Tai chi effective therapy for balance, dizziness disorders, new study findsby Cassie WierengaOct 06, 2009Tai chi, a slow-moving form of Chinese martial arts, may be an effective treatment option for patients suffering from dizziness and balance disorders, according to a study presented this week at the American Academy of Otolaryngology annual meeting in San Diego.āPatients overall showed significant improvements in both the frequency and severity of their dizziness and vertigo. In addition, they reported a greater confidence at performing daily tasks, and decreased fear of falling,ā said Dr. Paul Lee of the New York Eye and Ear Institute in his study of 21 patients.
via Tai chi effective therapy for balance, dizziness disorders, new study finds.
WellnessA healthy balance of the mind, body and spirit.Wellness Feed Daily E-mail Updates Ā« PreviousCan air pollution cause appendicitis?Next Ā»In Egypt, a move to outlaw the “artificial virginity hymen”Treating vertigo and dizziness with Tai Chi?Posted by Tiffany Sharples Monday, October 5, 2009 at 2:32 pmSubmit a Comment ā¢ Trackback 0 ā¢ Related Topics: Alternative Medicine, balance, dizziness, tai chi, vertigo, Vestibular disorders Ā© Peter Frank/CorbisTai Chi, the ancient Chinese art that combines slow, controlled stretching with meditation, has long been praised by advocates of alternative medicine for its broad range of health benefits, including improved muscle tone and balance, as well as pain reduction. The National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has funded studies analyzing the benefits of Tai Chi for everyone from cancer survivors and patients battling fibromyalgia to people with chronic heart failure and depression.And research presented this past weekend in San Diego at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, suggests that Tai Chi may benefit another group too. For patients battling vestibular disordersāa range of inner ear balance disorders that can cause vertigo, dizziness, nausea and other problems with overall balanceāwho haven’t had luck with more conventional treatment strategies, Tai Chi may provide some relief. The preliminary findings from a small analysis of 21 patients who had struggled with main stream therapies for their vestibular disorders, found that, after practicing Tai Chi for just two months, the participants reported experiencing a marked decrease in symptoms like vertigo and nausea, and an improvement in their balance.Though as of yet it’s unclear how Tai Chi may combat the symptoms of vestibular disordersāthe researchers theorize that it is a combination of improved balance, cardiovascular function and stabilized gaitāthe research may offer some hope to patients unable to find relief using more conventional treatments.