After 14 weeks of practicing tai chi, older Chinese women showed improved A1c values in this study by researchers at the Beijing Sport University in China.
There were other benefits, but let’s focus on A1c. Continue reading Tai chi improves diabetes control
The National Center for CAM (NCCAM) has summarized the state of the science. Continue reading The NCCAM view of CAM for fibromyalgia
Providing a simplified tai-chi exercise program (STEP) in long-term care facilities can promote physical health in older adults.
That’s the conclusion from a study in Taiwan.
Continue reading Simplified tai-chi benefits the elderly in long-term care
Although the researchers identified 45 potentially relevant studies, only 5 were good enough to review. And the differences in the studies made it impossible to pool the results for a reanalysis of the data (meta-analysis). Continue reading Limited support for tai chi in rheumatoid arthritis
An article published on Medscape discusses the impact of stress on insomnia. In addition to a brief mention of mindfulness, the author limits the discussion to benzodiazepines or ramelteon (Rozerem), which acts on melatonin receptors.
There are so many other options that the author fails to even mention. So, I’ll mention them here. Continue reading Giving equal time to CAM options to manage stress
 Prof. Ernst and his associates at the Peninsula Medical School in Exeter, UK set their sites on tai chi.
Yes, “there is some encouraging evidence suggesting that tai chi may be effective for pain control in patients with knee osteoarthritis.” Continue reading Review: Tai chi for osteoarthrits
A survey of more than 6000 US hospitals by the American Hospital Association reveals that among 1400 responders, the percentage of hospitals offering at least one CAM service increased from 8% in 1998 to 27% in 2005. Continue reading More US hospitals offering CAM
That’s the title of a new CDC book, which presents “specific interventions that have rigorous scientific evidence of effectiveness” in lowering the risk of falls among the elderly. Continue reading Preventing Falls: What Works
In 2000, the House of Lords Select Committee’s Report on CAM recommended familiarization with CAM for medical students and doctors.
According to this article, little has been done. But it confirms an interest in greater exposure to CAM education among medical students in Wales. Continue reading Medical students in Wales want more education on CAM
Presently, “Anyone can set themselves up as an acupuncturist, homoeopath, herbalist, or other complementary therapist,” reports TimesOnLine.
This will change in April 2008. Continue reading Regulating CAM in the UK
The benefit is an increase in cell-mediated immunity to varicella zoster virus and improved health functioning in older adults.
It’s important because “cell-mediated immunity to varicella zoster virus is thought to be pivotal in determining the risk of herpes zoster,” writes Dr. Michael Irwin from the University of California in Los Angeles. Continue reading Tai chi benefits people with shingles
Professor Ernst and colleagues from Universities of Exeter & Plymouth in the UK have targeted tai chi for their unwavering critique.
Here’s what they found. Continue reading Asessing the value of tai chi for osteoarthritis
Researchers from the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield, UK studied people with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II and III heart failure.
In other words, their condition ranged from mild symptoms and slight limitation during ordinary activity to marked limitation in activity due to symptoms, even during less-than-ordinary activity. Continue reading The benefits of tai chi on exercise tolerance in people with moderate heart failure
A study reported during the American Academy of Family Physicians 2007 Annual Scientific Assembly concluded, “tai chi is comparable to but not quite as effective as a brisk walk for raising heart rate variability.” Continue reading Effect of tai chi vs a brisk walk on heart rate variability
The University of Alberta Evidence-based Practice Center (UAEPC) has reviewed the published literature on meditation practices for health.
They’re not impressed. Continue reading Meditation practices for health: Disappointing state of the art
It claims to be “the most comprehensive, current, well-balanced, and trustworthy information available from both a scientific and a biblical perspective.”
Here’s the premise for Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook, by Donal O’Mathuna and Walt Larimore, MD
Tai chi is a form of traditional Chinese exercise. Unlike the hard martial arts, tai chi is characterized by soft, slow, flowing movements that emphasize force rather than brute strength.
Now, a study in 47 adults claims that tai chi can have significant positive effects in people with tension-type headache.
I don’t know. But my first thought about this study is that a statistical improvement does not necessarily mean there’s a change that could affect your health in a meaningful way.
Continue reading Should men with osteopenia or osteoporosis practice tai chi?
A study of 30 patients found that regular classes of tai chi gave patients with heart failure better movement and significantly reduced BNP levels.
Here’s why lowering BNP is important.
Continue reading Tai chi really does improve congestive heart failure
Here’s why this is important.
Here’s evidence that tai chi helps.
Continue reading Tai chi lowers the risk of falls in the elderly