Can Tai Chi Benefit People with Fibromyalgia?

The following is a short article from the National Center of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM); I think it is awesome and I think you all will enjoy it too: 

Tai Chi May Benefit Patients With Fibromyalgia

People with fibromyalgia may benefit from practicing tai chi, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by muscle pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. People with fibromyalgia have chronic widespread pain, as well as "tender points" on areas of the body, which hurt when slight pressure is applied. Although exercise appears to be an important part of fibromyalgia treatment, many people with fibromyalgia need medication to control symptoms and are unable to maintain muscle strength, flexibility, and overall fitness.

Researchers, funded in part by NCCAM, evaluated the physical and psychological benefits of tai chi (which combines meditation, slow movements, deep breathing, and relaxation) in 66 people with fibromyalgia. The participants were assigned to one of two groups: an attention control group that received wellness education and practiced stretching exercises, or a tai chi group that received instruction in tai chi principles and techniques and practiced 10 forms of Yang‑style tai chi. Both groups met in 1‑hour sessions twice a week for 12 weeks and also practiced daily at home. Tai chi participants used an instructional DVD to continue practice for 12 more weeks.
Compared with the attention control group, the tai chi group had a significantly greater decrease in total score on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire at 12 weeks. In addition, the tai chi group demonstrated greater improvement in sleep quality, mood, and quality of life. Improvements were still present at 24 weeks. No adverse events were reported.
The researchers concluded that these findings support previous research indicating benefits of tai chi for musculoskeletal pain, depression, and quality of life. The underlying mechanisms are unknown, and the researchers noted that larger, longer term studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefits of tai chi for patients with fibromyalgia.

References

• Wang C, Schmid CH, Rones R, et al. A randomized trial of tai chi for fibromyalgia. New England Journal of Medicine. 2010;363(8):743–754.
• Yeh GY, Kaptchuk TJ, Shmerling RH. Prescribing tai chi for fibromyalgia—are we there yet? New England Journal of Medicine. 2010;363(8):783–784.

Additional Resources

• Tai Chi
• Fibromyalgia and CAM: At a Glance
• Fibromyalgia (NIAMS)

Journal Publication Date: August 19, 2010
http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/081810.htm


If you're interested in learning Tai Chi in Amador County visit our Class Schedules and Locations page to find out what classes will work best for you.  :)

Class Schedule Update

I just wanted to give everyone a heads up that there are some changes in my Tai Chi and Qi Gong class schedules as well as some new classes.

At KSW Karate in Pine Grove, CA the Tuesday and Thursday morning Tia Chi classes have been moved from 8:30 to 9:00.  So they will be starting 30 minutes later than they used to.

Also, at New York Fitness in Jackson, CA, starting May 3rd and continuing through the end of June there will be an evening Tai Chi and Qi Gong class from 4:00 to 5:00pm.

Ancients Arts from the Orient Available to You!

This is will be my first entry on this blog and I'm very excited to be posting it.  I have just returned from an extended stay in China where I was studying Traditional Chinese Martial Arts.  My goal here is to focus on the many health benefits of these martial arts and give instructions and exercises for people to practice at home.

I also want to use this blog to keep people up to date on local classes that I will be teaching and to keep people up to date on the latest news in my nutrition business.

It's going to be fun and I'm looking forward to getting started.

The first order of business today is to keep those who live in the wonderful community of Amador County, CA up to date on classes available to them.

Currently I am instructing a Tai Chi and Qi (pronounced "Chee") Gong class at New York Fitness (NYF) in Jackson, CA.  This class is available every Monday morning from 7:30 to 8:30 and it's a great opportunity to start the week off right, by calming and focusing your mind, while relaxing your body.  We won't spend much, if any, time working on the martial (fighting) aspects of Tai Chi, but the health benefits of strengthening your body, increasing your flexibility, improving your balance, letting go of stress, and calming your mind will make the trip to the gym well worth your while.  You don't need to bring anything special to this class, just dress comfortably in loose (non-restricting) clothing and sport your favorite pair of comfortable shoes....or, as some people do, kick off your shoes and just train with sock feet.  :)  For any questions you can contact NYF at (209) 223-3236 or you can contact me right here.  I'm always up for questions.  :)

The second piece of news for those who live in Amador County is that I will be teaching a Tai Chi and Qi Gong class every Tuesday and Thursday morning at the Ko Sutemi West Karate Dojo in Pine Grove, CA.  These classes will be from 8:30 to 9:30 and there will be a little more focus placed on the martial applications of Tai Chi, but this class will still offer the previously mentioned healthful benefits.  For questions about this class, contact me.

So... that takes care of all of my Amador County family, but what about everyone else out there that would like to experience the health benefits of Tai Chi and Qi Gong?  What can I do for you guys and gals?  Well, I've thought about it (and while it's not official yet) I'm planning to start a podcast or series of videos that you can watch online or download for free that will give you lessons to practice in your spare time.  They will never be able to replace the kind of teaching you can get from an instructor in a one-on-one environment, but it'll be something you can use at home until you can find a good instructor.  I don't have a lot of details on this yet, as it is still very much in the development stages, but I wanted to give you all a "Heads up!" to stay tuned and ready for more updates on this project.  :)  It's really got me excited and I hope, when I get it going, it will be a big benefit to you all!

Now, for those of you who are thinking, "What in the world is Qi Gong?..........and isn't Tai Chi a drink at Starbucks?" do not fret.  If you are completely new to both of these arts and aren't quite sure what kind of blog you've stumbled across, I am working on a post that will explain each art and give you a basic foundation for understanding these arts.

So stay tuned for the exciting new posts that are on the way!  :)

To Your Health,
Andrew Plitt