In this breakthrough study headed by Professor Neil Piller of the Flinders University and Medical Centre in Adelaide, South Australia. women who practiced Tai Chi were able to significantly reduce the fluid build-up in their arms.

"Lymphoedema, which causes swollen and heavy feeling arms is a problem common to as many as 30% of breast cancer patients." said Professor Piller

Lymphoedema comes from an inadequate drainage of fluid and causes swelling, pain and a feeling of heaviness. Although there are several causes, lymphoedema often results from the removal of lymph nodes during breast cancer surgery.

"Our lymphatic system is like a drainage system of the body," Professor Piller explained. "It takes away our waste products and our toxins. If we leave it, the fluid gets replaced by fatty materials like cellulite" (the lumpy deposits of fat that are so hard to eliminate).

Researchers believe the remedy is applicable to anyone suffering this condition of fatty arms and that Tai Chi could help them to reduce lymphoedema and loose inches of sagging cellulite.

In the study twenty four women who had undergone breast cancer surgery and developed lymphoedema, or swollen arms practiced a simple Tai Chi exercise.

The Tai Chi exercise involved arm movements and deep breathing and was practiced for ten minutes twice a day for one month.

Throughout the study, the women's arms were scanned to measure their volume and circumference every 3mm for their entire length 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.

"The results of our first program were quite remarkable", said Professor Piller "Fluid levels at the end of the month dropped an average of around 100 ml, a reduction of about 9 percent."

Women who participated in the study also reported other benefits of practicing Tai Chi, including pain relief, increased flexibility, relaxation and a reduction in fatigue. They said it improved their range of movement and their arms felt less heavy.

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

"They felt better and that's what Tai Chi is all about, it's about feeling better" added Professor Piller.

Results of the study are soon to be published in the International Journal of Lymphology.

This information was found in the articles below; "Tai Chi Helps Women Recover from Breast Cancer Surgery" found at http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-09/16/content_3500276.htm "Tai Chi Fixes Flabby Arms" found at http://seven.com.au/todaytonight/story/?id=24616 .