Tai chi could help ease chronic pain

TaI CHI may be an effective way to tackle chronic pain, reports the journal ageing Clinical and experimental research.

a study of 50 adults aged 65 or over who took an hour-long class twice a week for 12 weeks, found that the martial art — which combines deep breathing and relaxation with flowing movements — was better than more strenuous exercise in lowering pain severity, and reduced the fear of falls.

This is because it can improve posture, balance and general mobility, and increase muscle strength in the legs.

Previous studies have found that tai chi may be as effective as physiotherapy in middle- aged and older patients with knee osteoarthritis.