a Chinese study proves it

A Chinese study shows that to reduce blood pressure, it is better to do 40 minutes of tai chi than 40 minutes of climbing stairs, cycling or brisk walking.

Slow movements, linked very precisely, you have probably already seen people doing tai chi in a park. Well you might soon want to join them. Details from Géraldine Zamansky, journalist for the Health magazine on France 5.

franceinfo: this traditional Chinese practice has just proven its effectiveness in lowering blood pressure?

Geraldine Zamansky: Exactly, while our specialists usually recommend regular endurance activities to reduce blood pressure in the arteries, a Chinese study has just proven that tai chi is more effective. A result obtained by following, for a year, 173 volunteers who did 4 hours per week. While 169 other volunteers alternated the same duration of cycling, brisk walking or jogging.

Initially, they were all just below the official threshold for high blood pressure, this excessive pressure in the blood vessels, associated with increased risks of heart attack or stroke. 12 months later, the tension “score” had dropped on average by 30% more, on the tai chi side, and with one in 5 participants out of the red zone.

Without any medication?

None. And precisely, the improvement created by tai chi is equivalent to the effect of a drug against hypertension, as Professor Jacques Blacher, cardiologist at the Hôtel-Dieu in Paris, explained to me. He also noticed a drop in the rhythm of the heartbeat, the heart rate. We often talk about it among great athletes like marathon runners.

Tai chi would have the same effect. Through real physical exercise, but done gently, according to the principles of Chinese balance. With controlled, slowed breathing. The brain no longer receives any stress signals. It no longer requires the heart and body to be in a state of alert.

And is that what would lower blood pressure?

When this lull is repeated 4 hours a week, it seems to settle in between tai chi sessions. And it interrupts the vicious circle created by excessive blood pressure, which damages the vessel wall. This slow muscular work would then have a physical and psychological effect, summarizes Professor Blacher.

Excellent news, because it’s easier to get started than running, for example. If there are no classes near you, there are videos online. Another option provided by a previous study in November: exercises such as the chair against a wall or the famous plank to gain strength are also very effective against hypertension!

The study