Ramel Rones
Mind Body/Scientific Consultant, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Tufts & Harvard Medical Schools.

TAI CHI & CHI KUNG FOR ARTHRITIS

How does Tai Chi & Chi Kung work?

Tai Chi and Chi Kung integrate mental and physical exercises to achieve a more complete, in-depth solution to the problems facing sufferers of arthritis and knee osteoarthritis. Gentle stretching and strengthening movements, exercises to increase the joints’ range-of motion, and cardiovascular work, in conjunction with mental exercises massage and nurture the whole body, which, according to Eastern philosophy is made up of five components, or building blocks; body, breathing, mind, energy, and spirit. Deep breathing and visualization exercises help evoke healing energy and spirituality to reduce inflammation and stress, resulting in a whole-body approach to health.

These mind-body exercises for arthritis can be modified and performed on a chair until the practitioner is able to do them standing and moving slowly. In order to achieve the full benefits of Tai Chi and Chi Kung, the exercises must be performed on a mental, physical, and spiritual level; all three components of the self must be addressed.

Tai Chi & Chi Kung Seeks:

• To teach Eastern energy theories & methods
    (for example, acupuncture is also based on the same Eastern energetic system)
• To expand linear movement by rotating and pulsing muscles, tendon and ligaments
• A balance between the strength and length of muscles
• Correct alignment of the bones (while still and in motion)
• To isolate trouble areas
• To achieve deep, long, soft breathing in order to saturate the body with oxygen
• To massage and improve the functioning and strength of internal organs
• To tap into the power of the mind & spirit & activate our internal healing mechanisms

Exercise Is Not Just Physical

Tai Chi and Chi Kung relies on the theory that physical exercise alone is not enough to solve the persistent pain and discomfort associated with arthritis. The power of the mind can affect a person’s outlook on life, and their ability to deal with pain and sickness. (1)  Tai Chi and Chi Kung recognizes the importance of confidence, faith and determination when dealing with illness, so that a thorough approach to healing arthritis must stem from a balanced program of mental and physical exercises. To see more information regarding eight years of research with arthritis, look at the abstract (2) and publication of our research with: Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Fibromyalgia.

1. “Can The Mind Help Cure Disease?” Melissa Ludtke, Time Magazine, March 12, 1990.
2. Arthritis Article, English Medical Journal (92 KB PDF)

About the author
Ramel 'Rami' Rones has witnessed firsthand the profound long-term benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong practice. Since 1989 he has been working to improve the lives of cancer and arthritis patients. He is a Scientific Consultant of Mind/Body Therapies at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School and Tufts School of Medicine. He has published numerous scientific publications.  He is co-author of several books, including Sunrise Tai Chi: Simplified Tai Chi for Health & Longevity, with David Silver (YMAA Publication Center), which recently received a silver recognition in the Meditation/Relaxation category from Independent Publisher Living Now Book Award.

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"Deeply versed, passionate and informed, Mr. Rones is a committed and caring teacher of the Asian Mind-Body arts including Qigong, Tai Chi, and Yoga." Ted Kaptchuk, Harvard Medical School, Author of The Web That Has No Weaver