Tai Chi and Multiple Sclerosis

Does Tai Chi/Qi Gong help patients
with Multiple Sclerosis?
Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, Volume 4, Issue 1, Pages 39-48Abstract

Tai Chi posture, has recently been shown in a number of random controlled trials to improve balance, posture, vigour and general well-being in a variety of client groups. These are problems commonly encountered by people with Multiple Sclerosis. The present study was therefore designed as a pilot evaluation of the usefulness of Tai Chi/Qi Gong for people with Multiple Sclerosis. Eight individuals with Multiple Sclerosis were monitored over a 2-month baseline and 2-month intervention. Statistically significant pre to post improvements for the group as a whole were achieved on measures of depression and balance. A 21-item symptom check-list indicated small improvements over a broad range of other self-rated symptoms.

Abstract 

Tai Chi posture, has recently been shown in a number of random controlled trials to improve balance, posture, vigour and general well-being in a variety of client groups. These are problems commonly encountered by people with Multiple Sclerosis. The present study was therefore designed as a pilot evaluation of the usefulness of Tai Chi/Qi Gong for people with Multiple Sclerosis. Eight individuals with Multiple Sclerosis were monitored over a 2-month baseline and 2-month intervention. Statistically significant pre to post improvements for the group as a whole were achieved on measures of depression and balance. A 21-item symptom check-list indicated small improvements over a broad range of other self-rated symptoms.

No full text is available. To read the body of this article, please view the PDF online.
http://www.taichi-utrecht.nl/docs/taiji-ms.pdf

http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1360859299901390

Tai Chi for Lower Back Pain

Visit the web site at:
http://backpainandtreatment.net/tai-chi-for-back-pain/

Lower back pain exercises are in demand these days due to the fact that back pain is becoming a rather common issue. Thankfully, there are a variety of exercises that can provide relief from excruciating back pain. Exercise routines not only soothe the back from pain but they also improve your overall health condition.
Doing regular exercises will only take a few minutes of your time. You should not have problems in doing your workout routine because you can easily choose the type of exercise that can perfectly fit the tempo, rhythm and complexity of the steps that you want.
If you are looking for a slow, gentle, and simple exercise routine, tai chi may be the best option for you. Tai chi is an great example of gentle, lower back pain exercises. It involves a slow-paced routine. Performing tai chi is as easy as executing unhurried, graceful movements that can also provide you with peace of mind and a relaxed body. Each step flows into the next without stopping to pose and hold, ensuring that the body is in constant motion. It enables you to attain serenity in both mind and body.
Tai chuan, or commonly called tai chi, is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves meditation in a form of refined movements. Tai chi originated in ancient China. It was initially used as a self-defense technique. It was commonly practiced for martial arts. Today, tai chi has evolved into a popular form of back exercise that can soothe you from back pain problems. It is even considered a trend.
Tai chi comes in an array of styles. Yang and Wu are the most popular types of tai chi that are preferred by many. Although tai chi generally involves gentle and slow movements, the intensity may differ depending on the style that you prefer. Some are faster and need more exertion than others. Each approach differs based on its emphasis on the principles that are involved. Most of the styles are intended for health maintenance while others put more emphasis on pain relief. There are also those that focus on martial arts and agility. Tai chi styles are usually named after animals or nature. Regardless of the wide variance, all types of Tai chi focuse on rhythmic and  slow patterns of movement that are coordinated with simple breathing exercises.
Generally, tai chi involves relaxing movements that are easy to execute. People of all ages can enjoy this type of exercise. Older people will not have a hard time with performing the slow movements. This is also an appealing type of exercise because you don’t have to spend on special equipment and you don’t have to attend expensive classes. There really are a lot of benefits in opting for tai chi compared to other lower back pain exercises. The relaxation that you can attain will do wonders toward giving you a pain-free body. Tai chi is an effective back exercise because it can relieve tension and tightening that are caused by stress.
Lower back pain exercises do have limitations. Although the pain-relieving effect may be immediate, Tai chi will not immediately restore your back to its normal condition. Depending on your back condition, it may take a lot of time for your back to become totally healthy. But, in the meantime, enjoy the benefits of Tai chi.