Traditional Chinese exercise can help control blood pressure and cholesterol

Traditional Chinese exercise can help control blood pressure and cholesterol


Crossfit, Pilates and spin class are some of the more popular ways of getting fit in the United States. Now, you can add traditional Chinese exercise to the list of beneficial workouts. A study published recently in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that two age-old activities — tai chi [tie-chee] and qigong [chē-ˈgu̇ŋ] — can benefit the heart and reduce blood pressure.

Chinese exercise encompasses a wide range of activities, but one of the more well-known ones is tai chi, which combines gentle physical activity with meditation and breathing awareness. Experts from Harvard Medical Center’s Women’s Health Watch recommend tai chi because it is easy for people of any age or fitness level to practice and helps maintain flexibility, strength and balance.

Researchers from the Shanghai University of Sport in China reviewed 35 studies linking Chinese exercise to heart health. After more than 2,249 participants were analyzed, researchers found that blood pressure and levels of so-called “bad” cholesterol were reduced, while depression level improved with exercise.

The research team concluded that Chinese exercises are a low-risk, promising intervention that could help improve the quality of life in people with cardiovascular diseases, which is the world’s leading cause of disability and death. It’s not the first time that tai chi has been found to be beneficial: A 2014 study by other researchers revealed it can reduce inflammation in breast cancer survivors.

Next, the researchers want to conduct trials to study the effects of different types of Chinese exercises on various chronic conditions.

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