Fixing flabby arms

An ancient martial art you can practice in your backyard may solve a medical condition that causes flabby arms, according to an Australian study.

No matter what kind of advice women follow, some say they just cannot get rid of sagging cellulite on their arms. Flabby arms are also linked to a medical condition called lymphoedema.

Now there may be a solution. The results of an Australian study suggest an ancient form of martial arts could help women with the condition lose inches from their arms.

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Professor Neil Piller from the Flinders University and Medical Centre headed the breakthrough study.

"The results of our first program were quite remarkable", Professor Piller said.

The research examined women who had undergone cancer treatment and developed lymphoedema, or swollen arms.

"Our lymphatic system is like a drainage system of the body," Professor Piller explained.

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"It takes away our waste products and our toxins. If we leave it, what happens is that the fluid gets replaced by fatty materials".

Researchers believed the remedy was applicable to anyone suffering the same condition of fatty arms. The women in the study did 10 minutes of Tai Chi each day for four weeks.

Instructor Janette Lorence led the exercises.

"When you're doing Tai Chi, the movements release all that tension where your vital organs are," Janette said. "You'll find that this relaxes you at the same time."

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Throughout the study, the women's arms were measured using the latest in technology, including a machine that calculated the entire composition of their body, right down to the amount of fluid in their arms.

Participants' arms were also scanned to measure their volume and circumference every 3mm for their entire length.

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At the end of the month-long study, Dr Piller discovered that women could achieve a significantly slimmer arm through marrying eastern culture with western technology.

Women who participated in the study also reported other benefits of practising Tai Chi, including pain relief, increased flexibility, relaxation and a reduction in fatigue.

For locations of Tai Chi instructors in Australia or for more information, visit the Tai Chi Association of Australia at www.taichiaustralia.com email info@taichiaustralia.com

Tai Chi was also named among the secrets of Slimming Magazine's 2004 Slimmers of the Year. For all their secrets, and their "before and after" photos, click here.

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