Conventional drugs used to treat those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are known to have the risk of severe side effects. Some patients exploring alternative remedies to alleviate the common, painful symptoms of the chronic condition have turned to the ancient Chinese practice of tai chi, recently recommended as a suitable activity for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers in the US by Tufts University School of Medicine and Current Rheumatology Reports.
Research, published recently in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, demonstrated that participating in tai chi could help arthritis sufferers to manage the symptoms of the condition better. The 21 patients in the 12-week study all had rheumatoid arthritis and each took part in tai chi or tai chi with ear acupressure twice a week. All patients reported improved balance, grip strength and walking, and all experienced a reduction in swollen joints and less pain. The study reported that the combination of ear acupressure with tai chi did not appear to improve the effects of the tai chi.
Tai chi is considered particularly helpful for arthritis patients to take part in because its movements are slow and gentle, with no energetic or sudden actions, and participants can move at entirely their own pace. Tai chi is also known to improve flexibility, coordination and balance – crucial for sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis because the condition causes limited mobility and impaired movement. Joining in an activity such as tai chi can also have a positive effect on an individual’s general sense of wellbeing.
Having originated in China, tai chi is now a popular activity all around the world. If you have arthritis and are interested in tai chi, do talk to your doctor before embarking on any change in activity. Look for a tai chi instructor or teacher who is used to working with people who have arthritis or suffer limited mobility. All you need to take part in tai chi is comfortable, loose clothing and footwear.
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