Mindful Exercise by Peter Anthony Gryffin PhD

Author:Peter Anthony Gryffin, PhD
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: YMAA Publication Center

—Bruce (From Tai Chi for Health Institute Newsletter)

The risk and severity of shingles increase with age as the result of a decline in immunity to the varicella zoster virus. The amount of decline in immunity varies considerably from one older adult to the next, which may be due to differences in physical and emotional functioning. Psychological stress in older adults can lower resistance to herpes zoster, and depression can result in a reduction in immunity to shingles.6 Aside from direct physiological benefits on immunity, tai chi can also have direct effects on stress and depression (discussed briefly in the conclusion) through its mindfulness-based component as a form of moving mediation.

One last area to consider related to the practice of qigong (breathing exercises) and Metarobic effects relates to an exercise called the marrow washing exercise. Stem cells develop in the bone marrow, which can develop into the red blood cells that carry life-giving oxygen throughout the body. Scientists are coming to realize that the bone marrow may play a large role in the body’s healing abilities.7 Scientists at King’s College in London have been investigating the powerful effect on healing of a protein called HMGB1, which is secreted in the body by immune cells.7 Researchers used this protein as a catalyst to activate stem cells in the bone marrow.

Dr. John McGrath, one of the researchers, noted that HMGB1 acts as a catalyst, awakening stem cells lying dormant in the body’s bone marrow, and may have a dramatic impact on treating everything from rare genetic illnesses to burns and ulcers. Tai chi and other Metarobic exercises may activate HMGB1 and other healing proteins, supporting the “marrow-washing” reputation of these exercises.

Tai Chi for Mental and Physical Health

“I have had unstable emotions for more than thirty years. Now, since tai chi class, I am about 80 percent better. I am able to feel emotions without feeling as overwhelmed. In the past, I have also had symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. This has gone on for many years, and I felt ill more often than I felt well. Now I have much better energy and stamina, and I am sick much less often.”

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