Tai chi: An Option for Arthritis Patients

Countless numbers of people all over the world are into tai chi.  Tai chi is an ancient martial art but today it is
thought of as a moving form of yoga and meditation combined.

The slow, repetitive movements provide a low-impact method for strengthening the body’s muscular, skeletal, and organ systems while the emphasis on breathing and inner stillness relieves stress and anxiety.It also burns more calories than surfing and nearly as many as downhill skiing.

Studies have shown tai chi may help lower cholesterol, improve cardiovascular and respiratory function, reduce the symptoms of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), reduce the severity of diabetes, and improve people’s overall health. And recently, researchers found that regular tai chi exercise can also help reduce pain and improve knee function among seniors with osteoarthritis.

Given its low impact and evidence that it tends to increase muscle strength and balance and give general pain relief, we think it’s a worthwhile option for arthritis patients,” says Dr. William L. Haskell, deputy director of the Stanford University Center for Research in Disease Prevention in California.