By Deborah Mitchell on December 1, 2012 - 8:59am for eMaxHealth
Sunday, December 02, 2012
Tai Chi Relives Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms; How To Get Started
Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis typically includes medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs and more potent medications that are associated with serious side effects. Some patients are interested in alternative treatments with fewer or no side effects, such as tai chi, which has demonstrated some significant benefits. Here is a review of recent findings to help you decide if you want to start tai chi.
Can tai chi relieve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms?
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese mind-body practice that has become relatively popular in the United States in recent years. Approximately 2.5 million people in the United States practice tai chi for health reasons, according to the National Health Interview Survey (2007), and there are many studies to support the benefits of this ancient practice.Tai chi has several advantages that make it suitable for people of all ages and those who have some physical limitations.
- One, it is a gentle practice that does not involve sudden or vigorous movements.
- Two, it allows individuals to move at their own speed and is easily adaptable to a person's physical abilities.
- Three, it can help people improve balance, coordination, and flexibility, all of which are important for individuals who have rheumatoid arthritis, but are also beneficial for anyone.
The most recent report comes from Current Rheumatology Reports and Tufts University School of Medicine. In his review, the author notes that tai chi "can be safely recommended to patients with...rheumatoid arthritis as a complementary and alternative medical approach to improve patient well-being."
Another recent study
evaluated the use of both tai chi and yoga as complementary therapies
for rheumatic conditions. In the review, the author noted there is
evidence that tai chi and yoga are helpful in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee,
hand, and hip, and in rheumatoid arthritis. However, more evidence is
needed before experts can recommend tai chi and yoga in rheumatic
diseases.
A recent study in the Journal of Clinical Nursing
reported on tai chi and ear acupressure among individuals with
rheumatoid arthritis. The study included 21 patients with rheumatoid
arthritis who were randomly assigned to participate in either tai chi
classes or to receive ear acupressure along with tai chi twice a week
for 12 weeks.
All the participants reported that they enjoyed the classes. At the
end of the study, patients in both groups had experienced significant
improvements in balance, grip and pinch strength, the ability to walk 50
feet, joint pain, number of swollen joints, tender joints, and pain. It
did not appear that the use of ear acupressure improved the effects of
tai chi.
If you are interested in starting tai chi, you should first discuss it
with your healthcare provider who is most familiar with your rheumatoid
arthritis. Once you get the go-ahead, look for a tai chi teacher who has
experience working with individual who have rheumatoid arthritis. While
this is not absolutely necessary, it is helpful to work with a teacher
who is aware of the possible limitations of people who have rheumatoid
arthritis and who is sensitive to them.
Tai chi classes are often offered at senior centers, assisted living
facilities, community centers, fitness clubs, and by professionals at
their own facilities. Check with your healthcare provider, local
hospital, community aging agency, and local community directory for tai
chi instructors in your area.
Tai chi does not require any special equipment or clothing, although
you want to dress in comfortable attire, such as light sweats, shorts,
and flat shoes or athletic shoes. The goal is to allow yourself to move
freely and gently.
The bottom line
These three studies are representative of those available regarding the
use of tai chi for patients who suffer with rheumatoid arthritis, and
interested readers can find more if they search PubMed and other
sources. The results suggest people who have rheumatoid arthritis can
benefit from learning and practicing tai chi.
Lee HY et al. Tai chi exercise and auricular acupressure for people with rheumatoid arthritis: an evaluation study. Journal of Clinical Nursing 2012 Oct; 21(19-20): 2812-22
Uhlig T. Tai chi and yoga as complementary therapies in rheumatologic conditions. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology 2012 Jun; 26(3): 387-98
Wang C. Role of tai chi in the treatment of rheumatologic diseases. Current Rheumatology Reports 2012 Dec; 14(6): Tags: Herbal remedies, acupuncture boise, acupuncture meridian, meridian acupuncture, meridian acupuncture and herbal medicine, meridian acupuncture & wellness, meridian acupuncture points, meridian family acupuncture, boise community acupuncture, boise chinese acupuncture, boise idaho acupuncture, boise herbal store, boise herb pantry, boise herbalist, boise herbs, boise herbal license, boise pain management, boise pain center, boise pain clinic, boise pain, idaho acupuncture.
