Qigong & Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a rheumatologic disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain that leaves those afflicted with fatigue, painful ‘tender points,’ morning stiffness, and difficulties with sleep and the performance of routine activities of daily life. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that can be difficult to relieve medically.

A study at the University of Maryland School of Medicine concluded that a mind-body approach, which included the practice of Qigong and meditation, showed a significant reduction in pain, fatigue, and sleeplessness; and improved function, mood state, and general health following an 8-week intervention. Furthermore, as reported in Arthritis Care Res.
2000 Aug;13(4):198-204, Improvement was sustained for 4 months after the end of the 8 weekly sessions.

In other words, Qigong produced relief from symptoms that continued for 16 weeks after the patients discontinued the practice. This would be akin to having a pain medication that lasted for 4 months after one took it!

Another study at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and reported in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, reported that a mind-body approach resulted in less pain, fatigue, and morning stiffness than a course of drug treatment alone, and that “optimal treatment of FMS should include (these) non-pharmacological interventions”

Internal forms of Qigong can alleviate this type of soft tissue condition as they gently stretch the muscles without irritation or exhaustion, and allow the vital energy to move unimpeded in a balanced manner throughout the body. (c)2008 Keith E Hall & www.inner-tranquility.com