Research Supports Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture Improves Exercise Tolerance in Heart Patients

According to a German study performed by University Hospital Heidelberg, acupuncture can improve exercise tolerance in patients suffering from chronic heart failure.

Tailored Acupuncture Lessens Pain Intensity in Chronic Pain

New research published by BMJ in Acupuncture in Medicine says nine weekly sessions of individually tailored acupuncture can lessen perceived pain intensity and improve quality of life in people with fibromyalgia.

Acupuncture Impacts Same Biologic Pathways in Rats That Pain Drugs Target in Humans

In animal models, acupuncture appears to impact the same biologic pathways ramped up by pain and stress. This is analogous to what prescription drugs do in humans. According to researchers at Georgetown University, their animal study (published online in Endocrinology), provides the strongest evidence to date on the mechanism of this ancient Chinese therapy in chronic stress.

Practicing Tai Chi Reduces Risk of Falling in Older Adults

A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society compared the effects of Tai Chi to leg strengthening exercises (a task in physical therapy called "lower extremity training," or LET) in reducing falls. After six months of training, people in the Tai Chi group were significantly less likely to experience an injury-causing fall than the people in the LET group (source).

Tai Chi Exercise May Reduce Falls in Adult Stroke Survivors

According to research presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference in 2013, Tai Chi exercise reduced falls among stroke survivors. The ancient Chinese therapy helped survivors achieve and maintain balance to aid stroke recovery (source).

Seniors Who Regularly Practice Tai Chi Have Better Arterial Compliance and Greater Muscle Strength

Exercise that can achieve both cardiovascular function and muscle strength "would be a preferred mode of training for older persons," say investigators from the European Society of Cardiology (source).

Tai Chi Relieves Arthritis Pain, Improves Reach and Balance

A new study from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine found that there are significant benefits of Tai Chi for individuals with all types of arthritis, including fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In the largest study to date of the Arthritis Foundation's Tai Chi program, participants showed improvement in pain, fatigue, stiffness and sense of well-being (source).

Tai Chi Increases Brain Size and Benefits Cognition

Scientists from the University of South Florida and Fudan University in Shanghai worked together and found increases in brain volume and improvements on tests of memory and thinking in Chinese seniors who practiced Tai Chi three times a week, according to the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

Tai Chi Found to be as Effective as Physical Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis

According to the American College of Rheumatology, both Tai Chi and physical therapy positively impact pain, function and other symptoms of knee osteoarthritis – making Tai Chi a viable treatment alternative for those who suffer from the condition (source).