Anybody ever heard of Tai chii therapy?

[Wave]

At one of our lectures recently, we had a guest lecturer who talked about acupuncture and other forms of traditional eastern medicine. At the end, she mentioned Tai chii and how people practice in parks in China and what a good form of rehabilitation it would be for our patients. Anybody have some practical info?

~Wave

[Danish, MSN, APRN, NP]

Hi, my aunt practices Tai Chi for fitness and strenght, but she began doing it at a Doctors suggestion for her fibromyalgia. It seems to have helped her.

I take a yoga class that incorporates Tai Chi and I just find it relaxing.

[natrgrrl]

My mom has MS and she was told to try tai chi by one of the doctors at Mayo Clinic. It was very difficult for her because she has terrible balance but I can see how it could be beneficial if she could have stayed with it.

I was surprised that she was advised to try it by a doctor because it is such a completely different way of looking at health than we have here in the US.

[margaretptz]

I have taken some Tai Chi lessons, it is not as easy as it looks, but it is very relaxing, almost meditative and once you get good at it, it is actually an aerobic workout!! It does help improve balance and co ordination and it focuses on breathing as well. Is defintely regarded as an essential practice in eastern medicine.

Margaret

[herecomestrouble]

Tai Chi is very good for improving balance and breathing.Some dr's recommend what is called Golding Breath Tai Chi for people with breathing problems.My Dr's office offers ReiKi,accupressure ,massage,herbal and aromatherapy along with the usual meds and treatments.

[MelodyRNurse]

I used to take tai chi in a martial arts studio. I also took kickboxing aerobics and kung fu. Tai chi was the hardest at this school. It was focused on strength, discipline, and how to manipulate your energy. I can't see how someone who is not in great physical health could do this, but I'm assuming they have milder versions of it. I have never heard of it used as therapy related to health care, but it was very beneficial to me both mentally and physically. If there are programs out there that aren't as intense, I think its a great idea.