Have Fibromyalgia? Practice Tai Chi

Fibromyalgia sufferers may be able to alleviate joint pains and other symptoms by practicing Tai Chi, according to a study by researchers of Tufts University School of Medicine.

The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, was performed by Dr. Chenchen Wang and colleagues. The study included 66 patients with fibromyalgia who were assigned to two groups: one that took part in a 12-week Tai Chi program and one that took part in a 12-week wellness education program that included stretching exercises twice weekly.

The Tai Chi groups experienced significant symptom improvement, while the other group benefited little. The feedback was received via questionnaire. The participants experienced improvements in pain, mood, depression, sleep, quality of life, and exercise capacity.