Events

Dr. Paul Lam Creator of the Tai Chi for Health Programs
And the Tai Chi for Health Institute http://www.taichiforhealthinstitute.org

The Health Benefits of Tai Chi for Fall Prevention and Chronic Conditions
6:00-9:00 Friday, October 3, 2014
The Asheville Event Center Ballroom
991 Sweeten Creek Road Asheville, NC 28803

Tai Chi for Arthritis is an evidence-based program developed by Dr. Paul Lam, a family medicine physician and a team of medical experts and martial artists. The program is supported by the Center for Disease Control and by Arthritis Foundations world-wide because it is shown to be effective in decreasing pain, stiffness and risk for falls while improving balance and postural stability, strength, endurance, coordination, cognitive focus, immune system function, sleep, quality of life and the mind-body connection. Tai Chi for Arthritis is shown to be effective in Fall Prevention and symptom relief with: Arthritis, Parkinson’s Disease, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Stress, Depression, Osteoporosis, Cardiopulmonary Disorders, and Diabetes. Tai Chi for Arthritis is a low intensity, mind-body, strengthening, balance and flexibility exercise program that can be adapted for many conditions . The program can be performed seated as well as standing.

Evidence based programs must be rigorous, and extensively evaluated using a control/comparison group, with documented and published outcomes. Evidence has shown the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi exercise program meets the highest level criteria for Patient Centered Community Programs.
Recently, Tai Chi for Arthritis was recognized by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Injury Prevention) as evidence-based for effective fall prevention, shown to reduce falls by an impressive 47%.

The CDC (Center for Disease Control) lists three evidence-based tai chi programs that can help older adults reduce falls. Among them is Tai Chi for Arthritis (TCA), a program developed by Dr. Paul Lam, world renowned health expert and tai chi champion. The Tai Chi for arthritis program is based on the Sun style of Sun Lu-tang, and was developed by Dr. Lam in consultation with other doctors and tai chi experts. It is designed to help people living with arthritis find relief from the pain and discomfort of arthritis so that they might have a better quality of life. In studies conducted with folks practicing the TCA program, it was discovered that when done correctly and with proper instruction, Tai Chi for Arthritis has been shown to increase flexibility and muscle strength; to improve balance, posture, and situational awareness; and to help the participant avoid falling.

Tai Chi for Arthritis is a researched based, cost effective, program provided by local TCA certified instructors