Tai Chi for Better Health

Tai Chi is a mind-body practice which originated in ancient China that began as a martial art and, as it developed, took on the purpose of enhancing physical and mental health.  It involves slow, gentle movements, deep breathing, and meditation, sometimes called "moving meditation," and is ideal for seniors.

Physical Health

It is a type of low-impact, weight-bearing, and aerobic--yet relaxing--exercise.  Some people believe it improves the flow of energy through the body, leading to better wellness and a wide range of potential benefits:  Improved strength, conditioning, coordination, flexibility and balance.  The Oregon Research Institute found that, after six months, tai chi participants were twice as likely to have no trouble performing moderate to rigorous activities as nonparticipants.  The benefit was greatest among those who started with the poorest health or worst function.  

Mental Health 

Two studies by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) found it to cut the fear of falling and the risk of falls among older people.  Reduced pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis:  Patients with osteoarthritis assigned to a tai chi group during a three month study reported less joint pain and stiffness than when they started and than the control group.  Enhanced sleep:  the Oregon researchers found participants had improved sleep quality and length, and fewer sleep disturbances than those in a low-impact exercise group.  A UCLA study found benefits similar to those gained through drugs or cognitive behavioral therapy--two thirds of those practicing tai chi had major improvements in sleep quality, compared with one third of those involved in health education sessions.  The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) and the NIA supported a study in which researchers found that tai chi prompted an immune response to shingles similar to the varicella vaccine, and,  when combined with the vaccine, tai chi helped create even greater levels of immunity--double those of the control group.  

Source:  webmd

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Lupus and Joint Pain

More that 90% of people with lupus experience joint and/or muscle pain at some time during the course of their illness.  More than half of the people who develop lupus mention pain in their joints as their first symptom.

Symptoms of Lupus 

Inflammation  is the most common reason for muscle pain and aches.  When major inflammation exists (i.e. lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease), the aches, pains and weakness are signs of your body's inability to cope with whatever process has overwhelmed it, especially during periods of increased disease activity (flare).  Lupus arthritis causes pain, stiffness, tenderness and warmth in your joints.  The joints most often affected are the ones farthest from the middle of the body, such as fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles and toes.  General stiffness upon waking in the morning, which gradually improves as the day goes on, is a key feature.  Sometimes joint pain may develop later in the day, and involve several joints, with similar joints on both sides of the body.  Compared to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus arthritis is less disabling and less likely to cause destruction of the joints.  Fewer than 10% of people with lupus arthritis will develop deformities of their hands and feet associated with weakening of cartilage and bone.  


Source:  Lupus Foundation of America    


Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309