Positive effects of Tai Chi for Obese and Diabetic persons.

Moderate aerobic exercises have positive effects on the heart, lungs and blood of patients with diabetes. Most Chinese martial arts including Tai Chi have been acknowledged in the management of blood glucose levels.

A study was conducted in Taiwan to analyze the effects of Tai Chi on patients obese with type 2 diabetes. 155 patients were selected . One group of 62 was instructed in Tai Chi while the other was instructed to perform conventional exercises. The patients exercised three times a week for three months. 

At the end of the study, it was observed that : 

• The body mass index reduced from 33.5 to 31.3 and the blood cholesterol from 194 to 189 mg/dL. A few other relevant parameters showed significant changes post-Tai Chi exercise.
• The blood triglycerides had dropped by 28.3 in the Tai Chi exercise group but there was a mere 17.4 mg/dL drop in those involved with the conventional exercise.
• The high-density lipids were also reduced in the Tai Chi exercise group.

Conclusion

Tai chi exercises were proved to be beneficial on patients with diabetes and obesity, and were safe when supervised by professional trainers. Intricate monitoring of blood sugar, lipid profiles, blood pressure and general fitness showed that the Tai Chi exercises could in fact lower these parameters after three months. Patients with diabetes and obesity usually have high blood levels of oxidative stress proteins and oxidative stress could initiate vascular complications. These were also reduced after the Tai Chi exercise regime. 

Thus, “Tai Chi can be an alternative exercise intervention for increasing glucose control, diabetic self-care activities, and quality of life.” 

Simple Tai Chi exercises could be enforced as regular daily exercises for patients with diabetes and obesity.

Full article : 
Effect of T’ai Chi Exercise on Biochemical Profiles and Oxidative Stress Indicators in Obese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Tai Chi to lose weight and ease depression

The University of Queensland, Australia has released an interesting study for anyone looking to lose weight.  Researchers found that the gentle, yet powerful, exercise known as Tai chi helps with obesity and excess weight, in a number of ways.  The Australian scientists discovered that tai chi:

• Improves body mass index (BMI);
• Reduces the amount of abdominal fat and overall waist measurements;
• Improves blood sugar balance–a critical element for maintaining a healthy weight or to lose weight;
• Reduces high blood pressure;
• Significantly reduces depression; and
• Improves the body’s use of insulin (insulin resistance)–a significant factor for weight gain and diabetes, among other serious health conditions.

Tai chi  is a Chinese internal martial arts often practiced to improve health. It is designed to facilitate the flow of fluids and Qi (life force) in the body, promoting good health and vitality. Tai Chi generally utilizes martial arts movements.

Tai Chi is suitable for most people, including those suffering from injuries and illness.

Tai Chi for Type 2 Diabetes

New research shows that taking up tai chi might benefit people with type 2 diabetes.

For six months, 31 people with type 2 diabetes practiced tai chi (a gentle Chinese martial art that combines movement, meditation and rhythmic breathing to improve the flow of chi). By the end of the study period, those who practiced tai chi showed greater improvements in glucose control than study participants who weren't involved in the tai chi program. What's more, members of the tai chi group appeared to have better social functioning and mental health, in addition to carrying out more self-care activities to manage their diabetes.

This comes as a relief... When I first started to teach in Dothan in 2001, one of my first and dear students was on Insulin. After several weeks (or month ?) of practice, she did not need the Insulin anymore, and attributed this to Tai Chi. Not wanting to get in trouble with the Medical Establishment around here, I never spoke about this. It seems that maybe, Tai Chi really helped her !

Get more details