuan is a gentle exercise program consisting of a series of 20 to 100 movements belonging to the discipline of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Tai chi was created by the marital artist Zhang Sanfeng in the late 16th century. Derived from martial arts, tai chi is composed of slow, deliberate movements, meditation, and deep breathing, which are designed to enhance physical health and emotional well-being. Tai chi is based on spiritual and philosophical ideas that advocate a need for balance in the body, mind, and spirit. By imitating movements found in nature, tai chi harmonizes the body and unites humanity with the natural world.
Advantages of Tai Chi
Tai chi chuan has many distinct advantages over other forms of exercise such as isometrics and calisthenics that target isolated muscle groups. Tai chi involves every part of the body and benefits all bodily parts and not just the musculoskeletal system. Studies conducted at Bellevue Hospital in New York City, the Medical Academy of Shanghai, and the Tangshan Medical Center, show that tai chi stimulates the central nervous system, lowers blood pressure, improves digestion, improves blood circulation and cardiovascular function, channels the flow of energy through the body’s meridians, relieves stress, and tones muscles without strain. People of all ages and in any state of health can also safely perform tai chi.
Immune System Effects of Tai Chi
In a 12-week study [Yeh SH, Chuang H, Lin HW, and Hsiao CY, Regular tai chi chuan exercise enhances functional mobility and CD4CD25 regulatory T cells, British Journal of Sports medicine, March, 2006;40(3):230-243.] of the immune system changes related to tai chi chuan, researchers found that total white and red blood cell counts did not change significantly. However, a significant decrease in the monocyte count occurred and a significant increase in the ration of T helper to T suppressor cells occurred. The function of regulatory T-cells was also enhanced. Tai chi and other forms of exercise are found to increase levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) a cytokine known to inhibit tumor necrosis factor, reducing inflammation.
Resources:
Tai chi articles, University of Utah, April 1997, accessed March 4, 2007.
Tai Chi, University of Maryland Medical Center, , accessed April 2, 2007.
