Originating
in ancient China, tai chi is one of the most effective exercises for health of
mind and body. Although an art with great depth of knowledge and skill, it can
be easy to learn and soon delivers its health benefits. For many, it continues as a lifetime journey.
In 1997, Dr. Paul Lam led a team of tai chi and medical
specialists to create the Tai Chi for Arthritis program. It is easy,
enjoyable and safe for people with arthritis to learn. Medical studies
have shown the program to relieve pain for people with arthritis and improve
their quality of lives, as well as preventing falls for the older adults.
For this reason, arthritis foundations around the world and the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention in America are giving it their full
support.
Although especially effective for arthritis, it is a great
start for beginner to improve health and wellness. The program is
proven to be effective to prevent falls, that is why health departments
around the world have utilized it for this purpose.
Tai chi is a slow motion, low-impact exercise that promotes
physical and mental health and relaxation. It is practiced as an effective
exercise for health through a series of flowing, graceful, gentle postures and
movements. The gentle flowing movements contain inner power that can strengthen
the body, improve mental relaxation and mobilize joints and muscles. Tai chi is
an especially suitable therapy for arthritis because of the slow and gentle
movements. Here are some of the benefits, according to Nina Chen, Ph.D., CFLE,
Human Development Specialist, University of Missouri Extension.
Tai chi improves balance, strength and flexibility and
lowers the risk of falls. A study from the Oregon Research Institute found that
tai chi improved balance and reduced the frequency of falls and risks of
falling among older people.
Tai chi also reduces pain, stiffness and stress. Researchers
from Tufts University School of Medicine noted that patients older than 65 with
knee osteoarthritis who practiced a 60-minute tai chi class twice a week for 12
weeks showed a significant decrease in joint pain and stiffness compared with
those in the control group. They also found the patients in the tai chi group
had improved physical function, self-efficacy, depression, and health status.
Both the Oregon and University of California-Los Angeles
(UCLA) researchers reported that tai chi improves sleep quality in older
adults.
Other UCLA studies also suggested that tai chi helps people
reduce high blood pressure and tension headaches.
Tai Chi for Arthritis isn’t for everyone. If you are looking for a drop in class you can
attend when you have time, this is probably not the course you are looking
for. Learning the movements of Tai Chi
is a progressive effort. It takes time
and repetition to learn the series of moves, so class attendees need to be
present for as many classes as possible.
Learning Tai Chi can also be slow-paced for some. Health
Center Instructors have been trained in the Step-Wise Method created by Dr.
Paul Lam, so each move is taught in steps.
The method intended to ensure safety for those with balance issues.
The Health Center will be starting Tai Chi for Arthritis
Classes in September. We will host an
exhibition on Friday, September 8th at 10 a.m. for those that would
like to learn more about Tai Chi, and see it in practice. Classes will begin on Monday, September 11th
at 10 a.m. Classes are tentatively set
for Mondays and Thursdays. Call
646-5506 for more information.
Sources: Tai Chi for Health Institute, University of
Missouri Extension
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