Tai chi helps to control blood sugar and insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes, according to a recent study conducted at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Taiwan. It also helped reduce depression and anxiety in this group of patients.
The study followed 30 diabetic patients aged 20–69 years who practiced Tai chi twice per week for 6 months as compared to another 30 control patients who did not do Tai chi. All the participants were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes between one month and 8 years prior to the study and received treatment from the hospital’s endocrinology department.
What Is Tai Chi?
Tai Chi is a martial art that originated in China. People practice Tai Chi to improve balance, posture, coordination, and flexibility; but it’s also used as a form of exercise. In addition to improving physical health, studies have shown that Tai Chi can help treat and prevent various diseases, including diabetes.
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, practicing Tai Chi could be very beneficial to your overall health. Here are three ways Tai Chi can help improve the quality of life for diabetics ~~What Is Tai Chi?~~Tai Chi is a martial art that originated in China. People practice Tai Chi to improve balance, posture, coordination, and flexibility; but it’s also used as a form of exercise. In addition to improving physical health, studies have shown that Tai Chi can help treat and prevent various diseases, including diabetes.
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, practicing Tai Chi could be very beneficial to your overall health. Here are three ways Tai Chi can help improve the quality of life for diabetics: ~~1) Improve Blood Sugar Levels~~ Diabetes causes high blood sugar levels because your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects.
How does it Relieve Diabetes Symptoms?
Tai Chi can improve blood sugar levels and reduce insulin needs. Studies have shown that even after one session of Tai Chi, many people experience a reduction in blood sugar and an improvement in their sense of well-being.
In these studies, participants who practiced Tai Chi regularly were found to have lower blood sugar levels than those in a control group, while they also needed less insulin. This is due to Tai Chi’s slow movements and deep breathing techniques, which encourage relaxation.
The benefits are long-lasting too: A study conducted by Hong Kong University showed that participants who had been practicing Tai Chi for an average of 10 years still had reduced heart rates compared to before they started practicing Tai Chi, indicating improved overall health even after prolonged practice.
How can Tai Chi Help Control Blood Sugar?
This type of exercise promotes relaxation and releases pent-up tension, both factors that may help lower blood pressure and slow heart rate. Tai Chi can also help you move fluidly, which can increase joint mobility and reduce stiffness, both of which are common complications for those living with diabetes.
Finally, it might improve balance and stability, two things that can be greatly affected by illness or medications used to treat it. Having a good balance reduces your risk of falls; however, even if you have had a recent fall or are particularly susceptible to falling in general, Tai Chi will still benefit you in terms of overall health. There is no known risk factor for falling while practicing Tai Chi.
In fact, it is more likely to prevent falls than cause them! Tai Chi has been shown to effectively manage chronic conditions such as depression, fibromyalgia, and migraines but many who practice Tai Chi do so simply because they believe it improves their quality of life by improving their mood and state of mind.
The physical benefits speak for themselves—improved strength, flexibility, agility, and endurance—and mental clarity is often touted as one of its biggest advantages. As stated previously Tai Chi is excellent at reducing stress levels so not only does it relax us physically but also mentally too.
Stress exacerbates existing problems such as high blood pressure as well as creating new problems such as anxiety or insomnia so anything we can do to bring our stress levels down should ultimately reduce our risk of developing chronic diseases further down the line.
Benefits of Practicing Tai Chi Daily
Researchers are continually discovering additional health benefits of practicing Tai Chi regularly. If you want to take advantage of some of these added perks, check out a local Tai Chi class in your area. When looking for a school to join, make sure that your instructor is certified and has been teaching for at least 5 years.
This ensures that you’ll be taught by someone who knows what they’re doing and will be able to help you progress effectively. Also, look for schools that offer classes several times a week so you can stay motivated and maintain consistency in your practice.
Doing Tai Chi outside is particularly beneficial; studies have shown that Tai Chi practiced outdoors enhances mood and vitality more than it does indoors. And don’t forget to stretch before beginning Tai Chi; it’s especially important to warm up before engaging in physically demanding movements such as those involved in martial arts.
Be aware that you should not exercise if you have recently exercised or haven’t eaten within 2 hours of beginning exercise unless given permission by your doctor first. Exercise within 4 hours of eating instead. Exercising on an empty stomach increases blood sugar levels, which could lead to other problems when paired with Tai Chi since low blood sugar levels can occur during Tai Chi practice.
Follow your instructor’s instructions about wearing loose-fitting clothing that allows a complete range of motion and wearing comfortable workout shoes to do Tai Chi on hardwood floors (such as parquet). Find shoes designed specifically for sports/exercise on Amazon.
The Kinds of Tai Chi You Can Practice at Home
Tai Chi is a widely practiced, martial art-like exercise that promotes physical and mental balance. While Tai Chi has roots in Chinese culture, it can be practiced by people of all backgrounds, ages, and fitness levels.
The reason Tai Chi is so popular is that it’s effective. Studies show that practicing Tai Chi: * Relieves stress * Enhances quality of life * Boosts your energy levels * Improves immune system health * Helps reduce blood pressure, high cholesterol, and risk of heart disease How do you know which type of Tai Chi to practice? It depends on what you are trying to achieve.
There are three types of Tai Chi: Standing Tai Chi (also called Yang style), walking Tai Chi (or Wu), and mind-body exercise is known as Qi Gong. Let’s take a look at each of these 3 forms individually. **Standing Tai Chi **This form of Tai Chi uses slow movements and focuses on breathing techniques—making it ideal for those looking for meditation techniques or who simply want to relax.
According to Dr. Robert Pincus, an associate professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine who specializes in internal medicine, Tai Chi is becoming very popular now as a sort of moving meditation… It improves flexibility; reduces chronic pain; improves blood pressure [and] sleep patterns. **Walking Tai Chi **This particular form works similar to aerobic exercise and requires more effort than standing Tai Chi. You use coordinated steps while performing various postures—all while focusing on smooth breathing exercises.
Additional Health Benefits of Practicing Tai Chi Regularly
Tai Chi has many health benefits for people living with diabetes. According to a study conducted by Hong Kong Baptist University, Tai Chi can help improve glycemic control in diabetic patients. Additionally, practicing Tai Chi regularly can lower blood pressure, decrease blood lipids and increase insulin sensitivity.
Studies have also found that it may provide protective effects against heart disease, stroke, and dementia. Practicing tai chi regularly can reduce stress levels and increase the overall sense of well-being in addition to protecting against chronic diseases associated with aging. It is important to check your individual symptoms and discuss Tai Chi with your doctor before beginning any exercise routine.
Tai chi was developed over five hundred years ago based on ancient Chinese philosophies dating back thousands of years earlier called Taoism and Confucianism. In fact, Taoism is considered an ancestor to yoga as most forms of yoga are adapted from or inspired by elements present in Taoist philosophy.
Tai chi incorporates principles from both these ancient philosophies including Yin Yang balance (female/male aspects), Qi (universal energy flow), and Dao (path). Each form is practiced slowly over time so movement becomes second nature leading practitioners to experience a profound connection between mind, body, and spirit as they unite all three within themselves.
conclusion
In summary, tai chi is a form of exercise that increases stability and balance while reducing stress. People who practice it regularly have shown improvement in blood glucose control as well as lower levels of fasting insulin and C-reactive protein. Tai chi may help lower blood pressure and reduce arterial stiffness in those who are overweight or obese.
Tai chi may also be beneficial for the prevention or treatment of Type 2 diabetes, though the evidence is still weak for that use. If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, talk to your physician about whether or not tai chi would benefit you—and if so, encourage your doctor to refer you to a class in your area.
