Tai Chi Recommended for Common Aging-Related Conditions
 
May 15, 2015 - Many older adults are turning to complementary and integrative health approaches to promote health and well-being. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, the Federal Government's lead agency for scientific research on complementary and integrative health approaches, a number of reviews of the scientific literature point to the potential benefit of mind and body approaches for symptom management, particularly for pain. Check out what the science says about mind and body practices for these 4 common aging-related conditions:

Osteoarthritis. Practicing Tai Chi - a traditional Chinese form of exercise - may be helpful for managing osteoarthritis of the knee. Guidelines issued by the American College of Rheumatology conditionally recommend tai chi, along with other non-drug approaches, for this condition.
  

Menopausal symptoms. Overall, there is scientific evidence suggesting that some mind and body approaches, such as yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation may provide some relief from common menopausal symptoms.
  

Sleep problems. Using relaxation techniques, (e.g., progressive relaxation, guided imagery, biofeedback, self-hypnosis, and deep breathing exercises) before bedtime can be helpful components of a successful sleep regimen.
  

Shingles. Tai chi may help older adults avoid getting shingles by increasing immunity to varicella-zoster virus and boosting the immune response to varicella vaccine in older people. While there have only been a few studies on the effects of tai chi on immunity to varicella, the results so far have been promising.