Tai Chi Soothes Arthritis Pain

Taking up tai chi (the gentle Chinese martial art that combines slow, graceful movements with meditation and rhythmic breathing) could help decrease arthritis pain, according to a recent research review.

For the review, researchers analyzed seven studies that used tai chi as the main intervention for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Results showed that tai chi helped lessen pain and disability in arthritis patients, although its effect on other forms of musculoskeletal pain was unclear.

In past studies, tai chi has been shown to increase balance in stroke survivors, improve the control of type-2 diabetes, prevent falls among older adults, lower blood pressure, and boost the immune system.