San Diego Psychologist: Tai Chi May Help With Fibromyalgia
An intriguing article discusses a new study in the New England Journal of Medicine that indicates the practice of Tai Chi may improve symptoms of Fibromyalgia (a global pain condition that may include significant symptoms of fatigue).
According to the article, 66 people with Fibromyalgia were divided into two groups. One group did hour-long sessions of Tai Chi twice a week for 12 weeks while the other had twice-weekly wellness education classes followed by gentle stretching.
The Tai Chi group experienced “decreased pain and increased ability to do daily tasks without pain; less fatigue, depression and anxiety; and an overall better quality of life. Furthermore, they reported better sleep quality and improved physical conditioning.”
Although the article stated that the study had no definitive answer as to exactly how Tai Chi had generated these improvements, principle investigator Chenchen Wang, M.D., an associate professor of medicine at Tufts Medical Center, Boston noted, “the physical component of Tai Chi can improve aerobic capacity, strength and muscle function. But in my opinion, the most important part is mental. You see lots of patients improve their depression and become good friends with each other.”
These results are very promising and yet another indication of the value of non-pharmacological techniques and practices to help increase well-being and quality of life.
Article available at: http://consumer.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=642242
Study abstract available at: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa0912611
Dr. Schwartz
San Diego Psychologist