Sickle cell anemia, a genetic disease that results in abnormally shaped red blood cells, causes patients to experience intense pain in their bones, fatigue and stress. Tai chi, an ancient form of Chinese exercise, can help ease pain and increase a sense of well-being in people with sickle cell anemia. Although believed beneficial, consult your doctor before beginning tai chi exercises.
Sickle Cell Anemia
People with sickle cell anemia have crescent, or sickle-shaped, red blood cells instead of normally disc-shaped red blood cells, due to inheriting an abnormal hemoglobin gene called hemoglobin-S from both of their parents. Sickle-shaped red blood cells do not effectively carry oxygen to bodily tissues and can become clogged in small blood vessels. Clogged sickle cells can disrupt blood flow in the brain and cause a stroke. Additionally, people of African and Mediterranean descent have a much greater risk of inheriting sickle cell anemia, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Effects
The vast majority of patients with sickle cell anemia experience painful episodes, or crises, that can last from hours to days. Episodes can appear once a year or many times each year. During an episode, patients have severe bone pain that can affect their backs, long bones and chests. Additional symptoms of sickle cell anemia include abdominal pain, breathlessness, delayed growth, fatigue, fever, excessive thirst, frequent urination and a rapid heart rate. Medline Plus recommends that sickle cell patients avoid strenuous physical activities, which can decrease their level of oxygen, and recommends that patients increase their oxygen intake.
Tai Chi
The gentle fluid motions of tai chi, or "meditation in motion," connect the mind and body to create a state of tranquility. Tai chi postures and movements -- originally developed for self defense -- are performed in a slow, graceful manner in which each posture flows fluidly into the next. Though some forms of tai chi focus on, for example breathing or martial arts, all forms involve rhythmic, coordinated movements along with breathing techniques to encourage a sense of inner calmness and peace. The majority of tai chi practices allow people of various ages and physical abilities to participate, due to an emphasis on the techniques used instead of the strength needed, according to MayoClinic.com.
Benefits
Sickle cell anemia patients can benefit from the slow moving exercises and meditative effects of tai chi, according to the book "Sickle Cell Disease" by author Jacqueline L. Harris. Harris states that tai chi helps people with sickle cell disease effectively deal with their aches and pains and reduces stress -- which can lead to a blood vessel blockage by sickle-shaped cells. In addition, the breathing exercises in tai chi can provide much needed oxygen for sickle cell anemia patients. Preliminary scientific evidence also supports the positive effects of tai chi on anxiety, chronic pain relief and increased energy, according to MayoClinic.com.
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