Study: Tai Chi May Help Fibromyalgia

Tai chi may improve pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia, a small study suggests. Fibromyalgia symptoms include fatigue, body pain and tenderness in joints and muscles. They also vary from person to person. The cause is unknown. The study included 66 fibromyalgia patients. They were randomly assigned to one of two programs. One group did tai chi, a program of slow movements, meditation, deep breathing and relaxation. The other group received wellness education and did stretching exercises. Sessions occurred twice a week for 12 weeks. By the end, symptoms had improved for people who did tai chi. In questionnaires, they reported less pain. They also said they had better mood, sleep, exercise capacity and quality of life. There was little change for the other group. Improvements remained 12 weeks after the program ended. The New England Journal of Medicine published the study.