Tai Chi as Therapy for Fibromyalgia, Rheumatic Disease

By Chad Dupuis , L.Ac., Dipl.Ac, M.Ac. | Updated: Dec 31, 2021 | Published: Jan 17, 2011

Volumes of research and hundreds of years of experience have shown Tai Chi to promote a range of very positive health benefits in those who practice the exercise. Tai Chi has been shown to promote positive changes in immunity, in circulation, bone density, muscular strength, and more. Many of these are illustrated in my article, the "Multiple Health Benefits of Tai Chi."

Researchers from Tufts Medical Center in Boston Massachusetts recently published a study exploring the current knowledge related to Tai Chi and aiding Rheumatic Diseases. While the researchers state that not every Tai Chi study is clinically relevant, as it is somewhat difficult to study compared to a chemical drug, enough evidence is there to recommend Tai Chi along with other treatments for these conditions.

Common types of Rheumatic Disease which may benefit from the regular practice of Tai Chi would be:

  • Osteoarthritis (OA)
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
  • Fibromyalgia (also CFS)
  • Lupus
  • Sjogren's Syndrome
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Tendinitis
  • ... and any other condition related to systemic or localized inflammation
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