Tai chi and qigong, integral to traditional Chinese medicine, are explored as alternative medicine approaches for
managing high cholesterol. These practices, combining gentle movements, meditation, and mindfulness, promote
cardiovascular health and quality of life. This review synthesizes evidence from PubMed studies, utilizing
artificial intelligence (Grok 3) to summarize findings on their impact on lipid profiles. Results indicate that tai
chi and qigong significantly reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides while increasing HDL
cholesterol in populations such as those with type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Additional benefits include
improved glycemic control, blood pressure, and physical function. Despite limitations in database scope, these
findings support tai chi and qigong as effective complementary therapies for hyperlipidemia, warranting further
research across diverse databases.
Keywords: Tai Chi; Qigong; Traditional Chinese Medicine; Alternative Medicine; Cholesterol; Artificial Intelligence;
Mindfulness; Meditation; Cardiovascular Health; Quality of Life; Hyperlipidemia
Tai chi [1-4] and qigong [5-9], integral components of traditional
Chinese medicine (TCM), offer promising adjunctive approaches for
managing high cholesterol. They are both considered forms of alternative
medicine. Qigong, with origins tracing back thousands of years,
predates tai chi, which emerged around the 13th century [8,10]. Both
practices involve gentle, flowing movements combined with mindfulness,
dynamic meditation and controlled breathing, fostering physical
and mental well-being. They are known to enhance immune function
and quality of life and promote cardiovascular health by reducing
stress and improving lipid metabolism. Numerous studies have found
them to be beneficial as supplementary treatments for a wide range
of ailments [11-42]. While tai chi doubles as a martial art, incorporating
structured sequences of movements akin to choreographed
forms in other martial disciplines, qigong is purely therapeutic, with
exercises that can be performed individually or in flexible sequences.
This adaptability makes qigong particularly accessible for patients
with limited mobility or those new to exercise. Tai chi, however, often
appeals to those seeking both physical activity and mental discipline
due to its martial arts framework [4]. Modern tai chi instruction typically
emphasizes health benefits over combat applications, making it
a valuable tool for chronic disease management. Research, including
randomized controlled trials (RCTs), suggests that tai chi and qigong
can significantly lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels
and improve high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol ratios.
These effects are attributed to enhanced endothelial function and
reduced systemic inflammation. This review examines studies exploring
the integration of tai chi and qigong into treatment regimens
for hyperlipidemia, highlighting their potential to augment standard
pharmacological interventions.
The PubMed database was used to find relevant studies on the
effect that tai chi or qigong had on cholesterol levels. Grok 3, an artificial
intelligence assistant, was used to summarize the results of the
studies and to create a table to summarize the summaries. Artificial
intelligence is being used with increasing frequency in medical research
[43-57], and it is becoming a valuable tool, although some of
the kinks still have to be worked out [58-69]. Grok 3 was instructed to
pay special attention to the effect that tai chi or qigong had on cholesterol.
The results of the study are reported below.
This randomized controlled trial examined the impact of improved
sleep quality through Tai Chi, cognitive behavioral therapy,
and sleep education in older adults with insomnia. Tai Chi reduced inflammatory
biomarkers (e.g., C-reactive protein) and improved sleep
quality, potentially lowering disease risk. The study did not specifically
measure cholesterol levels.
Chan, et al. [71]
This trial evaluated a web-based management guide for patients
with type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease. It focused on risk
factor management but did not involve Tai Chi or Qigong. Outcomes
included improved glycemic control and blood pressure, with no direct
mention of cholesterol or Tai Chi interventions.
Cheng, et al. [72]
This study investigated Tai Chi Softball’s effects on elderly men. It
found improvements in physical function, balance, and mental health.
Lipid profiles showed reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein
(LDL) cholesterol, with increased high-density lipoprotein
(HDL) cholesterol, indicating a positive effect on lipid metabolism.
Guo, et al. [73]
A meta-analysis on Tai Chi’s effects in adults with type 2 diabetes
reported significant improvements in glycemic control (reduced
HbA1c and fasting blood glucose), lipid metabolism (decreased total
cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol; increased HDL cholesterol),
and body composition (reduced BMI and waist circumference).
Hartley, et al. [74]
This Cochrane review assessed Tai Chi for primary prevention of
cardiovascular disease. Limited evidence suggested Tai Chi may reduce
blood pressure and improve physical fitness. Data on cholesterol
were inconclusive due to insufficient studies, with no significant lipid
changes reported.
Niu, et al. [75]
This trial compared Bafa Wubu Tai Chi and He-Style Tai Chi in
overweight male college students. Both forms reduced body fat, improved
blood pressure, and enhanced aerobic capacity. Lipid profiles
showed decreased total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, with Bafa
Wubu showing slightly better outcomes.
Rosado-Pérez, et al. [76]
This study explored Tai Chi’s effects on oxidative stress in Mexican
older adults. Tai Chi reduced oxidative stress markers and improved
antioxidant capacity. Cholesterol levels were not directly assessed,
but reduced oxidative stress may indirectly support cardiovascular
health.
Xinzheng, et al. [77]
A meta-analysis on Tai Chi in patients with diabetes found significant
reductions in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, total cholesterol,
triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol, with increased HDL cholesterol.
Tai Chi improved glucose and lipid metabolism, supporting its use in
diabetes management.
Yin, et al. [78]
This meta-analysis examined Tai Chi’s effects on essential hypertension.
Tai Chi significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood
pressure and improved quality of life. Lipid profiles showed reduced
total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, with increased HDL cholesterol,
particularly with longer exercise cycles.
Zheng, et al. [79]
This trial studied Tai Chi’s effects in older adults at risk of ischemic
stroke. Tai Chi improved cerebral hemodynamics, balance, and
mental health. No significant changes in cholesterol levels were reported,
but cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure were reduced
(Table 1).
Grok 3 did a good job summarizing the studies. A few of the studies
did not provide much relevant information about the effect that
tai chi or qigong had on cholesterol. In the cases where the effect was
reported, the results were generally positive. The tentative conclusion
is that tai chi and qigong may be effective in improving cholesterol
levels and may have beneficial effects on other health outcomes as
well, such as reduced inflammatory biomarkers, BMI, body fat, waist
circumference, oxidative stress, fasting glucose, and HbA1c, improved
sleep quality, and quality of life, glycemic control, blood pressure,
physical function balance, mental health, fasting glucose, physical
fitness, aerobic capacity, antioxidant capacity, and cerebral hemodynamics.
One weakness of the present study is that the search was confined
to studies that were included in the PubMed database, which excludes
thousands of studies, some of which might be relevant. Most bibliometric
studies of tai chi and qigong [80-88] have used the PubMed
database, which some view as a bit elitist, since it excludes many good
studies. Thus, there is a need to expand the research parameters to
include other databases, such as ResearchGate and Academia.edu.
ISSN: 2574 -1241
Abstract
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