Tai Chi for Fibromyalgia.

Tai Chi for Fibromyalgia. Tai Chi was originally developed as a martial art. It is usually taught as a series of slow, low impact movements that integrate the breath, mind and body. Following participation in Tai Chi, relief from anxiety, depression, pain and other health related domains has regularly been reported.

A May 2014 article in the Int J Sports Med by V. Segura- Jimenez and associates described their research on the effectiveness of Tai Chi in reducing pain. A Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess pain. The results showed a very substantial decrease in pain following each session of Tai Chi. Such immediate short-term results are very encouraging.

A study by C. Wang and associates published in Mar. 2018 Issue of BMJ found that fibromyalgia patients in a US hospital showed somewhat greater improvement following participation in Tai Chi than with aerobic exercise. A longer duration of participation ion Tai Chi was associated with greater improvement.

Personal Statement. I believe that Tai Chi has a major role in the treatment protocol for fibromyalgia. Tai Chi is done so slowly and gently that it is not likely to provoke the patient's concern that the energy demands might overwhelm her.