Tai Chi Aids Pain and Gives Arthritis Relief

Involving painful joint inflammation, swelling and sometimes immobilizing stiffness, arthritis is one of the world's most widespread -- and debilitating -- chronic illnesses. Tai Chi can help combat it.

One in seven Americans, roughly 40 million, suffers from arthritis. And as baby boomers age, the number will reach one in five by the year 2020. But while many physicians recommend or prescribe over-the-counter remedies, prescription anti-inflammatory drugs such as Prednisone and even cortisone shots, these don't always work and may even lead to destructive side effects.

A NEW REMEDY The good news is that a gentle and effective form of exercise is gaining popularity as a potential remedy for arthritis pain relief; it's the ancient and healing Chinese martial art of Tai Chi, pronounced "tie-chee." The Arthritis Foundation, in fact, has endorsed Tai Chi for arthritis pain relief.

Several centuries old, Tai Chi was originally developed as a form of self-defense, emphasizing strength, balance, flexibility and speed. Its repertoire of movements resembled those of the martial art of kung fu, except that Tai Chi was performed at a much slower pace. Tai Chi also differs from other martial arts in that it is based on the Taoist religion and aims to avoid aggressive force. Instead, Tai Chi tries to vanquish attackers by turning the opponent's own force against them.

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