The energy healing therapy of tai chi may help fibromyalgia patients
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
The energy healing therapy of tai chi may help fibromyalgia patients.
Any condition that causes chronic pain can interfere with a range of everyday functions, whether we're talking about trying to exercise or even just meeting a friend for a cup of coffee. Fibromyalgia patients, who suffer from persistent pain, may benefit from the energy healing therapy of tai chi, which can help them relax and manage stress, according to The Huffington Post.
Fibromyalgia can affect various soft tissues, including the muscles and tendons, according to the news source. Women are 10 times more likely to develop fibromyalgia than men, and a recent study from Norway found that female subjects who had frequent problems sleeping had a higher risk of the disease. This doesn't necessarily prove that sleep deprivation causes fibromyalgia, but the discovery of the relationship alone is important.
"We don't need to know the root causes of fibromyalgia to know that improving sleep is at the core of a strong treatment plan for the condition," wrote sleep specialist Michael Breus.
One way that patients can support a better night's sleep is through tai chi exercises, Breus said, citing a 2010 study demonstrating that patients who practiced this routine experienced improvements in sleep, pain symptoms and depression.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 5 million American adults live with fibromyalgia.
