Taking part in Tai Chi could help to combat depression, new research claims.

最新研究表明，打太极拳能帮助对抗抑郁。

Going to classes in the ancient Chinese martial art for 12 weeks significantly reduced symptoms of the blues.

It can work independently of treatment, suggesting it can scupper the need for an antidepressant prescription, the small study shows.

The findings hold promise amid soaring rates of depression worldwide, with drugs and therapy often proving ineffective.

The meditative practice, which has been used for more than 1,000 years, combines deep breathing and slow and gentle movements.

Previous research has shown Tai Chi makes the brain bigger and improves memory and thinking - possibly delaying the onset of dementia.

The devastating neurological condition is associated with increasing shrinkage of the brain, as nerve cells and their connections are gradually lost.

Tai Chi has also been linked with reducing high blood pressure and relieving symptoms of cancer, heart failure, osteoarthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

1 martial

adj.战争的，军事的，尚武的，威武的

参考例句：

The sound of martial music is always inspiring.军乐声总是鼓舞人心的。

The officer was convicted of desertion at a court martial.这名军官在军事法庭上被判犯了擅离职守罪。

2 blues

n.抑郁，沮丧;布鲁斯音乐

参考例句：

She was in the back of a smoky bar singing the blues.她在烟雾弥漫的酒吧深处唱着布鲁斯歌曲。

He was in the blues on account of his failure in business.他因事业失败而意志消沉。

3 prescription

n.处方，开药;指示，规定

参考例句：

The physician made a prescription against sea- sickness for him.医生给他开了个治晕船的药方。

The drug is available on prescription only.这种药只能凭处方购买。

4 meditative

adj.沉思的，冥想的

参考例句：

A stupid fellow is talkative;a wise man is meditative.蠢人饶舌，智者思虑。

Music can induce a meditative state in the listener.音乐能够引导倾听者沉思。

5 onset

n.进攻，袭击，开始，突然开始

参考例句：

The drug must be taken from the onset of the infection.这种药必须在感染的最初期就开始服用。

Our troops withstood the onset of the enemy.我们的部队抵挡住了敌人的进攻。

6 devastating

adj.毁灭性的，令人震惊的，强有力的

参考例句：

It is the most devastating storm in 20 years.这是20年来破坏性最大的风暴。

Affairs do have a devastating effect on marriages.婚外情确实会对婚姻造成毁灭性的影响。

7 chronic

adj.(疾病)长期未愈的，慢性的;极坏的

参考例句：

Famine differs from chronic malnutrition.饥荒不同于慢性营养不良。

Chronic poisoning may lead to death from inanition.慢性中毒也可能由虚弱导致死亡。