Tai Chi Does More Than Help Reduce Arthritis Pain

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The National Institutes of Health's National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health has compiled the results of 20 scientific studies into the health benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong - and the list is pretty amazing. For example, practicing Tai Chi can help:

• ​Improve balance and stability in older people, as well as those with Parkinson's
• Help people cope with fibromyalgia pain
• Help with back pain
• Reduce pain from osteoarthritis in the knees
• Help improve mood and overall quality of life for people with cancer and heart failure

​In fact, the NCCIH is currently funding further research into Tai Chi and its effects on:

• ​Fibromyalgia​
• Knee osteoarthritis
• Anxiety and sleep quality in young adults​

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While they have gathered fewer studies on the benefits of Qigong, what they have seen indicates that it helps with:

• ​Reducing chronic neck pain
• Fibromyalgia pain
• Improving overall quality of life

​These studies have also pointed to the psychological benefits to be found in practicing these arts, mainly via anxiety reduction.

​It's great to see not only the scientific community continuing to research the benefits of these amazing healing arts, but to also see that research supported and shared by the Federal government.

​Now, WE know that there are many more benefits to be gained from practicing Qigong and Tai Chi...and you have probably experienced some of them yourself! We'd love to hear about your experiences - please share them on Facebook and the comments below.