WELLNESS is associated with a number of physiological, biochemical, psychological, and health–related outcomes derived from regularly performed exercise, proper nutrition, and a stress reduced lifestyle. These include improved fitness, exercise capacity and cardiovascular function, weight loss, muscle toning, feeling of well–being, decreased coronary and diabetic risk factors, and retardation of age–related physical/mental decline. Because of the widespread effects of such activities, it is now theorized that wellness incorporates an improvement in the immune system (how well we resist infection). Several studies have demonstrated several positive immune responses, and in particular, natural killer cell activity increases with many durations of exercise activity, including, traditional aerobics, weight training, as well as yoga, tai chi, qigong, and traditional martial arts. Unlike WELLNESS activities, activities recognized as "stressful" including thermal injury (sun burns), acute myocardial infarction, sleep loss, obesity, and psychological stress (mental tension) have been found to be associated with decline in natural killer cell activity.ThatÂ’s not to discount incidents where expensive office equipment or tens of thousands of dollars in cash are stolen by trusted members of the office staff. The horror stories about employees embezzling small fortunes, however, are the extreme cases of fraud.
Adaptive immunity functions through both antibody–mediated and cell–mediated compartments to establish and maintain long term immunity to infectious agents. Evidence is accumulating to support the view that physical exercise can lead to modification of the cells of the immune system. With acute, physical exercise (75% of V02max, 1 hour) leukocyte concentration has been shown to increase and neutrophils increasing fourfold. Eastern (Chinese) medicine is now gaining significant scientific evidence of similar immune enhancement. This hypothesis suggests a novel integrative view of western traditional fitness biochemical activity and the Chinese medicinal concept of qi (pronounce "chee"). Qi is a science because it includes the testing and investigation of healing techniques through centuries of trial and error and careful observation. The Chinese philosophy of energy, storage, and flow practiced in martial arts and meditation activities provide a theoretical explanation of how qi works. The western scientist looks at qi with discussion of electromagnetic energy, blood flow dynamics, and nerve cells. The core of the theory is that transmission of qi along the meridians (neuro pathways) is based on "signaling" molecules that travel via an intercellular communication system. Acupuncture, as an example, seems to enhance the flow of the signaling molecule through this communication system. Nitric Oxide (NO) is suggested as a prime candidate for such a signaling molecule. Recent research has demonstrated that the perineural cells, or nerve sheaths, carry a direct current of electricity, promoting increased blood flow, thermal dynamics, and change in catecholamines and glucocorticoids, all which exert positive and negative effects on lymphocyte responsiveness.
Opioid compounds or neuropeptides (morphine–like substances) such as beta–endorphins, methionie, and leucine enkephalins (all associated with WELLNESS activities) have been shown to increase in vitro natural killer activity of human, peripheral blood, mononuclear cells as well as reduce pain. Betaendorphins (known to be associated with the RunnerÂ’s High) specifically have been shown to increase interferon (natural proteins produced by cells of the immune system) production of large, granular lymphocytes. Chinese medicine states that emotions occur in the mind and body. Western medicine states that the physiology of emotion accompany the synthesis of neuropeptides which flow to various parts of the body. This would explain why we feel restfulness when the mind is contented, a queasy stomach when we are anxious, or a racing heart when we are excited. Two factors suggest a close connection between physiological neuropeptide response we are familiar with in WELLNESS fitness activities and WELLNESS with qi. First, neuropeptides, like qi, are produced in response to state of mind and influence the health of internal organs. Second, neuropeptide receptor sites are located on the immune cells. Thus, both neuropeptides and qi form a link between consciousness and immunity; "mind and body."
As our bodies age, so age our organs. Our organs become less efficient. The thymus, for example, which is the central, control organ for the immune system can become largely dormant with age. Studies have shown that blood levels of thymic peptides decline with age. Taking a thymic–derived peptide replacement therapy has been shown effective in preventing some age–related declines in immune function. WELLNESS activities have also been shown to stimulate the thymus to produce T–cells, which are the primary immune fighting factors and thereby reduce the impact of the aging. WELLNESS with qi activity (martial arts, qigong, tai chi) have also been shown to correct thymus disorders in varied responses, which as with WELLNESS fitness activities, relates to further enhancement of the immune system. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this is referred to "Wei energy."
Today we are seeing an increasing number of autoimmune disorders whose etiology is still largely unknown but whose characteristic associated profiles include high stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, sleep disorder, age, etc. It has not been proven that a less effective immune system necessarily means more infections or a shorter life. However, individuals who do not follow a WELLNESS lifestyle experience more infections and a greater severity of infections than those who do. When the body is exposed to germs and microbes, and the immune system is challenged, practicing WELLNESS fitness and qi activities can help us restore our equilibrium, health, and our quality of life
