|
|
Article: Shingle free with t'ai chi? Study shows that t'ai chi helps elderly fend off shingles, writes Melissa Healy.(Life)
- Article from:
- The Sunday Independent (South Africa)
- Article date:
- May 6, 2007
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 Independent News & Media PLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
In 12th century China, a Taoist monk known as Chang San-Feng is said to have studied the physical movements of five animals and concluded that two - the snake and the crane - were best suited to overpower opponents who were fierce and tenacious. From that ancient observation, the slow, graceful movements of t'ai chi were born.
Today, with the art and exercise of t'ai chi growing in popularity, scientists have found that older adults who practise this martial art strengthen themselves against an opponent as stubborn as any - the tiny chickenpox virus, which can cause a painful and often persistent nerve inflammation called shingles.
The new study, ...