SSTattler: 1) Tai Chi and Qigong are very close specially about health and for stroke survivors this is the most important aspect. Martial applications as well important but we will not discuss in this article. We will discuss (partly) Tai Chi but we will ask you to read it for Qigong if you want to.
2) The last 2 videos by Dr. Lam is 10 minutes & 45 minutes long but it is worth it.
T'ai Chi Ch'uan From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
 |
Yang Chengfu in a posture from the Yang-style
t'ai chi ch'uan solo form known as Single Whip c.1931
|
Today, t'ai chi ch'uan has spread worldwide. Most modern styles of t'ai chi ch'uan trace their development to at least one of the five traditional schools: Chen, Yang, Wu (Hao), Wu, and Sun.
Overview
The term "t'ai chi ch'uan" translates as "supreme ultimate fist", "boundless fist", or "great extremes boxing". The chi in this instance is the Wade-Giles transliteration of the Pinyin jí, and is distinct from qì (ch'i, "life energy"). The concept of the taiji ("supreme ultimate"), in contrast with wuji ("without ultimate"), appears in both Taoist and Confucian Chinese philosophy, where it represents the fusion or mother of Yin and Yang into a single ultimate, represented by the taijitu symbol.svg/16px-Taijitu_-_Small_(CW).svg.png)
. T'ai chi ch'uan theory and practice evolved in agreement with many Chinese philosophical principles, including those of Taoism and Confucianism.T'ai chi ch'uan training involves five elements, taolu (solo hand and weapons routines/forms), neigong & qigong (breathing, movement and awareness exercises and meditation), tuishou (response drills) and sanshou (self defence techniques). While t'ai chi ch'uan is typified by some for its slow movements, many t'ai chi styles (including the three most popular - Yang, Wu, and Chen) - have secondary forms of a faster pace. Some traditional schools of t'ai chi teach partner exercises known as tuishou ("pushing hands"), and martial applications of the taolu's (forms') postures.
.....
Since the first widespread promotion of t'ai chi ch'uan's health benefits by Yang Shaohou, Yang Chengfu, Wu Chien-ch'uan, and Sun Lutang in the early 20th century, it has developed a worldwide following among people with little or no interest in martial training, for its benefit to health and health maintenance. Medical studies of t'ai chi support its effectiveness as an alternative exercise and a form of martial arts therapy.
It is purported that focusing the mind solely on the movements of the form helps to bring about a state of mental calm and clarity. Besides general health benefits and stress management attributed to t'ai chi ch'uan training, aspects of traditional Chinese medicine are taught to advanced t'ai chi ch'uan students in some traditional schools.
Some other forms of martial arts require students to wear a uniform during practice. In general, t'ai chi ch'uan schools do not require a uniform, but both traditional and modern teachers often advocate loose, comfortable clothing and flat-soled shoes.
The physical techniques of t'ai chi ch'uan are described in the "Tai chi classics", a set of writings by traditional masters, as being characterized by the use of leverage through the joints based on coordination and relaxation, rather than muscular tension, in order to neutralize, yield, or initiate attacks. The slow, repetitive work involved in the process of learning how that leverage is generated gently and measurably increases, opens the internal circulation (breath, body heat, blood, lymph, peristalsis, etc.).
The study of t'ai chi ch'uan primarily involves three aspects:
- Health: An unhealthy or otherwise uncomfortable person may find it difficult to meditate to a state of calmness or to use t'ai chi ch'uan as a martial art. T'ai chi ch'uan's health training, therefore, concentrates on relieving the physical effects of stress on the body and mind. For those focused on t'ai chi ch'uan's martial application, good physical fitness is an important step towards effective self-defense.
- Meditation: The focus and calmness cultivated by the meditative aspect of t'ai chi ch'uan is seen as necessary in maintaining optimum health (in the sense of relieving stress and maintaining homeostasis) and in application of the form as a soft style martial art.
- Martial art: The ability to use t'ai chi ch'uan as a form of self-defense in combat is the test of a student's understanding of the art. T'ai chi ch'uan is the study of appropriate change in response to outside forces, the study of yielding and "sticking" to an incoming attack rather than attempting to meet it with opposing force. The use of t'ai chi ch'uan as a martial art is quite challenging and requires a great deal of training.
Modern T'ai Chi Ch'uan
 |
Outdoor practice in Beijing's Temple of Heaven.
|
As a result of this popularity, there has been some divergence between those that say they practice t'ai chi ch'uan primarily for self-defense, those that practice it for its aesthetic appeal (see wushu below), and those that are more interested in its benefits to physical and mental health. The wushu aspect is primarily for show; the forms taught for those purposes are designed to earn points in competition and are mostly unconcerned with either health maintenance or martial ability. More traditional stylists believe the two aspects of health and martial arts are equally necessary: the yin and yang of t'ai chi ch'uan. The t'ai chi ch'uan "family" schools, therefore, still present their teachings in a martial art context, whatever the intention of their students in studying the art.
Qigong vs T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Qigong involves coordinated breathing, movement, and awareness used for exercise, healing, and meditation. While many scholars and practitioners consider t'ai chi ch'uan to be a type of qigong, the two are commonly distinguished as separate but closely related practices, with qigong playing an important role in training for t'ai chi ch'uan, and with many ta'i chi ch'uan movements performed as part of qigong practice. The focus of qigong is typically more on healing or meditation than martial applications.Health Benefits
Before t'ai chi ch'uan's introduction to Western students, the health benefits of t'ai chi ch'uan were largely explained through the lens of traditional Chinese medicine, which is based on a view of the body and healing mechanisms not always studied or supported by modern science. Today, t'ai chi ch'uan is in the process of being subjected to rigorous scientific studies in the West. Now that the majority of health studies have displayed a tangible benefit in some areas to the practice of t'ai chi ch'uan, health professionals have called for more in-depth studies to determine mitigating factors such as the most beneficial style, suggested duration of practice to show the best results, and whether t'ai chi ch'uan is as effective as other forms of exercise.Chronic Conditions
 |
| A Chinese woman performs Yang-style t'ai chi ch'uan |
T'ai chi ch'uan, along with yoga, has reduced levels of LDLs 20–26 milligrams when practiced for 12–14 weeks. A thorough review of most of these studies showed limitations or biases that made it difficult to draw firm conclusions on the benefits of t'ai chi ch'uan. A later study led by the same researchers conducting the review, found that t'ai chi ch'uan (compared to regular stretching) showed the ability to greatly reduce pain and improve overall physical and mental health in people over 60 with severe osteoarthritis of the knee. In addition, a pilot study, which has not been published in a peer-reviewed medical journal, has found preliminary evidence that t'ai chi ch'uan and related qigong may reduce the severity of diabetes. In a randomized trial of 66 patients with fibromyalgia, the t'ai chi intervention group did significantly better in terms of pain, fatigue, sleeplessness and depression than a comparable group given stretching exercises and wellness education.
A recent study evaluated the effects of two types of behavioral intervention, t'ai chi ch'uan and health education, on healthy adults, who, after 16 weeks of the intervention, were vaccinated with VARIVAX, a live attenuated Oka/Merck Varicella zoster virus vaccine. The t'ai chi ch'uan group showed higher and more significant levels of cell-mediated immunity to varicella zoster virus than the control group that received only health education. It appears that t'ai chi ch'uan augments resting levels of varicella zoster virus-specific cell-mediated immunity and boosts the efficacy of the varicella vaccine. T'ai chi ch'uan alone does not lessen the effects or probability of a shingles attack, but it does improve the effects of the varicella zoster virus vaccine.
Stress and Mental Health
A systematic review and meta-analysis, funded in part by the U.S. government, of the current (as of 2010) studies on the effects of practicing t'ai chi ch'uan found that,"Twenty-one of 33 randomized and nonrandomized trials reported that 1 hour to 1 year of regular t'ai chi significantly increased psychological well-being including reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression, and enhanced mood in community-dwelling healthy participants and in patients with chronic conditions. Seven observational studies with relatively large sample sizes reinforced the beneficial association between t'ai chi practice and psychological health."There have also been indications that t'ai chi ch'uan might have some effect on noradrenaline and cortisol production with an effect on mood and heart rate. However, the effect may be no different than those derived from other types of physical exercise. In one study, t'ai chi ch'uan has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in 13 adolescents. The improvement in symptoms seem to persist after the t'ai chi ch'uan sessions were terminated.
In June, 2007 the United States National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine published an independent, peer-reviewed, meta-analysis of the state of meditation research, conducted by researchers at the University of Alberta Evidence-based Practice Center. The report reviewed 813 studies (88 involving t'ai chi ch'uan) of five broad categories of meditation: mantra meditation, mindfulness meditation, yoga, t'ai chi ch'uan, and qigong. The report concluded that "the therapeutic effects of meditation practices cannot be established based on the current literature" due to the fact that "scientific research on meditation practices does not appear to have a common theoretical perspective and is characterized by poor methodological quality."
See the full article:
T'ai Chi Ch'uan From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Seated Tai Ji: Strengthening Mind & Body
Uploaded on Sep 4, 2009Dr. Zibin Guo, a UCONN and Harvard trained medical anthropologist and highly regarded Tai Ji master, is developing and refining new specialized programs for people with limited mobility. These programs are already being applied with great success to many of the problems typically associated with physical rehabilitation, back and shoulder pain, stroke, heart attack, sedentary ailments, aging, diabetes, and arthritis.
Standard YouTube License @ Wadel Media
Brain Exercises -Tai Chi for Parkinson's, Stroke, MS
Uploaded on May 29, 2008www.brain-workshop.com - Brain Exercise DVD, Brain Workshop™ Mind and Movement Exercises for Brain Health, shows how it is possible to change the structure and function of the brain, reverse age-related changes in the brain, to rehabilitate and regain lost function after stroke or brain injury. Integrate these ancient Tai Chi principles to maximize any exercise for improving brain health and brain function and to maximize mind-body connection. Two-volume set $34.95 at www.susanamatthews.com.
Standard YouTube License @ susanamatthews
What is Tai Chi, Really? George Xu Answers
Uploaded on Dec 31, 2008In What is Tai Chi, Really? Master George Xu, with Susan Matthews assisting, discusses and demonstrates internal principles while performing selected Chen and Wu Style postures. They give the viewer a better idea of what to look for when practicing. Both Master Xu and Sifu Matthews demonstrate a section of the form, then discuss internal aspects. Master Xu demonstrates with Susan how power comes from utilizing internal principles of tai chi.
What is Tai Chi, Really? is for anyone wanting to learn internal principles of taijiquan. The information it contains can benefit beginner or advanced practitioners, whether you focus on health or fighting. Even non-internal martial arts practitioners can use the information to incorporate into their particular style of practice.
Filmed at Shanti School of Taijiquan in Durango, Colorado. 46-minutes. $19.95 www.susanamatthews.com/taichi-secrets.htm.
Standard YouTube License @ susanamatthews
Susan Matthews Introduction to Qigong Practice
Uploaded on Feb 23, 2008Susan Matthews shares internal secrets for practicing Qigong. Detailed instruction on "Energy Gathering and Blood Circulation Qigong" DVD contains essential principles for cultivating qi, for training mind to move qi anywhere in the body for self healing, and for training the internal movement of energy. www.susanamatthews.com.
Standard YouTube License @ susanamatthews
New Creation Tai Chi - Qigong for All Abilities
Published on May 20, 2012Clip from Anna York's New Creation Tai Chi-Qigong: For seniors, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, stroke, arthritis, diabetes and much more. Seated and standing. Full version: Seven 15-minute segments. Inspiring Seven Days of Creation narrative. For more information: http://www.annayork.com
 |
| Amazon.com |
Tested. New Creation Tai Chi-Qigong has been tested in hundreds of classes in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, sports centers, support groups and community groups, as well as in-service trainings for doctors, nurses and therapists. People of all abilities have benefitted, including those with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, cerebral palsy, and COPD. Seated and standing versions make the movements accessible for everyone.
Certified teacher. Anna York, a certified Qigong teacher, teaches the movements that helped her recover from severe disability caused by multiple sclerosis. Her experience gives her unique insight into the power and practice of Tai Chi-Qigong for those with disabilities. Her warm heart and engaging style encourage everyone to overcome life's impossibilities and to thrive in body, mind and spirit.
Classroom setting. You will become part of the New Creation class, along with others who are coming together to have a healthier life. Here are some of the real people you will meet on the DVD:
- Jeff has significantly restored function after a stroke he had over 30 years ago!
- Yosel, a nationally-known yoga teacher and bodyworker, is doing Qigong to fight multiple sclerosis.
- Carmen, who has Parkinson's, helps maintain her active life as a wife, mother and community worker by doing Tai Chi-Qigong.
- Annette and Ernest maintain a strong, healthy senior life by regular participation in class.
- Anna York, who has recovered from severe disability caused by multiple sclerosis, teaches the ancient Chinese art that helped her find healing.
7-Day Healing & Rejuvenation Plan
New Creation Tai Chi-Qigong provides one 15-minute segment for each day, allowing you to customize the order and number of segments per day to meet your personal needs.Seven Days of Creation Theme
Seven days of the week are matched with seven days of Creation for an uplifting experience that is easy to remember. Tai Chi and Qigong are most often taught from a Taoist or Eastern perspective that is good for many but foreign and uncomfortable for those who want to stay within their own philosophical and spiritual traditions. As an ordained Christian minister, Anna, authorized by her Tai Chi Master, developed a way of integrating the classical Chinese movements and archetypal nature imagery with a Genesis creation story narrative that is inspiring for those of any faith.- Day1: Beginnings
- Day 2: Heaven
- Day 3: Solar System
- Day 4: Earth
- Day 5: Growing Things
- Day 6: Birds & Animals
- Day 7: Rest & Rejuvenation
 |
| Amazon.com |
About Anna York
Anna York has lived with multiple sclerosis since age 19 and was once severely disabled, using a wheelchair and electric scooter. Tai Chi and Qigong have been an essential part of her remarkable recovery. She now lives an active life and is a certified Qigong teacher, specializing in classes for those with disabilities. She does speaking and training for healthcare organizations and for support groups and community organizations. She is a Healthcare Educator and Ambassador for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Anna's book, Rising UP!, is available on Amazon and in many digital formats.For more information or individualized instruction, go to: http://www.annayork.com.
Standard YouTube License @ Annasyork1's channel
Sheila From The Heart: Tai Chi Qigong For Stroke
Uploaded on Jul 11, 2011
A stroke survivor in rehabilitation speaks from the heart about her experience of recovery through Tai Chi and Qigong. She encourages viewers to do Tai Chi and Qigong and buy Anna York's book, Rising UP!: My Recovery from Multiple Sclerosis, Disability and Despair. The book is available in digital and print versions on Amazon and at Smashwords.com.
Standard YouTube License @ Annasyork1's channel
Tai Chi
Published on Jun 6, 2012Laura demonstrating the 10 step Tai Chi that is helpful for those who is handicap, such as strokes. Billy, age 84 ,with a stroke in 1992, left side paralyzed will demonstrating the 10 step Tai Chi. Note the steps are modified to accommodate his handicap.
Standard YouTube License @ DesertBreeezeTaiChi
Project Somerset Tai Chi Registered Charity
Uploaded on Jul 20, 2011Project Somerset Tai Chi is a registered charity. We raise money to enable volunteers to be trained - OCN Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi qualification - who then go on to deliver free Shibashi to elderly or disabled goups. Testimonies from the groups all provide evidence that this form of 'exercise' gives them many benefits.
Standard YouTube License @ Taichicourses's channel
Shibashi
Uploaded on Oct 14, 2008Tai Chi Qigong Shibashi Instructors course DVD. This course is OCN accredited and available online from www.learnsomerset.co.uk. The gentle movements are suitable for use with all health groups and current students include cardiac rehab nurses, OT's, Tai Chi instructors and Complementary Practitioners, all who wish to use this gentle style for their clients. Visit www.shibashi.synthasite.com/ for more information
Standard YouTube License @ Taichicourses's channel
Stroke Recovery Exercise (Tai Chi)
Uploaded on Mar 31, 2010A tai chi based exercise for the side effects of a stroke. Private tuition around Slough and Windsor. Class in Wooburn Green, Bucks. Contact 0793 112 5439 or kevinodwyer@yahoo.com and www.wooburntaichi.co.uk.
Standard YouTube License @ kdwyermedia
Dr Paul Lam Welcome Message for the Tai Chi Workshop
in Sydney 2012
Uploaded on Jan 20, 2012Journey of Self Discovery By Dr Paul Lam
It is wonderful to see many friends coming back year after year, special welcome to Charlie who has not missed one single workshop, the last 14th years! Although last year got lost and went to the USA workshop instead, so it still counts. It is also very wonderful to meet many new comers; I look forward to working with you. A specially welcome our friends from far away, remote places, and overseas.From the late 80's I started taking a group of instructors and students to the Beijing Institute of Sport. The top tai chi body then in China, almost all gold medalists and official sets are composed there. I did that for ten years, and we learned a lot. However challenges are that they don't quite understand Tai Chi for Health, safety and most importantly learner orientated teaching. Let me explain with some examples, student/teacher mismatched, poor organization and at the end not learning as much. We thought that we can do the training better in one week rather than two to Beijing. We aimed to create a friendly interactive place for all of us to learn, to network and to grow together. Experienced and learner orientated teachers to teach small individualized class. Our administration would be so seamless done that you would not be aware of the challenges of organization behind the scene.
When I share my idea with my colleagues, some don't believe it would work, they kept asking me "How do we get tai chi people to come?" Well you did! Year after year, by now together with the USA annual workshops, we have done 23 successful one week workshops!
The workshop became a great place to learn and or to improve your tai chi, to make new friends or renew friendship and to share this special tai chi spirit. When we get together we energize each other, and help each other to grow in physically and mentally health and spiritually! More importantly we are going to have a wonderful time! I can tell you on behalf of all the instructors how much we enjoy working with you, and how much you have inspired and taught us!
Let me share a tai chi chi principle with you. A tai chi principle is the reason that makes tai chi almost magical in improving health and wellness. Tai chi is the way of nature, in nature there is a natural tendency toward balance and harmony which brings about positive result. So it is only natural that tai chi brings about better balance and harmony to the internal energy.
The eye is the energy of the spirit - the window of the mind. Often you would notice people practice tai chi with eyes a little downcast, like this as I show you Chen style Single Whip movement. This would lower your internal energy. Now look at the way with the direction of the energy, you can feel your energy being stronger and more wholesome. The principle is to connect your vision with your internal energy.
Looking down is actually part of human nature. All of us at times feel unsure about ourselves, and that makes us to looking down which would lower our energy. It is easier to know but much more challenging to do this well. However, no matter what level of tai chi you are, if you are aware and focus on this principle, you will improve. When your visual direction is right, your energy is stronger, your tai chi, posture and feeling about yourself improved. Everyone is unique and valuable! Just like all our tai chi are different but unique and wonderful and it will become more valuable if you continue to focus and improve on the important principles such as this one. As your tai chi improves you will become more comfortable and happy with yourself. Like Jef Morris says: "Tai Chi makes you love yourself a little more". Every day as we learn and practice more tai chi, we become more comfortable and happier with ourselves. That would in turn improve your tai chi.
Let me demonstrate a couple movements in different styles: Yang Style and Sun style Single Whip.
I wish you a wonderful journey with tai chi, and in particular a fulfilling and fun time this week. Please let me know if there is anything I or my colleagues can assist you to this goal. I very much look forward to share the spirit and enjoy our tai chi journey together during this week.
Introducing the team of instructors.
Standard YouTube License @ Paul Lam
Tai Chi for Beginners - 8 Lessons with Dr Paul Lam
Uploaded on May 21, 2011- Begin Your Journey to Better Health with Six Easy Steps
- Contact Dr Paul Lam at service@taichiproductions.com
- For more information, a free lesson and to buy the instructional DVD visit: Tai Chi Productions.
Tai Chi for Beginners
The ancient practice of Tai Chi Is clinically proven to be one of the most effective exercises to improve health, fitness and relaxation. Tai Chi consists of fluid, gentle and relaxed movements suitable for anyone and can be practiced almost anywhere. After an introduction about tai chi, the contents and the benefits you can gain from learning Tai Chi for Beginners, you will be taught four Qigong exercises for energy and relaxation and foundational movements designed to ease you into the tai chi set.8 Virtual Lessons With Dr Paul Lam
Why not take the first step on your journey to better health and wellness by trying out the first lesson for free! You will soon discover how easy it is to learn from Dr Lam's virtual lesson format. In all the 8 lessons, he will guide you, step-by-step, through each movement. The forms will be taught from different angles — with close ups, repetitions and diagrammed illustrations. Each form will be divided into small sections so you can follow him with ease. Throughout the lessons, Dr Lam will explain the tai chi principles and how to use them to improve your tai chi.At the end of the DVD, Dr Lam demonstrates the entire set with both front-on and back-on views.
Dr Paul Lam
An Australian family physician and tai chi expert, is a world leader in the field of tai chi for health. He has a deep understanding of tai chi principles and over 30 years of teaching experience. He has authored several tai chi books and produced numerous best-selling instructional tai chi DVDs. His Tai Chi for Health programs have impacted millions worldwide.The Six Easy Steps
- Step 1. Warming up exercises
- Step 2. Gentle stretching exercises.
- Step 3. Cooling down exercises
- Step 4. Four Qigong Exercises
- Step 5. Five Foundational Movements
- Step 6. The Beginner's Set
Standard YouTube License @ Paul Lam
Tai chi is sometimes described as "meditation in motion." Originally developed in China as a form of self-defense, this graceful form of exercise has existed for about 2,000 years. It's becoming increasingly popular around the world, both as a basic exercise program and as a complement to other health care methods. Health benefits include stress reduction, greater balance and increased flexibility - especially for older adults.
ReplyDelete