Tai Chi and Chronic Pain

Tai chi is a ancient chinese mind-body exercise that is low impact, that is like a moving meditation.  You move in slow-motion to stretch and strengthen muscles.

The phyisical benefits of Tai Chi are that it improves balance, flexibility, coordination, muscle strenght and stamina hence why some people think it helps them stay young.  On the mental side, Tai Chi helps releive stress, improves body awareness and when done in a group setting reduces social isolation.

Some recent research shows Tai Chi can help benefit people with ongoing painful conditions suchs as

  • osteoarthritis
  • fibromyalgia
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • tension headaches

In one trail, 66 people with fibromyalgia were randomised into two groups: one took tahi chi classes twice weekly, the other group attended wellness education and stretching classes twice a week.  After 12 weeks, those in the Tai Chi group reported

  • less pain
  • fewer depresession symptoms
  • better sleep

when compared to the control group.  This study suggest that Tai Chi may assist those who have an ongoing painful condition manage their pain and improve their general sense of wellness.

References

Wang C, Schmid CH et al, 2o10, A randomized trail of Tai Chi for Fibromyalgia, New England Journal of Medicine, 363(8):743-54

 

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