This is my third article on elements of Metarobics related to cancer. As noted earlier, to celebrate the release of my new book “Mindful Exercise: Metarobics, Healing, and the Power of Tai Chi,” I am focusing on research and cases stories related to cancer for the month of August, since it was my students with cancer which got me looking in the direction of Metarobics. The following is a brief overview noting the importance of maximizing blood flow and oxygen diffusion throughout the entire body, in particular the organs, and the importance of relaxation. See my book for a more information, supporting research, and case stories.
Research documented in my book indicates that enhanced blood oxygen saturation and diffusion may enhance metabolic functions, to optimize cellular functioning and health. When you engage in aerobic exercise, the large muscle groups command the supply of oxygen in the body. This is considered the primary reason for stomach cramps, if you eat before intense exercise. As you engage in aerobic exercise, the blood is drawn from the organs and redirected to the large muscle groups. It is worth noting that cancer is almost unknown in the large muscle groups.
Dr. Stock, at the Bergonie Institute in France, documented this in is research, observing that cancer rarely occurs in striated muscles, which includes the large muscle groups such as the leg and arm muscles. This may be due to the oxygen rich environment of skeletal muscles, since the major muscle groups have the ability to command the oxygen supply of the body during exercise. Metarobic theory supports benefits of tai chi and related breath-focused relaxation exercises, for enhancing blood flow to all areas of the body, including the organs. My research supports that these exercises may provide a means to boost cellular health and functioning in ways unique from conventional exercise. This may include an impact on cancer prevention and treatment, which is supported by a range of studies in my book.
The relaxation factor of mindful exercise may also play an important role. As one ages, a variety of changes occur within the body, including a stiffening of the heart muscles and increased arteriosclerosis. The lungs also lose elasticity. The dynamic state of relaxation generated from tai chi and similar Metarobic exercises may relax not just the large muscle groups, but also the arteries and cardiovascular system. Researchers at the University of North Texas documented a relationship between flexibility as determined by the sit and reach test (sitting on the floor and seeing how far you can reach towards your toes), and arterial health. Supple arterial walls require the heart to work less hard to pump blood throughout the body, while stiff arteries require the heart to work harder, and can contribute to a greater risk for heart attack and stroke. The researchers found a significant relationship between flexibility and arterial stiffness – the stiffer and less flexible the participants were, the higher the readings they had in arterial stiffness. Participants in a study group who stretched regularly experienced a 20 percent increase in arterial health, compared to no change in a weight lifting group.
Before I started tai chi, I could barely reach past my knees. After several years of tai chi and qigong, my flexibility increased to where I could bend over and place the palms of my hands flat on the floor. This was before I began any kind of stretching regimen. As I got older I realized the importance of stretching as well, particularly after exercising. But it is interesting to note that just doing qigong and tai chi had enhanced my flexibility to such a degree that I could place my hands flat on the floor. Enhanced arterial flexibility, as well as blood oxygen saturation, diffusion and other Metarobic effects, may combine to make the whole body as healthy as possible, maximizing the bodies ability to fight cancer, and to deal better with the harmful side effects of cancer treatment. As noted in the case stories in my book and on the Metarobics Facebook Page, many people who used tai chi and/or qigong during their treatment experienced minimal side effects, including no loss of hair, and reduced or no need for pain medications.
Please see my book “Mindful Exercise: Metarobics, Healing, and the Power of Tai Chi,” available online or from fine booksellers, for a full overview of Metarobic effects, supporting research, and over 50 case stories.
Research documented in my book indicates that enhanced blood oxygen saturation and diffusion may enhance metabolic functions, to optimize cellular functioning and health. When you engage in aerobic exercise, the large muscle groups command the supply of oxygen in the body. This is considered the primary reason for stomach cramps, if you eat before intense exercise. As you engage in aerobic exercise, the blood is drawn from the organs and redirected to the large muscle groups. It is worth noting that cancer is almost unknown in the large muscle groups.
Dr. Stock, at the Bergonie Institute in France, documented this in is research, observing that cancer rarely occurs in striated muscles, which includes the large muscle groups such as the leg and arm muscles. This may be due to the oxygen rich environment of skeletal muscles, since the major muscle groups have the ability to command the oxygen supply of the body during exercise. Metarobic theory supports benefits of tai chi and related breath-focused relaxation exercises, for enhancing blood flow to all areas of the body, including the organs. My research supports that these exercises may provide a means to boost cellular health and functioning in ways unique from conventional exercise. This may include an impact on cancer prevention and treatment, which is supported by a range of studies in my book.
The relaxation factor of mindful exercise may also play an important role. As one ages, a variety of changes occur within the body, including a stiffening of the heart muscles and increased arteriosclerosis. The lungs also lose elasticity. The dynamic state of relaxation generated from tai chi and similar Metarobic exercises may relax not just the large muscle groups, but also the arteries and cardiovascular system. Researchers at the University of North Texas documented a relationship between flexibility as determined by the sit and reach test (sitting on the floor and seeing how far you can reach towards your toes), and arterial health. Supple arterial walls require the heart to work less hard to pump blood throughout the body, while stiff arteries require the heart to work harder, and can contribute to a greater risk for heart attack and stroke. The researchers found a significant relationship between flexibility and arterial stiffness – the stiffer and less flexible the participants were, the higher the readings they had in arterial stiffness. Participants in a study group who stretched regularly experienced a 20 percent increase in arterial health, compared to no change in a weight lifting group.
Before I started tai chi, I could barely reach past my knees. After several years of tai chi and qigong, my flexibility increased to where I could bend over and place the palms of my hands flat on the floor. This was before I began any kind of stretching regimen. As I got older I realized the importance of stretching as well, particularly after exercising. But it is interesting to note that just doing qigong and tai chi had enhanced my flexibility to such a degree that I could place my hands flat on the floor. Enhanced arterial flexibility, as well as blood oxygen saturation, diffusion and other Metarobic effects, may combine to make the whole body as healthy as possible, maximizing the bodies ability to fight cancer, and to deal better with the harmful side effects of cancer treatment. As noted in the case stories in my book and on the Metarobics Facebook Page, many people who used tai chi and/or qigong during their treatment experienced minimal side effects, including no loss of hair, and reduced or no need for pain medications.
Please see my book “Mindful Exercise: Metarobics, Healing, and the Power of Tai Chi,” available online or from fine booksellers, for a full overview of Metarobic effects, supporting research, and over 50 case stories.
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