It was a small study, but the results are significant. Tai chi was found to ease painful joints and other fibromyalgia symptoms. According to the August 19, 2010 New England Journal of Medicine, the study involved 66 fibromyalgia patients assigned to tai chi or to wellness education and stretching exercises twice a week for 12 weeks. There was significant improvement in symptoms in the tai chi group, that was not the case with others.
Improvements in pain, mood, quality of life, sleep, and exercise capacity were apparent. The improvements remained at 24 weeks after the study onset. Other experts suggest that the benefit may be due to the placebo effect. They recommended a larger study to confirm the results. Tai chi combines meditation, slow and gentle movements, deep breathing, and relaxation.
Related Resources:
- Tai Chi - What You Need to Know
- Tai Chi Effective for Severe Knee Osteoarthritis
- Fibromyalgia Screening Quiz
- Signs and Symptoms of Fibromyalgia
- 10 Facts You Should Know About Fibromyalgia
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