Practicing Tai Chi boosts immunity to Shingles Virus

According to a news release by the NIH, a new study finds practicing Tai Chi boosts immunity against the Shingles virus in older adults. The study found that people who practice Tai Chi had significantly higher immunity, about 40%, than people who did not practice Tai Chi. Additionally people who practiced Tai Chi had better physical functioning and mental health.

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese system of exercise that has shows to be beneficial both physically and mentally. Shingles is a painful skin condition that affects 1 million Americans a year. Shingles develops when the chicken pox virus is reactivated, usually after the age 50, and causes painful blisters.

The NIH release can be found at http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/apr2007/nia-06.htm