Written by Patrick B. Massey, M.D., Ph.D. Evidence suggests that practicing tai chi enhances physical and mental health.
Tai chi, and possibly martial arts in general, may hold a key to lifelong physical and mental health.
The American concept of martial arts, shaped through movies and TV shows, suggests a pugilistic art only for self defense. That concept is incomplete.
Martial arts has developed over centuries in the hope of finding a way to achieve optimal health and not to be bound by the chains of illness and disease. In researching the history of martial arts, I found that many of the movements and forms were developed primarily to enhance and maintain good health. My own experience in practicing and teaching martial arts has been that it is a powerful way to improve health.
A recent article review in the Archives of Internal Medicine takes a close look at the evidence suggesting that practicing tai chi enhances physical and mental health. The authors reviewed several hundred studies on utilizing tai chi as a therapeutic intervention. Although many of the medical studies were not scientifically controlled, the vast majority did show significant medical benefits.
Studies showed that tai chi enhanced balance and prevents falls in the elderly, and that practicing tai chi significantly reduced depression and anxiety. People who practiced tai chi and meditation regularly for at least 12 weeks suffered less from the effects of stress. And one particularly interesting study showed that children who practiced tai chi had less stress and did better in school.
Other studies showed improved cardiac function and lower blood pressure in patients practicing tai chi for only 8 to 12 weeks. In my own practice, I have found that cardiac rehabilitation patients with high blood pressure were able to lower their blood pressure quickly when they practiced a simple tai chi regimen.
Tai chi exercise may even slow the loss of mental functioning in the elderly. In one study, patients practicing tai chi who later developed Alzheimer’s disease and senile dementia functioned at a higher level than those who did not practice tai chi.
Tai chi may also enhance activity of the reproductive and immune systems. Those who practiced tai chi had higher levels of testosterone, cortisol, follicle stimulating hormone, lutenizing hormone and thyroid hormone. In addition, they also had an increase in immune system T cells. T cells kill bacteria and viruses, and are also involved in the recognition and destruction of cancer cells.
Tai chi can be tailored to specific needs. For example, patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation often experience pronounced fatigue. Many cancer patients who participated in a tai chi program I developed specifically for them reported they had more energy, They also were better able to handle more chemotherapy and radiation therapy to fight their disease.
There are many tai chi exercise programs available, as well as videos and DVDs to use at home. For those with medical problems, I recommend starting with hospital-based programs. They are usually less intense. I also recommend checking with your physician before beginning any kind of exercise program.
Posted November 19, 2008. r/aj
