EASING NECK PAIN: In a recent study, 41 adults with chronic neck pain (caused by arthritis, bone spurs or injuries,) tried three different pillows for two weeks each: their own, a cylindrical roll and a water-filled one. Participants ranked the water pillow about twice as effective at relieving neck pain. It also improved sleep quality.
COOL MOVES: After many years in the shadow of yoga, tai chi has come into its own. Formally called tai chi chuan, or Chinese shadow boxing, tai chi is based on two Taoist principles: that life is about balancing opposite forces and that health problems result from blocking the internal energy force, known as chi (or qi).
MORE ON COOL MOVES: If you are into exercise or even contemplating it and have not heard of tai chi, you will. If you see someone do the graceful, stress-free moves you probably will be intrigued and want to try it. If that happens to you, tai chi may have another convert. For mind and body, boosters say, there is simply nothing like the gentle, ancient exercise art.
