T'ai Chi
Science has shown t’ai chi is beneficial for FM and CFID, and it helps maintain muscle health of well-tended TrPs (trigger points). Because of the focused movement,
the mind focuses away from pain. Stretching tender, contracted muscles helps the FM patient maintain flexibility and minimizes any coexisting tendonitis and bursitis. Even CFID patients should be able to tolerate this low level of activity without triggering a flare. Of course, if you are in a flare, any activity should be minimized until your body has a chance to regroup.
Tai chi is very gentle stretching for tender, contracted muscles. It helps the FM patient maintain flexibility and minimizes any coexisting tendonitis and bursitis. Even CFID patients should be able to tolerate this low level of movement without triggering a flare. Of course, if you are in a flare, any activity should be minimized until your body has a chance to regroup.
Yoga
Book Excerpt (protected by copyright)
The most familiar forms of yoga involve gentle
movement and regular breathing exercises. Some yoga practices also include
visualization, progressive relaxation, and meditation. By assuming various
yoga positions (asanas) and practicing controlled breathing, it’s possible to
achieve an altered state of mind and increase oxygen and blood flow to the
body’s organs. Yoga also promotes alignment of the spine by improving flexibility.
Many practitioners believe it purifies the body of impurities by harmonious
regulation of the endocrine and nervous systems.
If you have FM or CFID and CMP from Myofascial Trigger Points
Research shows that once you bring myofascial trigger points under control, it is important to maintain the muscle tissue. As I say in the book, yoga provides a good stretch, but holding postures can activate dormant/latent trigger points. I do the yoga postures in the book, but I do them with fluid movement from one to another, no holding. I also do T'ai Chi, the rhythmic movement is good for the muscles, the brain, arthritis, mindfulness, and many other things. I am addicted to Tai Chi. If I can't do it, I get nervous.
Lamb hugs