Last month I shared a brief overview of my own journey with Tai Chi and Qigong. I mentioned the importance of considering dosage (frequency and duration of practice), which was an important factor in overcoming my own situation with celiac neuropathy. This is very relevant to cancer treatment, since current studies on Tai Chi and cancer have patients learning (which can be very different from doing) Tai Chi two to three times a week for an hour or so (1). Benefits have been reported for pain and improved quality of life (which is still a great benefit), but no direct effects on the cancer itself were observed. This contrasts greatly with the reports of my own students with cancer, as well as from many of the case stories I have collected. Metarobic theory and addressing dosage supports potential direct benefits for cancer (1). Many of these case stories document daily Tai Chi practice, with some doing these exercises multiple times a day. Helen Liang stated that her father was having her do as much as eight hours of practice a day, when conventional cancer treatment failed (she was given two weeks to live). She survived, and now over 17 years later, is happily teaching these exercises. I am stressing the importance of dosage due to these cases, as well as my own experiences with celiac neuropathy, as an important area to research.
It is sometimes difficult to tell how much medication versus Tai Chi is making the difference. In the case of the cancer patients, chemo and radiation therapy had failed. Since their condition did not reverse or improve until they started Tai Chi and/or forms of Qigong, it seems likely that these exercises were having significant effect (although one should never stop or replace any doctor’s treatment or prescribed medications. Metarobic exercises can enhance conventional treatment, and the cancer patients used these exercises in conjunction with their treatment). Metarobic effects may help combat hypoxia (a major complication in treating cancer), by enhancing oxygen based metabolism and oxygen diffusion (1). This is critical for healing (see “Tai Chi Therapy: The Science of Metarobics” for a detailed overview of the role of hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) in cancer and other chronic conditions).
New research supports that Metarobic benefits for health, aging and longevity may be tied to the effects of enhanced oxygen based metabolism and diffusion on telomerase production. This can also affect cancer (2). Over the course of our lives, telomeres are lost every time cells divide. And cells have a limited number of times they can divide. When they lose this ability through the course of aging (called replicative senescence), they can no longer replicate and become enlarged. Prematurely shortened telomeres lead to cell death and aging. Telomeres are end caps on our chromosomes, which delay this process. Longer end caps are associated with longer life spans and improved health. Modern medicine is looking at drugs and medication which can preserve telomere length. But aside from medications, there is also evidence that Metarobic effects generated by a relaxed physiological state, and the focus on the breath in Tai Chi, Qigong, and even in seated meditation, may also affect telomere length(3).
Telomerase is a factor in this. Telomerase replaces lost telomeres during cell division, preserving function and slowing aging. But unrestricted, it can lead to uncontrolled growth, as with cancer. At times a condition called “crisis” leads to cells continuing to attempt to divide, leading to significant cell death (apoptosis) and cancer growth. In this case, too much telomerase may act in cancer development to sustain the growth of cancer, by allowing indefinite cell division. The science is complex and would take pages to go into in detail. But in short, health, telomere length, telomerase, cell death, and uncontrolled cell division are all interlinked. With normal aging, telomeres shorten with each cell division, with telomerase levels controlled. With cancer growth, shortened telomeres are subjected to uncontrolled telomerase. Telomerase has been found to be 10-20 times more active in cancer than in normal cells (4).
So what does this have to do with Tai Chi, Metarobic theory, and health? As noted above, Telomerase is not particularly active in normal cells, but is hyperactive in nearly all cancers. Studies have found that stress can result in increased telomerase release, and the shortening of telomeres (3). Meditation, including moving forms of meditation, can help offset hypoxia, in addition to reducing stress (1). Furthermore, Glycolysis (sugar based metabolism, characteristic of cancer, as opposed to oxygen based metabolism in normal cells) is linked to hypoxia (low oxygen conditions), which can increase telomerase activity to the rampant levels prevalent in cancer (5). Put simply, stress results in a highly reactive physiological state, as well as tense muscles which further impacts oxygen in the body, inhibiting the body’s ability to heal itself (6). Metarobic theory supports that meditative practices (which include a focus on relaxation and the breath) enhance blood oxygen saturation, diffusion and oxygen based metabolism, which helps combat hypoxia and maximizes optimal cell functioning (1). This may include optimal telomerase activation and maximized telomere length.
Doctor Elizabeth Blackburn shared the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology of Medicine for discovering how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase, with Carol Greider and Jack Szostak. In a Scientific American interview, she discussed the effects of telomerase on telomeres and aging (7). Dr. Blackburn noted that telomerase helps prevent the shortening of the telomeres, and thus acts as an anti-aging enzyme. However, she also notes that too much telomerase can help confer immortality to cancer cells, and actually increases the likelihood of cancer. She further notes that too little telomerase can also increase cancer, by affecting the healthy regenerative potential of the body. To reduce cancer risk and enhance optimal health, the body needs an ideal level of telomerase. Complimentary exercises such as Tai Chi, Qigong, meditation and related exercises can achieve this naturally, theoretically maximizing optimal effects through a Metarobic response. This is important to consider, in that trying to affect telomerase levels artificially through drugs is not yet a precise science, in an area in which Dr. Blackburn states does not have a whole lot of room for error. Further support for a Metarobic approach relates to factors listed by Dr. Blackburn, which included oxidative stress. Prolonged elevation of stress hormones or prolonged inflammation can increase oxidative stress, which relates to Metarobic theory. She notes that higher levels of psychological stress (which increases oxidative stress) results in premature cell aging. The end effect is that a person even in their 30s or 40s exposed to high levels of oxidative stress may show signs of aging in their cells.
Dr. Blackburn also participated in a review of literature relevant to using meditative or mindfulness based practices to reduce the effects of stress, and the relationship to telomere length and the aging process (3). The review concluded that there is considerable support that mindfulness based practices (which would include Tai Chi), may have beneficial effects on telomere length. The primary mechanisms identified included reduction of cognitive stress and stress arousal, as well as increased positive states of mind, and hormonal factors which may promote telomere maintenance (such as through optimal levels of telomerase). All of these factors would relate to Metarobic theory, optimal oxygen based metabolism, and potential effects on hypoxia, as noted above. Tai Chi and related exercises are reputed in China to be exercises of immortality and longevity. Science is proving that the “immortals” of China may have the right idea – relax, breath, and let your body function at its optimal, uninhibited by stress and tension.
References
1. Gryffin PA. Tai Chi Therapy: The Science of Metarobics. Createspace, Seattle; 2015.
2. Shay JW, Wright WE. Role of telomeres and telomerase in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol. 2011 Dec; 21(6): 349–353.
3. Epel E, Daubenmier J, Moskowitz JT, Folkman S, Blackburn E. Can meditation slow rate of cellular aging? Cognitive stress, mindfulness, and telomeres. Acad Sci. 2009 Aug; 1172:34-53.
4. Shay/Wright Lab. Facts about Telomeres and Telomerase. http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/labs/shay-wright/research/facts-about-telomeres-telomerase.html. Retrieved September 9th, 2016.
5. Bagheri S, Nosrati M, Li S, et al. Genes and pathways downstream of telomerase in melanoma metastasis. PNAS. 2006 (103) 30: 11306–11311
6. Gouina JP, Kiecolt-Glasera JK. The Impact of Psychological Stress on Wound Healing: Methods and Mechanisms. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2011 Feb; 31(1): 81–93.
7. Rehman J. Aging: Too Much Telomerase Can Be As Bad As Too Little. Scientific American. Online, July 5, 2014. http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/aging-too-much-telomerase-can-be-as-bad-as-too-little/ Retrieved September 9th, 2016.
It is sometimes difficult to tell how much medication versus Tai Chi is making the difference. In the case of the cancer patients, chemo and radiation therapy had failed. Since their condition did not reverse or improve until they started Tai Chi and/or forms of Qigong, it seems likely that these exercises were having significant effect (although one should never stop or replace any doctor’s treatment or prescribed medications. Metarobic exercises can enhance conventional treatment, and the cancer patients used these exercises in conjunction with their treatment). Metarobic effects may help combat hypoxia (a major complication in treating cancer), by enhancing oxygen based metabolism and oxygen diffusion (1). This is critical for healing (see “Tai Chi Therapy: The Science of Metarobics” for a detailed overview of the role of hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) in cancer and other chronic conditions).
New research supports that Metarobic benefits for health, aging and longevity may be tied to the effects of enhanced oxygen based metabolism and diffusion on telomerase production. This can also affect cancer (2). Over the course of our lives, telomeres are lost every time cells divide. And cells have a limited number of times they can divide. When they lose this ability through the course of aging (called replicative senescence), they can no longer replicate and become enlarged. Prematurely shortened telomeres lead to cell death and aging. Telomeres are end caps on our chromosomes, which delay this process. Longer end caps are associated with longer life spans and improved health. Modern medicine is looking at drugs and medication which can preserve telomere length. But aside from medications, there is also evidence that Metarobic effects generated by a relaxed physiological state, and the focus on the breath in Tai Chi, Qigong, and even in seated meditation, may also affect telomere length(3).
Telomerase is a factor in this. Telomerase replaces lost telomeres during cell division, preserving function and slowing aging. But unrestricted, it can lead to uncontrolled growth, as with cancer. At times a condition called “crisis” leads to cells continuing to attempt to divide, leading to significant cell death (apoptosis) and cancer growth. In this case, too much telomerase may act in cancer development to sustain the growth of cancer, by allowing indefinite cell division. The science is complex and would take pages to go into in detail. But in short, health, telomere length, telomerase, cell death, and uncontrolled cell division are all interlinked. With normal aging, telomeres shorten with each cell division, with telomerase levels controlled. With cancer growth, shortened telomeres are subjected to uncontrolled telomerase. Telomerase has been found to be 10-20 times more active in cancer than in normal cells (4).
So what does this have to do with Tai Chi, Metarobic theory, and health? As noted above, Telomerase is not particularly active in normal cells, but is hyperactive in nearly all cancers. Studies have found that stress can result in increased telomerase release, and the shortening of telomeres (3). Meditation, including moving forms of meditation, can help offset hypoxia, in addition to reducing stress (1). Furthermore, Glycolysis (sugar based metabolism, characteristic of cancer, as opposed to oxygen based metabolism in normal cells) is linked to hypoxia (low oxygen conditions), which can increase telomerase activity to the rampant levels prevalent in cancer (5). Put simply, stress results in a highly reactive physiological state, as well as tense muscles which further impacts oxygen in the body, inhibiting the body’s ability to heal itself (6). Metarobic theory supports that meditative practices (which include a focus on relaxation and the breath) enhance blood oxygen saturation, diffusion and oxygen based metabolism, which helps combat hypoxia and maximizes optimal cell functioning (1). This may include optimal telomerase activation and maximized telomere length.
Doctor Elizabeth Blackburn shared the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology of Medicine for discovering how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase, with Carol Greider and Jack Szostak. In a Scientific American interview, she discussed the effects of telomerase on telomeres and aging (7). Dr. Blackburn noted that telomerase helps prevent the shortening of the telomeres, and thus acts as an anti-aging enzyme. However, she also notes that too much telomerase can help confer immortality to cancer cells, and actually increases the likelihood of cancer. She further notes that too little telomerase can also increase cancer, by affecting the healthy regenerative potential of the body. To reduce cancer risk and enhance optimal health, the body needs an ideal level of telomerase. Complimentary exercises such as Tai Chi, Qigong, meditation and related exercises can achieve this naturally, theoretically maximizing optimal effects through a Metarobic response. This is important to consider, in that trying to affect telomerase levels artificially through drugs is not yet a precise science, in an area in which Dr. Blackburn states does not have a whole lot of room for error. Further support for a Metarobic approach relates to factors listed by Dr. Blackburn, which included oxidative stress. Prolonged elevation of stress hormones or prolonged inflammation can increase oxidative stress, which relates to Metarobic theory. She notes that higher levels of psychological stress (which increases oxidative stress) results in premature cell aging. The end effect is that a person even in their 30s or 40s exposed to high levels of oxidative stress may show signs of aging in their cells.
Dr. Blackburn also participated in a review of literature relevant to using meditative or mindfulness based practices to reduce the effects of stress, and the relationship to telomere length and the aging process (3). The review concluded that there is considerable support that mindfulness based practices (which would include Tai Chi), may have beneficial effects on telomere length. The primary mechanisms identified included reduction of cognitive stress and stress arousal, as well as increased positive states of mind, and hormonal factors which may promote telomere maintenance (such as through optimal levels of telomerase). All of these factors would relate to Metarobic theory, optimal oxygen based metabolism, and potential effects on hypoxia, as noted above. Tai Chi and related exercises are reputed in China to be exercises of immortality and longevity. Science is proving that the “immortals” of China may have the right idea – relax, breath, and let your body function at its optimal, uninhibited by stress and tension.
References
1. Gryffin PA. Tai Chi Therapy: The Science of Metarobics. Createspace, Seattle; 2015.
2. Shay JW, Wright WE. Role of telomeres and telomerase in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol. 2011 Dec; 21(6): 349–353.
3. Epel E, Daubenmier J, Moskowitz JT, Folkman S, Blackburn E. Can meditation slow rate of cellular aging? Cognitive stress, mindfulness, and telomeres. Acad Sci. 2009 Aug; 1172:34-53.
4. Shay/Wright Lab. Facts about Telomeres and Telomerase. http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/labs/shay-wright/research/facts-about-telomeres-telomerase.html. Retrieved September 9th, 2016.
5. Bagheri S, Nosrati M, Li S, et al. Genes and pathways downstream of telomerase in melanoma metastasis. PNAS. 2006 (103) 30: 11306–11311
6. Gouina JP, Kiecolt-Glasera JK. The Impact of Psychological Stress on Wound Healing: Methods and Mechanisms. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am. 2011 Feb; 31(1): 81–93.
7. Rehman J. Aging: Too Much Telomerase Can Be As Bad As Too Little. Scientific American. Online, July 5, 2014. http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/aging-too-much-telomerase-can-be-as-bad-as-too-little/ Retrieved September 9th, 2016.
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