You have probably felt some of the healing effects of exercise during
your regular training sessions. Working out helps ward off stress and
increases energy levels. Your body becomes stronger and healthier which
aids in resistance to illness and disease.
Thousands of years ago the eastern cultures developed forms of
exercise with amazing healing properties. You may know some of them as
yoga, t'ai chi and Qigong. Each of these can be described as meditative
types of exercise involving relaxation and concentration. Movements are
gradual and purposeful with a focus on the breath.
In ancient cultures body-mind exercise was used in conjunction
with medical treatment. Today they are still practiced world wide for
both physical exercise and medicinal purposes. Body-mind exercises are
often used in hospitals as therapy for physical illnesses like cancer
and emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety.
Research indicates that mild to moderate activity can boost immune
system function. Self healing and repair are easily stimulated by
simple meditative exercise. The emphasis on breathing brings more
oxygen into your system which is the beginning of positive healing.
Deep breathing stimulates your lymph system which delivers immune
cells to their needed place. The gradual contracting and relaxing of
your muscles also stimulates lymph activity. Unlike vigorous training
which can drain your energy, the mild nature of body-mind exercise
conserves and generates energy.
Qigong, t'ai chi and yoga promote a relaxation response which
helps the body shift from a stressed state to a repair and rest state.
It is this state that allows your body to call upon the neurochemical
messengers that control various immune cells.
The shift towards relaxation promotes a reduction in adrenal
hormones which can decrease immune function. Simultaneously,
neurotransmiters such as endorphins, which are "feel good" chemicals,
are secreted.
The deep breathing and gradual movements increase your oxygen
levels. Oxygen plays an important role in proper immune function
because it is the fuel source for killer cells and T-cells which ward
off infection and other disease states.
Some of the techniques used in these ancient art forms can be
applied to other types of exercise. For example, centering on your
breathing and taking deep breaths will enhance any fitness activity.
Maintaining a relaxed and focused state while training is also
beneficial.
Most forms of mild to moderate intensity activities can improve
your immune system. The various forms of body-mind exercise have
special features which include breath control, relaxation and gradual
purposeful movement. These combine to offer one of the best fitness
options for improving your immune system and maintaining optimal health.
Dr. Lanny Schaffer is an Exercise Physiologist and President of The
International Fitness Academy. For more cutting edge fitness ideas go
to http://www.aerobic-exercise-coach.com
