According to a new study, there is evidence to suggest that tai chi is beneficial for arthritis sufferers.
The research, led by Amanda Hall of The George Institute in Sydney, Australia, examined the effectiveness of tai chi in decreasing pain and disability and improving physical function and quality of life in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain.
The researchers reviewed seven randomized controlled trials that used tai chi as the main intervention for patients with arthritis-associated pain and found that the technique not only decreased pain but also improved overall physical health, lowered tension levels and boosted participantsÂ’ satisfaction with their health status.
“The fact that tai chi is inexpensive, convenient and enjoyable, and conveys other psychological and social benefits supports the use this type of intervention for pain conditions such as arthritis,” the authors write in the June issue of Arthritis Care & Research.
Tai chi is a meditative form of exercise consisting of a series of 19 movements and one pose to which practitioners attribute physical and spiritual health benefits.
It has recently been reported that another Chinese medicine technique, known as medical tai chi or quiqong, is emerging as a major health resource in the U.S. to help to boost immunity and energy levels. 