"Traditional procedure-based therapies are therapies that use various techniques, primarily without the use of medication, to provide health care. They include, for example, acupuncture and related techniques, chiropractic, osteopathy, manual therapies, qigong, tai ji, yoga, naturopathy, thermal medicine, and other physical, mental, spiritual and mind–body therapies." General Guidelines for Methodologies on Research and Evaluation of Traditional Medicine World Health Organization GenevaTai Chi Boosts Immunity to Shingles Virus in Older Adults
© Bob Stockfield
Tai chi, a traditional Chinese form of exercise - and now a significant modality of "traditional procedure-based therapies", - may help older adults avoid getting shingles by increasing immunity to varicella-zoster virus and boosting the immune response to varicella vaccine, according to research supported by the National Institute on Aging and NCCAM. The study is the first rigorous clinical trial to suggest that a behavioral intervention, alone or together with a vaccine, can help protect older adults from the varicella virus, which causes both chickenpox and shingles. The randomized, controlled trial, led by Michael Irwin, M.D., at the University of California, Los Angeles, included 112 healthy adults ages 59 to 86. Each person took part in a 16-week program of either tai chi or health education with 120 minutes of instruction weekly. Tai chi combines aerobic activity, relaxation, and meditation, which the researchers note have been reported to boost immune responses. After the tai chi and health education programs, with periodic blood tests to determine levels of varicella virus immunity, people in both groups received a single injection of VARIVAX, the chickenpox vaccine approved for use in the United States. Nine weeks later, the investigators did blood tests to assess each participant's level of varicella immunity, comparing it to immunity at the start of the study. Tai chi alone was found to increase participants' immunity to varicella, and tai chi combined with the vaccine produced a significantly higher level of immunity, about a 40 percent increase, over the vaccine alone. The study also showed that the tai chi group's rate of increase in immunity over the course of the study was double that of the health education group. Finally, the tai chi group reported significant improvements in physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality and mental health. Irwin MR, Olmstead R, Oxman MN. Augmenting immune responses to varicella zoster virus in older adults: A randomized, controlled trial of Tai Chi. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, April 2007. For more information on tai chi, visit nccam.nih.gov/health/taichi/ To learn more, read the NIA press release
An Article from the American Academy of Physicla Medicine and Rehabilitation
Tai Chi May Combat Seniors’ Fear of FallingIt’s the fear of many older Americans – falling and injuring themselves. And their fears are not unfounded. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 33 percent of Americans, age 65 or older, have at least one serious fall each year. With seniors leading increasingly active lifestyles, hip fractures have steadily increased. There was an increase of more than 80,000 incidents from 1988 to 1996. PM&R physicians help individuals rehabilitate and recover after a fall. But they realize that preventing falls in the first place is the most effective way that they can help. The reason falls in older people can be so serious is that healing occurs more slowly as we age. Other health factors such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and weak cardiopulmonary systems can delay rehabilitation sessions and prevent full recovery. The costs can also be staggering – especially for those lacking insurance or with inadequate coverage. In 1997 the average first year costs of hip fractures were between $16,300 and $18,700 About 60 percent of falls occur at home during normal daily activities. According to PM&R physician Florian Keplinger, MD, seniors can reduce their risk of falling by making a few simple changes in their lives and their homes. 1. Increase the lighting in work and living spaces in order to see better. Keep a night light on. 2. Remove articles that rest on the floor that someone could trip on (rugs, footstools, grandchildren's toys!). Secure throw rugs with double-sided tape or get rid of them completely. 3. Install handrails on stairs; use non-slip mats in bathtubs and showers. 4. Review all the medications being taken with a physician or pharmacist. Many medications will affect people differently as they age, such as causing light-headedness or drowsiness. 5. Get routine eye and ear exams to catch any deficits. 6. Restrict pets to certain areas of the house. 7. Begin an exercise program to strengthen the body. Perform exercises that involve range of motion and isolation of different movements. 8. Wear sturdy shoes with thin, non-slip soles instead of running shoes with thick soles. Avoid slippers. Studies have shown that the most effective fall prevention programs offered to seniors have reduced falls by 30-50%. These programs usually include a review of someone’s current medications, risk factor reduction and safety modifications to their home, education, and the introduction of an exercise program. Tai Chi, a martial art that uses slow movements, has been proven to reduce the risk of falling for many seniors. The movements and philosophy of Tai Chi teach people to relax, slow down, coordinate their mind and body, and improve posture. Studies published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that Tai Chi benefits cardiorespiratory function and that increased strength and balance can help prevent falls. The strength and balance that Tai Chi and other exercises build also boost self-confidence. All of these factors combine to make seniors feel stronger and more confident as they move. The key to success with any of these fall prevention techniques is that older adults must take an active role in making these changes to their lives. For those individuals who have been injured from a fall, psychological counseling immediately after an injury may be one of the best remedies to avoid depression. But that can be difficult for a patient who has never needed any. If you are interested in learning more about Tai Chi, check local community centers or health clubs for classes, or check out instructional videos from your video rental store. As always, check with your physician before beginning any new exercise program.
An article from the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine:http://nccam.nih.gov
Tai Chi for Health Purposes
On this page · Other Key Beliefs in Tai Chi · Licensing, Training, and Credentialing · NCCAM-Funded Research on Tai Chi Tai Chi for Health PurposesTai chi (pronounced "tie gee" and also known by some other names and spellingsa) is a mind-body practice that originated in China as a martial art. A person doing tai chi moves his body slowly and gently, while breathing deeply and meditating (tai chi is sometimes called "moving meditation"). Many practitioners believe that tai chi helps the flow throughout the body of a proposed vital energy called qi in traditional Chinese medicine, the vital energy or life force proposed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical health and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang. (pronounced "chee," it means "air" or "power"). In the United States, tai chi for health purposes is part of complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM. This Backgrounder provides a general overview of tai chi and suggests some resources you can use to find more information. a Among the different names and spellings of tai chi are taiji and t'ai chi. Many consider the term "tai chi" to be a shortened form of "tai chi chuan" (two other spellings are t'ai chi ch'uan and taijiquan). Key Points· Many people who practice tai chi do so to improve one or more aspects of their health and to stay healthy. Resources for finding published research on this practice are listed at the end of this Backgrounder. · It is not fully known what changes occur in the body during tai chi, whether they influence health, and, if so, how. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) is sponsoring studies to find out more about tai chi's effects, how it works, and diseases and conditions for which it may be most helpful. · Tell your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care. A Description of Tai ChiTai chi developed in China in about the 12th century A.D. It started as a martial art, or a practice for fighting or self-defense, usually without weapons. Over time, people began to use tai chi for health purposes as well. Many different styles of tai chi, and variations of each style, developed. The term "tai chi" has been translated in various ways, such as "internal martial art," "supreme ultimate boxing," "boundless fist," and "balance of the opposing forces of nature." While accounts of tai chi's history often differ, the most consistently important figure is a Taoist monk (and semi legendary figure) in 12th-century China named Chang San-Feng (or Zan Sanfeng). Chang is said to have observed five animals--tiger, dragon, leopard, snake, and crane--and to have concluded that the snake and the crane, through their movements, were the ones most able to overcome strong, unyielding opponents. Chang developed an initial set of exercises that imitated the movements of animals. He also brought flexibility and suppleness in place of strength to the martial arts, as well as some key philosophical concepts. (Sifu Nathan’s Note: This account is legendary) A person practicing tai chi moves his/her body in a slow, relaxed, and graceful series of movements. One can practice on one's own or in a group. The movements make up what are called forms (or routines). Some movements are named for animals or birds, such as "White Crane Spreads Its Wings." The simplest style of tai chi uses 13 movements; more complex styles can have dozens. In tai chi, each movement flows into the next. The entire body is always in motion, with the movements performed gently and at uniform speed. It is considered important to keep the body upright, especially the upper body-many tai chi practitioners use the image of a string that goes from the top of the head into the heavens-and to let the body's weight sink to the soles of the feet. In addition to movement, two other important elements in tai chi are breathing and meditation - a conscious mental process using certain techniques -- such as focusing attention or maintaining a specific posture -- to suspend the stream of thoughts and relax the body and mind.b In tai chi practice, it is considered important to concentrate; put aside distracting thoughts; and breathe in a deep, relaxed, and focused manner. Practitioners believe that this breathing and meditation have many benefits, such as: [ Massaging the internal organs. [ Aiding the exchange of gases in the lungs. [ Helping the digestive system work better. [ Increasing calmness and awareness. [ Improving balance. b For more on meditation, see NCCAM's Backgrounder "Meditation for Health Purposes." Other Key Beliefs in Tai ChiCertain concepts from Chinese philosophy were important in tai chi's development (although not every person who practices tai chi for health purposes, especially in the West, learns or uses them). A few are as follows: [ A vital energy called qi underlies all living things. [ Qi flows in people through specific channels called meridians. [ Qi is important in health and disease. [ Tai chi is a practice that supports, unblocks, and redirects the flow of qi. Another concept in tai chi is that of the forces of yin and yang (the concept of two opposing yet complementary forces described in traditional Chinese medicine. Yin represents cold, slow, or passive aspects of the person, while yang represents hot, excited, or active aspects. A major theory is that health is achieved through balancing yin and yang and disease is caused by an imbalance leading to a blockage in the flow of qi) - should be in balance. In Chinese philosophy, yin and yang are two principles or elements that make up the universe and everything in it and that also oppose each other. Yin is believed to have the qualities of water--such as coolness, darkness, stillness, and inward and downward directions--and to be feminine in character. Yang is believed to have the qualities of fire--such as heat, light, action, and upward and outward movement--and to be masculine. In this belief system, people's yin and yang need to be in balance in order for them to be healthy, and tai chi is a practice that supports this balance. Specific Health Purposes People practice tai chi for various health purposes, such as: [ For benefits from exercise: [ Tai chi is a low-impact form of exercise. [ It is a weight-bearing exercise that can have certain health benefits--for example, to the bones. [ It is an aerobic exercise.c [ To improve physical condition, muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility. [ To have better balance and a lower risk for falls, especially in elderly people. [ To ease pain and stiffness--for example, from arthritis. [ For health benefits that may be experienced from meditation. [ To improve sleep. [ For overall wellness. Many people practice tai chi for health purposes. In the United States, a 2002 national survey on Americans' use of CAM found that 1.3 percent of the 31,000 survey participants had used tai chi for health reasons in the year before the survey. Tai chi is widely practiced in China (including in its hospitals and clinics) and in other countries with a substantial native-Chinese population. In Asia, many people consider tai chi to be the most beneficial exercise for older people, because it is gentle and can be modified easily if a person has health limitations. (Sifu Nathan’s Note: This has led to the restrictive notion that Taiji is only for those considered ‘elderly’. Taiji can be taught to young, middle, and senior aged persons) c Aerobic exercise has benefits to the heart and possibly to cholesterol levels. This type of exercise causes the heart to work harder to pump blood more quickly and forcefully. The body adds oxygen to the blood faster, and the person breathes more quickly. Two other examples of aerobic exercise are swimming and brisk walking. (Sifu Nathan's Note: Generally speaking, Aerobic exercise refers to exercise that involves or improves oxygen consumption by the body. Aerobic means "with oxygen", and refers to the use of oxygen in the body's metabolic or energy-generating process. The Chinese exercise of "neigong" is one of the oldest practices to promote aerobic capcity improvement and circulation)
Side Effects and Risks Tai chi is a relatively safe practice. However, there are some cautions. [ Tell your health care provider if you are considering learning tai chi for health purposes (especially if you have a health condition for which you are being treated, if you have not exercised in a while, or if you are an older person). [ If you do not position your body properly in tai chi or if you overdo practice, you may get sore muscles or sprains. [ Tai chi instructors often recommend that people not practice tai chi right after they eat, or when they are very tired, or when they have an active infection. [ Use caution if you have any of the conditions listed below, as your health care provider should advise you whether to modify or avoid certain postures in tai chi: o Pregnancy o Hernia o Joint problems, back pain, sprains, a fracture, or severe osteoporosis o (Sifu Nathan’s Note: Hypertension is also relevant, making it and all of the above conditions important to share with your instructor.) A CAM approach should not be used to replace conventional medical care or to delay seeking that care. Licensing, Training, and CredentialingIn the United States, people do not have to be health professionals or to be licensed to practice or teach tai chi. The practice is not regulated by state or Federal governments. There is no standard training for tai chi teachers. If you are considering learning tai chi, ask about the teacher's training and experience (see also NCCAM's publication "Selecting a CAM Practitioner"). Learning tai chi from a teacher, compared with learning it from videos or books, allows a student to find out whether he/she is performing the movements correctly and safely. Tai Chi as a Part of CAMThe concept that sickness and disease arise out of imbalances in a vital energy field (here, qi) is part of some other CAM therapies, such as Reiki - a therapy in which practitioners seek to transmit a universal energy to a person, either from a distance or by placing their hands on or near that person. The intent is to heal the spirit and thus the body. (in which the energy field is called ki) and homeopathy - a whole medical system that originated in Europe. Homeopathy seeks to stimulate the body's ability to heal itself by giving very small doses of highly diluted substances that in larger doses would produce illness or symptoms (an approach called "like cures like"). (vital force). Within CAM, tai chi is a type of mind-body medicine practice that focus on the interactions among the brain, mind, body, and behavior, with the intent to use the mind to affect physical functioning and promote health. Examples include meditation and yoga. (one of the four domains, or areas of knowledge, in CAM).d Generally, mind-body medicine focuses on: [ The interactions among the brain, the rest of the body, the mind, and behavior. [ The ways in which emotional, mental, social, spiritual, and behavioral factors can directly affect health. [ Some people consider tai chi to be part of the CAM domain of energy medicine - therapies that use energy fields with the intent to affect health. Some fields, such as magnetic fields and light, have been measured while others, such as biofields, have not. Examples of energy therapies include magnetic therapy and Reiki., because of the qi concept. d For an explanation of these terms, see nccam.nih.gov/news/camsurvey_fs1.htm Some Points of ControversyAs with other CAM approaches, there are aspects of tai chi on which not everyone agrees. For example: [ Since little is known scientifically about tai chi, accepting its teachings is a matter of belief or faith rather than (modern medical) evidence-based science. (Sifu Nathan's Note: This does not negate the Chinese "evidence-based" science that validates the efficacy of Taijiquan and Qigong; nor the over 6,000 scientific research project done on both system from 1979 to 2006) [ In addition to more traditional styles, some offshoots and blends of tai chi styles have also evolved. There are differences of opinion over which styles represent the "truest" tai chi. NCCAM-Funded Research on Tai ChiRecent NCCAM-supported studies have been investigating: [ Tai chi for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer, to see if it helps them cope better, have less stress, and have an improved immune system and quality of life. [ Tai chi compared with a cardiovascular exercise fitness program in terms of improving physical fitness and endurance, reducing stress, and improving well-being in adult survivors of cancer. [ The effects of tai chi on physical and quality-of-life factors for patients who have chronic stable heart failure. [ Tai chi for physical symptoms and psychological factors related to having osteoarthritis of the knee. The effects of tai chi on rheumatoid arthritis, including on patients' physical function and immunity. ReferencesSources are primarily recent reviews on the general topic of tai chi in the peer-reviewed medical and scientific literature in English in the PubMed database, selected evidence-based databases, and Federal Government sources. Adler PA, Roberts BL. The use of tai chi to improve health in older adults. Orthopaedic Nursing. 2006;25(2):122-126. Barnes PM, Powell-Griner E, McFann K, Nahin RL. Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults: United States, 2002. CDC Advance Data Report 343. 2004. Accessed on May 25, 2006. Chu DA. Tai chi, qi gong and Reiki. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America. 2004;15(4):773-781. Effect of tai chi vs. structured exercise on physical fitness and stress in cancer survivors. Description of a clinical trial at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center sponsored by NCCAM. Accessed on May 2, 2006. Farrell SJ, Ross AD, Sehgal KV. Eastern movement therapies. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America. 1999;10(3):617-629. Lan C, Lai JS, Chen SY. Tai chi chuan: an ancient wisdom on exercise and health promotion. Sports Medicine. 2002;32(4):217-224. Lewis D. T'ai chi ch'uan . Complementary Therapies in Nursing & Midwifery. 2000;6(4):204-206. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Expanding Horizons of Health Care: Strategic Plan 2005-2009. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health; 2005. NIH publication no. 04-5568. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Mind-Body Medicine: An Overview . National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Web site. Accessed on August 8, 2005. Robins JL, McCain NL, Gray DP, et al. Research on psychoneuroimmunology: tai chi as a stress management approach for individuals with HIV disease. Applied Nursing Research. 2006;19(1):2-9. Tai chi 101. American Tai Chi Association Web site. Accessed February 2, 2006. Tai chi: Bottom Line monograph. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed August 8, 2005. Tai chi: Natural Standard/Harvard Medical School monograph. Natural Standard Database Web site. Accessed August 8, 2005. Wang C, Collet JP, Lau J. The effect of tai chi on health outcomes in patients with chronic conditions: a systemic review. Archives of Internal Medicine. 2004;164(5):493-501. For More InformationNCCAM Clearinghouse The NCCAM Clearinghouse provides information on CAM and NCCAM, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners. Toll-free in the U.S.: 1-888-644-6226TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): 1-866-464-3615 Web site: nccam.nih.gov E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov |
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