Tai Chi and Qigong are ancient Chinese practices that can be beneficial for pain management. They have distinct characteristics that contribute to their effectiveness:
1. Mind-Body Connection - Both Tai Chi and Qigong emphasize mindfulness, deep breathing, and relaxation. This mind-body connection helps reduce stress and tension, which can alleviate pain and promote overall well-being.
2. Gentle Movements - The slow, controlled movements in Tai Chi and Qigong are non-strenuous and low-impact, making them suitable for people with pain conditions, such as arthritis or joint issues.
3. Improved Circulation - The rhythmic and flowing movements in these practices can enhance blood flow and circulation, promoting healing and reducing pain.
4. Energy Flow (Qi) - In Qigong, there is a focus on vital energy - balancing and harmonizing the flow of Qi in the body can help alleviate pain and promote health.
5. Enhanced Flexibility and Strength - Regular practice of Tai Chi and Qigong can improve flexibility, balance, and muscle strength, which may help reduce pain associated with musculoskeletal conditions.
6. Stress Reduction - Chronic pain can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety. Both Tai Chi and Qigong are known for their stress-relieving properties, which can indirectly contribute to pain reduction.
7. Holistic Approach - Tai Chi and Qigong are holistic practices that promote overall health and well-being. They address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of a person, creating a comprehensive approach to pain management.
Here are a few of the latest research papers -
Lower back and leg pain - Qigong intervention patients with chronic lower back pain and/or leg pain, also patients with considerable remaining loer back pain/sciatica after lumbar spine surgery, had significantly improved in self-reported pain, function, and quality of life.
https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12891-023-06581-w
Multisite pain - Tai Chi, as a movement-based mind–body exercise, can relieve pain symptoms, improve cognition and physical function, and lower risk for falls in older adults.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40520-023-02439-2
Neck pain - Tai Chi appears to be critical to reductions in chronic nonspecific neck pain.
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/jicm.2022.0789
Back and neck pain - Baduanjin exercise contributes to the reduction of the perceived anxiety related to COVID19, decreases the prevalence of the lower back pain, and improves the psychological well-being of college students.
https://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13102-022-00493-3
If you are looking for a taichi program to maintain your physical health and support pain management, try a Wulong class today. Click here to see all our class locations and timings.