Few complementary therapies help arthritis

In a new report published by the BBC, it was concluded that few complementary therapies appear to help musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis, say experts who have looked at the available trial evidence.

 

Most alternative treatments have either not been scientifically tested or subjected to limited investigations, says Arthritis Research UK.

For their analysis the researchers searched for randomised controlled trials - comparing the given therapy with a placebo, usual care or another treatment - that had been written up in English and published before the end of May 2011.

 

For arthritis, they found 53 trials of 14 different therapies among nearly 6,000 patients. Only tai chi and acupuncture appeared to work.

For fibromyalgia there were 50 trials of 17 different therapies in more than 3,000 patients. Acupuncture and massage came out top, closely followed by tai chi and relaxation therapy.

For the full article please visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-20937753

St George's Hall, Harnham, Salisbury.

The gentle, flowing movements of Tai Chi and Qigong are known to help relieve stress, improve balance and stave off high blood pressure. A recent study has shown that Tai Chi can improve memory and thinking in older people. So Longwater Tai Chi is working with the Salisbury Branch of the Alzheimer's Society to pilot a series of 'Tai Chi for the Brain' sessions. Drop-in classes will be held on the following Thursday mornings in 2013: 3rd January, 14th February and 28th March, in St George's Hall, Lower Street, Harnham, Salisbury.

The sessions are aimed at anyone suffering memory loss and their carers if applicable (there's no need for a formal diagnosis). From 10.45am you can have a hot drink and biscuits and an opportunity to chat before we exercise. Most movements are based on a simplified form of Tai Chi Qigong 'Shibashi' and are easy to follow. They begin around 11.15am and run for about 45 minutes with short breaks. You can sit and rest at any time or practise while sitting.

There is a charge of £5 per session and accompanying carers participate free.

Call Jane or Patrick on 01725 514546 for more information or just come along and give it a try. Longwater Tai Chi will also be doing taster sessions in Amesbury in March, in conjunction with The Learning Curve, Headway and the Stroke Association.

For a recent article on how Tai Chi can help brain function, click here.

New drop-in classes planned

Designed to bring balance to the body, mind and spirit, this 18 movement Taiji Qigong was created in 1982 in Shanghai by Tai Chi Master He Weiqi and Qigong Master and healer Lin Hou Sheng. The routine combines elements from the Yang form and more traditional breathing and movement exercises from Qigong. It has quickly become very popular exercise, particularly in Malaysia where we first saw it practised and studied the movements.

Each movement is repeated several times, and therefore can easily be copied rathered than studied. They are great for balance, breathing and whole body movement, and when done with the 70% Rule, will not cause you to over exert or strain. We plan to offer Shibashi classes in a drop-in format so you do not have to commit to regular classes, though there will be discounts on offer for booking a block of classes in advance.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested in knowing more, or call 01725 514546.