Tai-Chi describes a way of life and a system of healing and exercise which combines physical training (martial art) with spiritual growth and mental discipline. Its history can be traced back to India and the development of Buddhism circa 500BC.
Tai Chi has been practiced in all corners of the world. The most popular style of Tai Chi taught today in the Western world is Yang style, after the family name. Cheng Man Ch'ing (1900-1975) is largely credited as being the greatest master of Yang style in the modern world. Cheng developed the short Tang form, which is a concise, and shortened form. It contains the most basic principles and movements that are of great benefit to health and well-being.
"TAI CHI exercises could help diabetics control their blood sugar levels, researchers said today.
A 12-week programme was shown to boost the the body's immune system in people suffering Type 2, which is linked to obesity.
Two studies, published ahead of print in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, looked at the impact of tai chi on diabetes.
Tai chi involves moderate exercise using flowing movements and deep breathing using the diaphragm.
The first study, from researchers in Taiwan, compared 30 diabetics with 30 healthy people acting as controls.
Over the 12-week period, those in the tai chi group learned 37 movements under the guidance of an expert, and took home a video to study the correct poses.
Each session was 60 minutes which included a 10-minute warm-up and a 10-minute cool down. Sessions were given three times a week.
The study revealed that, after 12 weeks, levels of interleukin-12, which boosts the immune response, doubled.
Meanwhile, levels of interleukin-4, which suppresses the immune response, fell.
The study also revealed a significant drop in HBA1C levels in patients after the exercise programme. HBA1C is a measure of blood glucose.
The authors suggested that tai chi may cause a fall in blood glucose levels or improve blood glucose metabolism which sparks a drop in the inflammatory response.
Or, exercise may boost fitness levels and the feeling of wellbeing, which may then boost the health of the immune system, they said.
Cathy Moulton, care adviser at Diabetes UK, said: “This interesting new research further confirms that moderate exercise is vital in effectively managing Type 2 diabetes."
- Jane Kirby
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