Tai Chi - New England Journal of Medicine Study

Aloha Everyone,

 

In our healthy life style class I try to share with you my knowledge of yoga ( focus is on Kundalini yoga), meditation, t’ai chi, quigong and daoyin.  In our class last week, I spoke on subject of  Meditation Techniques, Types and Practice and I mentioned that yoga asnas, walking, dance and martial arts are classified among Body Meditation Technique.

 

According to the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, practicing  t’ai chi, a Chinese martial art may help alleviate Parkinson’s symptoms by improving with balance and fall prevention. The study was conducted by scientists from the Oregon Research Institute who, compared three different types of mediation in the study. T’ai chi was practiced by the Group 1, the Group 2 were assigned to do the resistance training and the Group 3 did physical stretches.  The study called for all 3 groups to do twice a week session for an hour each time.

 

At the end of the 24 weeks of monitoring, the research team concluded that Group 1, who practiced tai chi had improved strength, balance, reach, and control of movement.  The Group 2, people in the resistance training showed some but not a very significant improvements.  The research team also noted that Group 1, the tai chi and Group 2, the resistance training both experienced fewer falls than the group that did stretching exercises for 24 weeks.

 

Falls are common causes of serious injuries for seniors. One out of every three people over 65 falls every year in the U.S. And that accidental fall could be fatal. In 1995, a fall was fatal to nearly 8,000 Americans over 65. Another study in Age Ageing demonstrated that tai chi can improve balance and perception in visually impaired adults over 70. Tai chi has also been proven to be effective for pain management and may also ease pain in fibromyalgia sufferers. Another study showed that tai chi can be effective for managing lower back pain.

Namaste — Cathi