Still skeptical about the benefits of complementary alternative medicines (CAM) and therapies, like acupuncture and meditation? Perhaps, you should take a second look, based on a review of 77 randomized controlled trials from 1993-2007 on Tai Chi and Qigong.
This review of studies about the benefits of these gentle therapies was broad and positive, ranging from the psychological to the cardiopulmonary, and also included research that measured the effect of Qigong (the art and science of using breathing techniques, gentle movement, exercise and mediation to rechannel and replenish one's health and vitality) and Tai Chi (a subset of Qigong focusing on movement) on physical and immune functioning and bone density.
Unfortunately, there was no way to quantify the benefits of these trials, researchers say, because the design, measures and outcomes of each study varied greatly, probably a relief to skeptics who don't see much value in such treatments. The randomness of analytic methods didn't stop scientists from concluding, however, that Tai Chi and Qigong "demonstrated consistent, significant results for a number of health benefits."
Also, the average age of the patient participating in these trials was 55, and for studies on balance the median shot up to 80, meaning middle-aged folks (me) and seniors who had experienced physical limitations were transitioning successfully to more gentle forms of exercise that allow them to keep moving for their health and improve their quality of life.
Discover more safe, drug-free options to alleviate your pain by reading this month's Health Tips Newsletter, Nine Strategies for Easing Pain Without Drugs.
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American Journal of Health Promotion, Vol. 24, No. 6, July-August 2010
PhysOrg.com June 30, 2010