Better Health Tai Chi Chuan

02/02/2022

Such beautiful images.

02/02/2022

Happy New Year, the Year of the Tiger 🐯

11/01/2022

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that John Gough died on the 4th January 2022 at home in Sydney, Australia. John was an esteemed tai chi practitioner and teacher. He was a Senior Instructor with BHTCC, and a wonderful mentor and instructor. He will be missed by many. Condolences to his wife and daughter and all those who knew him. Farewell John ♥️

31/12/2021

From Dr Paul Lam, all the instructors and all the team, Happy and Healthy New Year
🎊🎉🎏🎈♥️

https://mailchi.mp/taichiproductions/dr-paul-lam-tai-chi-for-health-newsletter-jan-22?fbclid=IwAR0VjQfFfEoe_yEzYBhnlqGKn7jUEvxIRqlKizFWuQD5PDG4IWy_CB03Tno

2021 will be a significant year in history. What will future generations see when they look back? How can we assure a brighter future for them? Will the challenges from Covid unite or divide us? No matter which direction you choose, please remember to use tai chi for more inner strength and harmony....

25/12/2021

Christmas wishes to all the instructors , staff and tai chi players. Peace and joy with your family and friends 🎄

02/12/2021

Getting started

The benefits of tai chi are generally greatest if you begin before you develop a chronic illness or functional limitations. Tai chi is very safe, and no fancy equipment is needed, so it's easy to get started. Here's some advice for doing so:

Don't be intimidated by the language. Names like Yang, Wu, and Cheng are given to various branches of tai chi, in honor of people who devised the sets of movements called forms. Certain programs emphasize the martial arts aspect of tai chi rather than its potential for healing and stress reduction. In some forms, you learn long sequences of movements, while others involve shorter series and more focus on breathing and meditation. The name is less important than finding an approach that matches your interests and needs.

Check with your doctor. If you have a limiting musculoskeletal problem or medical condition — or if you take medications that can make you dizzy or lightheaded — check with your doctor before starting tai chi. Given its excellent safety record, chances are that you'll be encouraged to try it.

Consider observing and taking a class. Taking a class may be the best way to learn tai chi. Seeing a teacher in action, getting feedback, and experiencing the camaraderie of a group are all pluses. Most teachers will let you observe the class first to see if you feel comfortable with the approach and atmosphere. Instruction can be individualized. Ask about classes at your local Y, senior center, or community education center.

If you'd rather learn at home, you can buy or rent videos geared to your interests and fitness needs (see "Selected resources"). Although there are some excellent tai chi books, it can be difficult to appreciate the flow of movements from still photos or illustrations.

Talk to the instructor. There's no standard training or licensing for tai chi instructors, so you'll need to rely on recommendations from friends or clinicians and, of course, your own judgment. Look for an experienced teacher who will accommodate individual health concerns or levels of coordination and fitness.

Dress comfortably. Choose loose-fitting clothes that don't restrict your range of motion. You can practice barefoot or in lightweight, comfortable, and flexible shoes. Tai chi shoes are available, but ones you find in your closet will probably work fine. You'll need shoes that won't slip and can provide enough support to help you balance, but have soles thin enough to allow you to feel the ground. Running shoes, designed to propel you forward, are usually unsuitable.

Gauge your progress. Most beginning programs and tai chi interventions tested in medical research last at least 12 weeks, with instruction once or twice a week and practice at home. By the end of that time, you should know whether you enjoy tai chi, and you may already notice positive physical and psychological change.

31/10/2021

https://www.asianscientist.com/2012/04/health/13-posture-wheelchair-tai-chi-quan-2012/?fbclid=IwAR2QyEsQ5TnqPkq5N3w2ZZkTppTmiTujvaT8MqLhlxHhzYhsn9Ju13RwqUI

Researchers have developed a 13 posture Tai Chi program for the disabled, transforming the wheelchair from an assistive device to a tool of empowerment and artistic expression.

23/10/2021

https://www.verywellmind.com/can-tai-chi-help-older-adults-sleep-better-5113724

Tai chi, a martial art that is more accessible to older adults than many other forms of exercise, has been shown to help with insomnia in a new study.

29/09/2021

22/09/2021

https://res.mdpi.com/d_attachment/ijerph/ijerph-18-07479/article_deploy/ijerph-18-07479-v2.pdf

29/08/2021

Don’t forget how important tai chi is to you in these challenging times .....

This hospital in Russia uses Chinese martial arts to help Covid-19 patients with their recovery. Doctors at the temporary hospital in Moscow say practising tai chi improves ventilation and drainage…