Tai chi recommended to fight fibromyalgia

[helvella]

Sorry - haven't got time to look at the BMJ article referred to.

Tai chi recommended to fight fibromyalgia

By Ian Westbrook Health reporter, BBC News

Tai chi is as good as - or even better than - aerobic exercise for aiding people with the chronic pain condition fibromyalgia, a study has suggested.

The US trial of 226 adults with the condition showed that those who practised the martial art improved significantly more than those doing aerobic exercise over a 24-week period.

Its low-impact movements mean people of any age or fitness level can take part.

Aerobic exercise is currently a standard treatment for the condition.

But some patients find it hard to do because their symptoms keep changing.

Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body and can also lead to increased sensitivity to pain, fatigue, muscle stiffness, memory problems and sleeping difficulties.

Aerobic exercises such as walking, cycling and swimming, together with resistance and strengthening exercises, like lifting weights, are recommended to help people who have been diagnosed.

But this study, published in the British Medical Journal, says the findings suggest "it may be time to rethink what type of exercise is most effective for patients".

"Tai chi mind-body treatment results in similar or greater improvement in symptoms than aerobic exercise, the current most commonly prescribed non-drug treatment," the authors said.

"This mind-body approach may be considered a therapeutic option in the multi-disciplinary management of fibromyalgia."

Rest of article available here:

bbc.co.uk/news/health-43485851

[ Edited to add BMJ links 22/03/2018 18:41 ]

BMJ summary page: bmj.com/content/360/bmj.k85...

Full article: bmj.com/content/bmj/360/bmj...

[Marz]

I think whilst focusing on the moves - the mind can be cleared of the busy busy thoughts - allowing calmer and more positive thoughts to enter. I find this is what happens to me in yoga - linked to the breath too of course.

I haven't read the article either !

[SilverAvocado]

Hmm... Seems strange to call walking an 'aerobic' exercise while Tai Chi isn't. I think both are quite comparable in exertion level. And obviously both of them can be made more intense by putting more into it. Tai chi includes squats and high kicks. You get to choose how deeply you do them, so it could be more aerobic than running.

I'm thinking of focusing on Tai Chi this Summer rather than walking as I have been more recently. It's good to have some support to that, even if it seems to be completely vacuous

[JGBH in reply to SilverAvocado]

Clearly taichi exercises need to be tailored to a group of patients' ability. I attend a taichi class spefically designed for people suffering from RA and fibromylgia. It would be pointless otherwise.

The deep squats and high kicks are reserved for people doing taichi for the sake of it, ie: with no debilitating diseases, naturally.

[SilverAvocado in reply to JGBH]

I think people working at all levels can get great benefits from Tai Chi!

[JGBH]

Tai chi is a very good practice for many ailments and even just in itself. The gentle movements and the breathing technique all help in relaxing body and mind.

Sorry haven't read the article, but this is not new, as I have seen similar comments about tai chi's benefits previously. I have been practicing taichi for many years and recommend it.

[TSH110]

I wonder if this will be the treatment of choice for all those poor devils with an elevated TSH but below 10. God forbid. If people were properly treated excercise would come naturally to them. I am sure it is good exercise of course.