Tai Chi for Health Programs

 

FREE hour-long  “What is Tai Chi and Is It Right for ME?”
A brief introductory class that includes instructions in breathing, tai chi principles, and playing Tai Chi. This class is helpful to anyone curious about the health benefits of Tai Chi and what a typical class is like.

 

Tai Chi for Arthritis / Falls Prevention
The foundational evidence-based program developed by Dr. Paul Lam, a family physician and a team of tai chi and medical specialists. It is based on Sun Style Tai Chi. Sun Style incorporates unique qigong movements with agile stepping. The program is endorsed by the Center for Disease Control and by the Arthritis Foundation 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 and the mind-body connection.  The TCA Level 1 program can be practiced seated as well as standing. This is the entry and foundational program for beginners exploring Tai Chi.   

 

Tai Chi for Arthritis  (Level 1 & 2 classes are taught successively in one class )
This form completes the set of the Tai Chi for Arthritis / Falls Prevention program as developed by Dr. Paul Lam and the Tai Chi for Health Institute. The Tai Chi for Arthritis program with Part 2 consists of 41 movements and has been developed to be suitable for most people.  

 

Advanced Tai Chi for Health
Advanced Tai Chi for Health This class takes TCA Level 1 & 2 (Sun Style) to greater depth while exploring other styles and forms including the short Yang Style 24 Form. Throughout the year sitting / walking meditation, and self-massage may be offered. Tai Chi for Osteoporosis, Tai Chi for Heart Conditions, or Tai Chi for Diabetes may be introduced as time permits.

 

Qigong Practices & TCA 1&2 Review
Various Qigong practices will be introduced: 5 Element QiGong, Seven Movements of the Sky Fisherman Qigong, Shibashi 18 Movement Tai Chi Qigong, and / or The Eight Pieces of Brocade (Ba Duan Jin). Additionally practice for TCA 1&2 will be included. Pre-requisite is completion of Beginning TCA 1&2 .

 

Tai Chi Yang Style 24
This class introduces the most popular Yang Style Form in the world. The Yang style is slow and expansive as compared to the more compact Sun Style of Tai Chi for Arthritis. It is a joy to learn and to practice. We call it “playing tai chi.”

 

Exploring the Evidence, Structure, and Practice of Tai Chi for Health while Learning the Yang 24 Short Form
This program will offer a dynamic, multidimensional process in which the participant develops and maintains the knowledge, critical reasoning, interpersonal skills, performance skills, and ethical practice necessary to include tai chi practice principles and basic movements in the performance of their clinical responsibilities as an MD, PA,NP, RN,OT, OTA, PTA. or PT, SLP. Instruction will be Live, Largely Experiential with Interactive Forums based on home study assignments. Upon completion, the student will have an introductory level understanding of the Yang 24 form— following in a group practice with the instructor.

Course number is 0012022C approved for 24 contact hours NC Board of Physical Therapy Examiners.