What do lymphatic massage and Tai chi have in common?

There are an estimated 5 million American adults living with fibromyalgia, and 80 to 90 percent of those are women. But men and children also have the disorder. It’s a harsh illness, to say the least, with symptoms including widespread pain, tender points on the body, trouble sleeping, morning stiffness, headaches, tingling and even cognitive problems.

While the causes are unknown, current research is looking at how the nervous system may contribute. Still, it could involve several of the body’s systems.

So where do lymphatic massage and Tai chi come in?

They both can be used as therapy for the disorder.

Tai chi and fibromyalgia

This ancient Chinese practice involves moving the body slowly with awareness. A 2010 study by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) found that participants in a Tai chi group had significant improvements in pain, sleep quality, depression and quality of life for 24 weeks after 3 months of practicing Tai chi. Other Chinese techniques involving deliberate physical movement – like qi gong – may also help.

We’ve had plenty of clients with the disorder tell us that Tai chi, yoga and meditation help out. So, it’s definitely worth a try.

Lymphatic massage can help symptoms as well

Another study involved the use of lymph massage — a technique that’s used to move fluid through the lymph and away from areas where lymph vessels are blocked or damaged — to see if it would help patients. The researchers reported that it reduced pain, improved quality of life and improved the pain pressure threshold in test subjects.

We’ve certainly seen a difference in our patients with the disease. They tell us that there is less pain overall.

Of course, the best treatment is to combine these alternative therapies. We find that our patients who practice several alternative therapies tend to do the best.

For more information, contact us today:

Palos Verdes Spa – 310-392-9190
Santa Monica Spa – 310-399-1722

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