Tai Chi, a mind-body exercise that combines slow, deliberate movements with meditation, is widely practiced to promote health. Studies indicate that the active stretching inherent in Tai Chi can, through mechanical transmission via the fascia network, modulate immune cell activity by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) and enhancing the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-10, TGF-β). Additionally, Tai Chi may optimize immune balance by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and influencing epigenetic pathways, alleviating chronic inflammatory conditions. Future research should explore its long-term immunological effects and potential applications in precision medicine, ultimately informing its integration into preventive and integrative healthcare strategies [1].
References
[1]
Babaniamansour, P., Jacho, D., Teow, A., Rabino, A., Garcia-Mata, R. and Yildirim-Ayan, E. (2024) Macrophage Mechano-Responsiveness within Three-Dimensional Tissue Matrix Upon Mechanotherapy-Associated Strains. Tissue Engineering Part A, 30, 314-329. https://doi.org/10.1089/ten.tea.2023.0110
[2]
Morgan, N., Irwin, M.R., Chung, M. and Wang, C. (2014) The Effects of Mind-Body Therapies on the Immune System: Meta-Analysis. PLOS ONE, 9, e100903. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0100903
[3]
Thelander, Y.Z., Ring, H.Z., Wei, G., Wang, Y., He, Y., Bai, C., et al. (2024) Exploring Combined Immune Mechanisms of Acupuncture and Stretching—A Narrative Review. Health, 16, 1268-1288. https://doi.org/10.4236/health.2024.1612088
[4]
Tu, P., Pan, Y., Liang, Z., Yang, G., Wu, C., Zeng, L., et al. (2022) Mechanical Stretch Promotes Macrophage Polarization and Inflammation via the Rhoa-Rock/NF-κB Pathway. BioMed Research International, 2022, Article ID: 6871269. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/6871269
[5]
Berrueta, L., Muñoz‐Vergara, D., Martin, D., Thompson, R., Sansbury, B.E., Spite, M., et al. (2023) Effect of Stretching on Inflammation in a Subcutaneous Carrageenan Mouse Model Analyzed at Single-Cell Resolution. Journal of Cellular Physiology, 238, 2778-2793. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcp.31133
[6]
Babaniamansour, P., Jacho, D., Rabino, A., Garcia-Mata, R. and Yildirim-Ayan, E. (2025) Synergetic Role of TRPV4 Inhibitor and Mechanical Loading on Reducing Inflammation. Frontiers in Immunology, 15, Article 1456042. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2024.1456042
[7]
Black, D.S. and Slavich, G.M. (2016) Mindfulness Meditation and the Immune System: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1373, 13-24. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.12998
[8]
Irwin, M.R. and Olmstead, R. (2012) Mitigating Cellular Inflammation in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Tai Chi Chih. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 20, 764-772. https://doi.org/10.1097/jgp.0b013e3182330fd3
[9]
Schleip, R., Gabbiani, G., Wilke, J., Naylor, I., Hinz, B., Zorn, A., et al. (2019) Fascia Is Able to Actively Contract and May Thereby Influence Musculoskeletal Dynamics: A Histochemical and Mechanographic Investigation. Frontiers in Physiology, 10, Article 336. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2019.00336
[10]
Krause, F., Wilke, J., Vogt, L. and Banzer, W. (2016) Intermuscular Force Transmission along Myofascial Chains: A Systematic Review. Journal of Anatomy, 228, 910-918. https://doi.org/10.1111/joa.12464
[11]
Findley, T., Chaudhry, H. and Dhar, S. (2015) Transmission of Muscle Force to Fascia during Exercise. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 19, 119-123. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2014.08.010
[12]
Hori, M., Muraki, T., Ishikawa, H., Sekiguchi, Y. and Izumi, S.I. (2024) Analysis of the Three-Dimensional Scapular Kinematics and Associated Scapular Muscle Activity during Scapular Muscle Exercises. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 39, 483-488. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.03.005
[13]
Burk, C., Perry, J., Lis, S., Dischiavi, S. and Bleakley, C. (2020) Can Myofascial Interventions Have a Remote Effect on ROM? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 29, 650-656. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2019-0074
[14]
Brandl, A., Wilke, J., Horstmann, T., Reer, R., Egner, C., Schmidt, T., et al. (2024) Quantifying Thoracolumbar Fascia Deformation to Discriminate Acute Low Back Pain Patients and Healthy Individuals Using Ultrasound. Scientific Reports, 14, Article No. 20044. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-70982-7
[15]
Standley, P.R. and Meltzer, K. (2008) In Vitro Modeling of Repetitive Motion Strain and Manual Medicine Treatments: Potential Roles for Pro-and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 12, 201-203. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2008.05.006
[16]
Gumpenberger, M., Wessner, B., Graf, A., Narici, M.V., Fink, C., Braun, S., et al. (2020) Remodeling the Skeletal Muscle Extracellular Matrix in Older Age—Effects of Acute Exercise Stimuli on Gene Expression. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21, Article 7089. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21197089
[17]
Anloague, A., Mahoney, A., Ogunbekun, O., Hiland, T.A., Thompson, W.R., Larsen, B., et al. (2020) Mechanical Stimulation of Human Dermal Fibroblasts Regulates Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines: Potential Insight into Soft Tissue Manual Therapies. BMC Research Notes, 13, Article No. 400. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-020-05249-1
[18]
Langevin, H.M., Nedergaard, M. and Howe, A.K. (2013) Cellular Control of Connective Tissue Matrix Tension. Journal of Cellular Biochemistry, 114, 1714-1719. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcb.24521
[19]
Anne-Sophie Wedell-Neergaard, et al. (2019) Exercise-Induced Changes in Visceral Adipose Tissue Mass Are Regulated by IL-6 Signaling: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Cell Metabolism, 29, 844-855.e3.
[20]
McGettrick, H.M., Smith, E., Filer, A., Kissane, S., Salmon, M., Buckley, C.D., et al. (2009) Fibroblasts from Different Sites May Promote or Inhibit Recruitment of Flowing Lymphocytes by Endothelial Cells. European Journal of Immunology, 39, 113-125. https://doi.org/10.1002/eji.200838232
Barr, A.E. and Barbe, M.F. (2002) Pathophysiological Tissue Changes Associated with Repetitive Movement: A Review of the Evidence. Physical Therapy, 82, 173-187. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/82.2.173
[23]
Ben-Sasson, S.Z., Hu-Li, J., Quiel, J., Cauchetaux, S., Ratner, M., Shapira, I., et al. (2009) IL-1 Acts Directly on CD4 T Cells to Enhance Their Antigen-Driven Expansion and Differentiation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 106, 7119-7124. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0902745106
[24]
Redwine, L.S., Pung, M.A., Wilson, K., Bangen, K.J., Delano-Wood, L. and Hurwitz, B. (2020) An Exploratory Randomized Sub-Study of Light-To-Moderate Intensity Exercise on Cognitive Function, Depression Symptoms and Inflammation in Older Adults with Heart Failure. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 128, Article ID: 109883. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2019.109883
[25]
Facchin, F., Canaider, S., Tassinari, R., Zannini, C., Bianconi, E., Taglioli, V., et al. (2019) Physical Energies to the Rescue of Damaged Tissues. World Journal of Stem Cells, 11, 297-321. https://doi.org/10.4252/wjsc.v11.i6.297
[26]
Langevin, H.M., Keely, P., Mao, J., Hodge, L.M., Schleip, R., Deng, G., et al. (2016) Connecting (t)issues: How Research in Fascia Biology Can Impact Integrative Oncology. Cancer Research, 76, 6159-6162. https://doi.org/10.1158/0008-5472.can-16-0753
[27]
Berrueta, L., Bergholz, J., Munoz, D., Muskaj, I., Badger, G.J., Shukla, A., Kim, H.J., Zhao, J.J. and Langevin, H.M. (2018) Stretching Reduces Tumor Growth in a Mouse Breast Cancer Model. Scientific Reports, 8, Article No. 7864. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-26198-7
[28]
Bower, J.E. and Irwin, M.R. (2016) Mind-Body Therapies and Control of Inflammatory Biology: A Descriptive Review. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, 51, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2015.06.012
[29]
Musolino, C., Allegra, A., Innao, V., Allegra, A.G., Pioggia, G. and Gangemi, S. (2017) Inflammatory and Anti-Inflammatory Equilibrium, Proliferative and Antiproliferative Balance: The Role of Cytokines in Multiple Myeloma. Mediators of Inflammation, 2017, Article ID: 1852517. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/1852517
[30]
Novak, M.L. and Koh, T.J. (2013) Macrophage Phenotypes during Tissue Repair. Journal of Leukocyte Biology, 93, 875-881. https://doi.org/10.1189/jlb.1012512
[31]
Murray, P.J. and Wynn, T.A. (2011) Protective and Pathogenic Functions of Macrophage Subsets. Nature Reviews Immunology, 11, 723-737. https://doi.org/10.1038/nri3073
[32]
O’Neill, L.A.J., Kishton, R.J. and Rathmell, J. (2016) A Guide to Immunometabolism for Immunologists. Nature Reviews Immunology, 16, 553-565. https://doi.org/10.1038/nri.2016.70
[33]
Zhang, Q., Liu, C., Hong, S., Min, J., Yang, Q., Hu, M., et al. (2016) Excess Mechanical Stress and Hydrogen Peroxide Remodel Extracellular Matrix of Cultured Human Uterosacral Ligament Fibroblasts by Disturbing the Balance of MMPs/TIMPs via the Regulation of TGF-β1 Signaling Pathway. Molecular Medicine Reports, 15, 423-430. https://doi.org/10.3892/mmr.2016.5994
[34]
Vogel, V. and Sheetz, M. (2006) Local Force and Geometry Sensing Regulate Cell Functions. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 7, 265-275. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrm1890
[35]
Wang, N., Tytell, J.D. and Ingber, D.E. (2009) Mechanotransduction at a Distance: Mechanically Coupling the Extracellular Matrix with the Nucleus. Nature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 10, 75-82. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrm2594
[36]
Jain, N. and Vogel, V. (2018) Spatial Confinement Downsizes the Inflammatory Response of Macrophages. Nature Materials, 17, 1134-1144. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41563-018-0190-6
[37]
Dupont, S., Morsut, L., Aragona, M., Enzo, E., Giulitti, S., Cordenonsi, M., et al. (2011) Role of YAP/TAZ in Mechanotransduction. Nature, 474, 179-183. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature10137
[38]
Bouhlel, M.A., Derudas, B., Rigamonti, E., Dièvart, R., Brozek, J., Haulon, S., et al. (2007) PPARγ Activation Primes Human Monocytes into Alternative M2 Macrophages with Anti-Inflammatory Properties. Cell Metabolism, 6, 137-143. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2007.06.010
[39]
Oh, B., Bae, K., Lamoury, G., Eade, T., Boyle, F., Corless, B., et al. (2020) The Effects of Tai Chi and Qigong on Immune Responses: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Medicines, 7, Article 39. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7070039
[40]
Rogers, J.D. and Richardson, W.J. (2022) Fibroblast Mechanotransduction Network Predicts Targets for Mechano-Adaptive Infarct Therapies. eLife, 11, e62856. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.62856
[41]
Villar, A.V., García, R., Llano, M., Cobo, M., Merino, D., Lantero, A., et al. (2013) BAMBI (BMP and Activin Membrane-Bound Inhibitor) Protects the Murine Heart from Pressure-Overload Biomechanical Stress by Restraining TGF-β Signaling. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)—Molecular Basis of Disease, 1832, 323-335. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbadis.2012.11.007
[42]
Ren, H., Collins, V., Clarke, S.J., Han, J., Lam, P., Clay, F., et al. (2012) Epigenetic Changes in Response to Tai Chi Practice: A Pilot Investigation of DNA Methylation Marks. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, Article ID: 841810. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/841810
[43]
Jacques, M., Hiam, D., Craig, J., Barrès, R., Eynon, N. and Voisin, S. (2019) Epigenetic Changes in Healthy Human Skeletal Muscle Following Exercise—A Systematic Review. Epigenetics, 14, 633-648. https://doi.org/10.1080/15592294.2019.1614416
[44]
Ring, H.Z. and Kern, R. (2024) Zen Meditation and the Neuro-Immuno-Endocrine Axis. Health, 16, 1242-1249. https://doi.org/10.4236/health.2024.1612086
[45]
Verdone, L., Caserta, M., Ben-Soussan, T.D. and Venditti, S. (2023) On the Road to Resilience: Epigenetic Effects of Meditation. Vitamins and Hormones, 122, 339-376. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.vh.2022.12.009
[46]
Cain, D.W. and Cidlowski, J.A. (2017) Immune Regulation by Glucocorticoids. Nature Reviews Immunology, 17, 233-247. https://doi.org/10.1038/nri.2017.1
[47]
Smith, S.M. and Vale, W.W. (2006) The Role of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in Neuroendocrine Responses to Stress. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 8, 383-395. https://doi.org/10.31887/dcns.2006.8.4/ssmith
[48]
Lu, A.T., Quach, A., Wilson, J.G., Reiner, A.P., Aviv, A., Raj, K., et al. (2019) DNA Methylation GrimAge Strongly Predicts Lifespan and Healthspan. Aging, 11, 303-327. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.101684
[49]
Taren, A.A., Gianaros, P.J., Greco, C.M., Lindsay, E.K., Fairgrieve, A., Brown, K.W., et al. (2015) Mindfulness Meditation Training Alters Stress-Related Amygdala Resting State Functional Connectivity: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience, 10, 1758-1768. https://doi.org/10.1093/scan/nsv066
[50]
Shu, C., Feng, S., Cui, Q., Cheng, S. and Wang, Y. (2021) Impact of Tai Chi on CRP, TNF-α and IL-6 in Inflammation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Annals of Palliative Medicine, 10, 7468-7478. https://doi.org/10.21037/apm-21-640
[51]
Ryu, H., Lee, H., Shin, Y., Chung, S., Lee, M., Kim, H., et al. (1996) Acute Effect of Qigong Training on Stress Hormonal Levels in Man. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 24, 193-198. https://doi.org/10.1142/s0192415x96000256
[52]
Rosado-Pérez, J., Castelán-Martínez, O.D., Mújica-Calderón, A.J., Sánchez-Rodríguez, M.A. and Mendoza-Núñez, V.M. (2021) Effect of Tai Chi on Markers of Oxidative Stress: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18, Article 3458. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18073458
[53]
Campo, R.A., Light, K.C., O’Connor, K., Nakamura, Y., Lipschitz, D., LaStayo, P.C., et al. (2014) Blood Pressure, Salivary Cortisol, and Inflammatory Cytokine Outcomes in Senior Female Cancer Survivors Enrolled in a Tai Chi Chih Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 9, 115-125. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-014-0395-x
[54]
Akimova, T., Beier, U.H., Liu, Y., Wang, L. and Hancock, W.W. (2012) Histone/Protein Deacetylases and T-Cell Immune Responses. Blood, 119, 2443-2451. https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2011-10-292003
[55]
Kaliman, P., Álvarez-López, M.J., Cosín-Tomás, M., Rosenkranz, M.A., Lutz, A. and Davidson, R.J. (2014) Rapid Changes in Histone Deacetylases and Inflammatory Gene Expression in Expert Meditators. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 40, 96-107. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.11.004
[56]
Xu, Z., Zhang, L., Liu, T., Park, J.Y., Berta, T., Yang, R., et al. (2010) Resolvins RvE1 and RvD1 Attenuate Inflammatory Pain via Central and Peripheral Actions. Nature Medicine, 16, 592-597. https://doi.org/10.1038/nm.2123
[57]
Horvath, S. (2013) DNA Methylation Age of Human Tissues and Cell Types. Genome Biology, 14, Article No. 3156. https://doi.org/10.1186/gb-2013-14-10-r115
[58]
Wang, M., Mungur, R., Lan, P., Wang, P. and Wan, S. (2018) MicroRNA-21 and microRNA-146a Negatively Regulate the Secondary Inflammatory Response of Microglia after Intracerebral Hemorrhage. International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Pathology, 11, 3348-3356.
[59]
Gaudet, A.D., Fonken, L.K., Watkins, L.R., Nelson, R.J. and Popovich, P.G. (2017) MicroRNAs: Roles in Regulating Neuroinflammation. The Neuroscientist, 24, 221-245. https://doi.org/10.1177/1073858417721150
[60]
Gomez‐Pinilla, F., Zhuang, Y., Feng, J., Ying, Z. and Fan, G. (2010) Exercise Impacts Brain‐derived Neurotrophic Factor Plasticity by Engaging Mechanisms of Epigenetic Regulation. European Journal of Neuroscience, 33, 383-390. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1460-9568.2010.07508.x
[61]
dos Santos, C.A.F., et al. (2024) Long-Term Physical Activity Mitigates Inflammaging Progression in Older Adults amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21, 1425. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21111425
[62]
Yang, Y., Verkuilen, J., Rosengren, K.S., Mariani, R.A., Reed, M., Grubisich, S.A., et al. (2007) Effects of a Taiji and Qigong Intervention on the Antibody Response to Influenza Vaccine in Older Adults. The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 35, 597-607. https://doi.org/10.1142/s0192415x07005090
[63]
Chaix, R., Alvarez-López, M.J., Fagny, M., Lemee, L., Regnault, B., Davidson, R.J., et al. (2017) Epigenetic Clock Analysis in Long-Term Meditators. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 85, 210-214. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.08.016
[64]
Tylutka, A., Morawin, B., Gramacki, A. and Zembron-Lacny, A. (2021) Lifestyle Exercise Attenuates Immunosenescence; Flow Cytometry Analysis. BMC Geriatrics, 21, Article No. 200.