Tai Chi or Aerobic Exercise

A recent research study undertaken in China looked at interventions for people at risk of cardiovascular disease. Taking prehypertension as an indicator of risk the study looked at learning Tai Chi compared to aerobic exercise as a way to reduce blood pressure. The results indicated 'the important public health value of Tai Chi to promote the prevention of cardiovascular disease in populations with prehypertension'. (Xinye et al 2024)

The study is helpful in that unlike many previous studies it questions how the practice of Tai Chi achieves these beneficial effects. 'One potential explanation is that Tai Chi may play an important role in reducing sympathetic excitability. A previous study showed that Tai Chi exercise might produce a relaxing effect, enhance vagal modulation, and decrease sympathetic modulation.' (Xinye et al 2024)

This hypotheses supports the concepts outlined in the somatic approach found in Embodied Tai Chi - that traditional teaching around posture and breathing may stimulate the vagus nerves resulting in an activation of the rest, digest and heal parasympathetic nervous system.

This study is also helpful as it provides detail of the Tai Chi teaching system used recognising 'Participants in Tai Chi may receive more group support and hands-on feedback during the process of acquiring a skill.' (Xinye et al 2024). This helpfully points to the difference between exercise and the mindful movement of Tai Chi. It is this difference that may provide an explanation for the positive results found during this research study.

For example Embodied Tai Chi practice utilises five principles derived from traditional teaching. This includes posture and movement that supports both physical and by default emotional stability. Breathwork combined with posture that may act to support a calm nervous system.

Once these have been learned and practiced over time as suggested in this study it may be possible for these principles to become integrated into everyday actions.

David Hunt Tai Chi February 2024

Reference

Xinye Li,Peifen Chang,Min Wu, Yuchen Jiang, Yonghong Gao, Hengwen Chen, Liyuan Tao, Dawei Wei, Xiaochen Yang, Xingjiang Xiong, Yan Yang, Xiandu Pan, Ran Zhao, Fan Yang, Jiahao Sun, Shengjie Yang, Li Tian, Xiaofang He, Eryu Wang, Yiyuan Yang, Yanwei Xing (2024) Effect of Tai Chi vs Aerobic Exercise on Blood Pressure in Patients With Prehypertension A Randomized Clinical Trial; JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(2):e2354937. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.54937 , accessed 19th February 2024, pdf: 2024