The Tai Chi Cure? Health Benefits of the Ancient Martial Art, Explained

(Aug. 19) -- Stork spreads wings. Carry tiger and return to mountain. Wave hands like clouds.

These words, when applied to human movement during a tai chi practice, could offer an effective method to cope with the chronic pain of fibromyalgia.

It's also the latest example of the increasing promise the martial art is showing in managing the symptoms of hard-to-treat health conditions for which modern medicine offers no cure.

Tai chi: What is it?

Americans, especially those with a fondness for captivating Patrick Swayze film clips, might think of tai Chi as little more than a series of agonizingly slow, calculated movements.



Not quite. Sometimes translated as "The Ultimate," tai chi has its origins in ancient China and is actually a complex combination of theory and practice, based on five elements (including self-defense and weaponry) and incorporating three pillars: health, martial art and meditation.

As different schools of tai chi have developed and evolved, some have zeroed in on the activity's low-impact health benefits, making certain varieties of tai chi popular among seniors and those with chronic health problems.

How can Tai Chi help chronic pain?

Tai chi's potential for alleviating the health problems of those suffering from fibromyalgia was put forward by a study out of Tufts University, published this week in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The condition is a mysterious one that remains difficult to diagnose. Patients suffer from stiffness, chronic pain, sleeping difficulty and mental health symptoms like depression. At this point, doctors often rely on a combination of medication, exercise recommendations and psychological therapy to mitigate discomfort.

The Tufts researchers split 66 fibromyalgia patients into two groups. The first partook in twice-weekly tai Chi classes and performed their own routines at home. The other group participated in simple stretching exercises.

Over 12 weeks, those doing tai chi reported significant improvements in pain levels and psychological wellness.

"Fibromyalgia is so common, and we have such a difficult time treating it effectively. It's defined by what the patient tells you," Dr. Robert Shmerling, who co-authored an editorial on the study, told The New York Times. "So, that these results were so positive for something that's very safe is an impressive accomplishment."

What else is tai chi good for?

Glad you asked, because science is starting to suggest that the gentle, meditative practice has plenty of health perks.

Small studies have shown positive results for patients afflicted with other chronic conditions, including Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis. And because tai chi emphasizes strength and balance, it can help the elderly or those recovering from a stroke become limber and agile.

And tai chi doesn't just look relaxing -- it might actually affect how the brain manages stress. A small study on 13 teenagers with ADHD indicated that tai chi curbed their symptoms.

Note that there are myriad variations of tai chi, and they don't all keep it low-key. More intensive variations offer the enviable opportunity to train with wooden staffs, sabers and steel whips.