Acupuncture Blog Minneapolis / Steven Sonmore, L.Ac.

Great news for those rehabilitating from cardiac related illness! And for everyone else! The BBC reported on a US study of 30 patients which found regular Tai Chi classes gave patients better movement and reduced BNP levels, a measure of heart failure. The British Heart Foundation said the study was “excellent news” and Tai Chi could be adopted into treatment programmes in the UK in the future. In fact, another study in The Harvard Women’s Health Watch, reported, “studies support Tai Chi [use] for heart-attack and cardiac-bypass patients, to improve cardio-respiratory function and reduce blood pressure.” While, the Journal of Alternative and Complimentary Medicine reported that Tai Chi “results in favorable lipid profile changes and improve subjects’ anxiety status. Therefore, Tai Chi could be used as an alternative modality in treating patients with mild hypertension, with a promising economic effect.”