B O D Y T A L K
Tai Chi Eases
Fibromyalgia Symptoms
New research shows that the ancient,
slow-moving Chinese exercise known
as tai chi is better than aerobic exercise
for managing the debilitating effects of
fibromyalgia and improving the severity
of its symptoms.
The results of a 52-week single-
blind trial suggest that tai chi not only
eases symptoms of fibromyalgia, but is
also associated with improvements in
depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, and
quality of life.
"Compared with aerobic exercise,
the most commonly prescribed non-
drug treatment, tai chi appears as
effective as, or better for, managing
fibromyalgia," the investigators,
led by Chenchen Wang, MD, Tufts
University School of Medicine in
Boston, Massachusetts, write.
"This mind-body approach may be
considered a therapeutic option in
the multidisciplinary management of
fibromyalgia."
Read the full study in the BMJ at
www.bmj.com/content/360/bmj.k851.
For more information about tai chi, go
to www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/
stress-management/in-depth/tai-chi/art-
20045184.
4 Body Sense
