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.
These mind and body practices are
generally considered safe for healthy people when they're performed
appropriately. If you have any health problems, talk with both your health care provider and the
complementary health practitioner/instructor before starting to use a mind and
body practice.
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