Tai Chi Can Help Control Type 2 Diabetes

April 3, 2008

The martial art of Tai Chi can improve Type 2 diabetes control, say researchers in Taiwan. Tai Chi combines deep diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation with gentle movement.

The research team, whose work will be published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, assessed the impact of a 12-week programme of Tai Chi exercises on the T helper cell activity of 60 patients of the same age – half with Type 2 diabetes and half without the condition.

T cells are a key component of the body’s immune system, producing powerful chemicals which alter the immune response.

Strenuous vs moderate activity

According to the researchers, strenuous physical activity depresses the immune system response, but moderate exercise seems to have the opposite effect. Tai Chi is classified as moderate exercise.

Posted by markmelch
Filed in tai chi and qigong
Tags: diabetes, immune system

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