Colds and flu have been running rampant in my area, so I thought this would be a good time to present research on the benefits of Tai Chi and related exercises for immunity. A large underlying reason Metarobics exercises such as Tai Chi benefits immunity, relates to Hypoxia (oxygen deficiency in the tissues). The following is a small excerpt from my book "Tai Chi Therapy: The Science of Metarobics," available on Amazon.com.
Hypoxia has a negative effect on T cells, which are important for mucosal defense, immunity and fighting inflammation. T cells are a type of lymphocyte which is critical in the immune response. Tai Chi, in a study on varicella zoster (Shingles) virus specific lymphocytes, resulted in a significant increase (50%) in T cells. The comparison group resulted in no change. A third group received the shingles vaccine which resulted in a 75% increase. When the vaccine was given to a Tai Chi group, they experienced a 173% increase in antibodies.3 At the 6 week post-vaccine measure, the Tai Chi group had a 130% increase in antibodies (compared to 54% in the non Tai Chi group), and a 109% increase at the 20 week follow up (compared to 10% in the non Tai Chi group). This indicates the importance of vaccination, but also demonstrates the benefit of Tai Chi for enhancing overall immunity. The researchers noted that Tai Chi may be particularly valuable for those diseases for which there is no vaccine.
From "Tai Chi Therapy: The Science of Metarobics"
"I had a heart attack, followed by 4 years of flu, bronchitis, & pneumonia. Then I had a second heart attack. I then started Tai Chi. For the last 2 years I have not had the cold, flu, pneumonia, or bronchitis, & less angina. I am convinced that my health will continue to improve as I practice Tai Chi.” – Bruce.
Hypoxia has a negative effect on T cells, which are important for mucosal defense, immunity and fighting inflammation. T cells are a type of lymphocyte which is critical in the immune response. Tai Chi, in a study on varicella zoster (Shingles) virus specific lymphocytes, resulted in a significant increase (50%) in T cells. The comparison group resulted in no change. A third group received the shingles vaccine which resulted in a 75% increase. When the vaccine was given to a Tai Chi group, they experienced a 173% increase in antibodies.3 At the 6 week post-vaccine measure, the Tai Chi group had a 130% increase in antibodies (compared to 54% in the non Tai Chi group), and a 109% increase at the 20 week follow up (compared to 10% in the non Tai Chi group). This indicates the importance of vaccination, but also demonstrates the benefit of Tai Chi for enhancing overall immunity. The researchers noted that Tai Chi may be particularly valuable for those diseases for which there is no vaccine.
From "Tai Chi Therapy: The Science of Metarobics"
"I had a heart attack, followed by 4 years of flu, bronchitis, & pneumonia. Then I had a second heart attack. I then started Tai Chi. For the last 2 years I have not had the cold, flu, pneumonia, or bronchitis, & less angina. I am convinced that my health will continue to improve as I practice Tai Chi.” – Bruce.
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