New research shows that the ancient, slow-moving Chinese exercise known as tai chi is better than aerobic exercise for managing the debilitating effects of fibromyalgia and improving the severity of its symptoms.
The results of a 52-week single-blind trial suggest that tai chi not only eases symptoms of fibromyalgia, but is also associated with improvements in depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, and quality of life.
“Compared with aerobic exercise, the most commonly prescribed non-drug treatment, tai chi appears as effective as, or better for, managing fibromyalgia,” the investigators, led by Chenchen Wang, MD, Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts, write. “This mind-body approach may be considered a therapeutic option in the multidisciplinary management of fibromyalgia.”
Read the full study in the BMJ at 
www.bmj.com/content/360/bmj.k851. For more information about tai chi, go to www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/tai-chi/art-20045184.