You have probably felt some of the healing effects of exercise during your regular training sessions. Working out helps ward off stress and increases energy levels. Your body becomes stronger and healthier which aids in resistance to illness and disease.

Thousands of years ago the eastern cultures developed forms of exercise with amazing healing properties. You may know some of them as yoga, t'ai chi and Qigong. Each of these can be described as meditative types of exercise involving relaxation and concentration. Movements are gradual and purposeful with a focus on the breath.

In ancient cultures body-mind exercise was used in conjunction with medical treatment. Today they are still practiced world wide for both physical exercise and medicinal purposes. Body-mind exercises are often used in hospitals as therapy for physical illnesses like cancer and emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Research indicates that mild to moderate activity can boost immune system function. Self healing and repair are easily stimulated by simple meditative exercise. The emphasis on breathing brings more oxygen into your system which is the beginning of positive healing.

Deep breathing stimulates your lymph system which delivers immune cells to their needed place. The gradual contracting and relaxing of your muscles also stimulates lymph activity. Unlike vigorous training which can drain your energy, the mild nature of body-mind exercise conserves and generates energy.

Qigong, t'ai chi and yoga promote a relaxation response which helps the body shift from a stressed state to a repair and rest state. It is this state that allows your body to call upon the neurochemical messengers that control various immune cells.

The shift towards relaxation promotes a reduction in adrenal hormones which can decrease immune function. Simultaneously, neurotransmiters such as endorphins, which are "feel good" chemicals, are secreted.

The deep breathing and gradual movements increase your oxygen levels. Oxygen plays an important role in proper immune function because it is the fuel source for killer cells and T-cells which ward off infection and other disease states.

Some of the techniques used in these ancient art forms can be applied to other types of exercise. For example, centering on your breathing and taking deep breaths will enhance any fitness activity. Maintaining a relaxed and focused state while training is also beneficial.

Most forms of mild to moderate intensity activities can improve your immune system. The various forms of body-mind exercise have special features which include breath control, relaxation and gradual purposeful movement. These combine to offer one of the best fitness options for improving your immune system and maintaining optimal health.
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Dr. Lanny Schaffer is an Exercise Physiologist and President of The International Fitness Academy. For more cutting edge fitness ideas go to http://www.aerobic-exercise-coach.com