Studies TCM exercises keep our hearts healthy

Tai Chi, Qigong and Baduanjin exercises have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system. This was demonstrated by a team from Shanghai in a meta-analysis.

As a rule, the pulse and blood pressure do not rise during the slow meditative movements of the Chinese exercises. Therefore, a positive effect on the cardiovascular system was considered unlikely in Western medicine. However, the scientists from Shanghai were able to prove in a meta-analysis that they are very well for the heart and circulation.

TCM exercises protect the heart. Image: Monika Wisniewska - fotolia

The physicians of the sports university in Shanghai had evaluated a total of 35 international randomized trials with a total of 2,249 participants for five years. They found that patients with cardiovascular disease were able to significantly lower their systolic blood pressure at rest (by more than 9.12 mm Hg). Also, diastolic blood pressure at rest decreased by more than 5 mm Hg. For this level of blood pressure reduction, other studies have shown that it can reduce the number of strokes and coronary heart disease by 41% and 22% in the long term.

In addition, the Shanghai-based team found that tai chi, qigong, and baduanjin also reduced LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol to a lesser extent. The traditional Chinese exercises had a significant influence on B-natriuretic peptide (BNP). This could have a protective effect against heart muscle weakness in old age. Even people with depression seem to benefit from the slow exercises. The study can be found here. (Pm)