Tai Chi for Arthritis (TCA) / 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 uses Sun Style Tai Chi. Sun Style incorporates unique qigong movements with agile stepping. The Centers for Disease Control and the Arthritis Foundation endorse the program because studies show it decreases pain, stiffness, and fall risk while improving balance, 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.
In the 16-week spring and fall series, instructors teach Tai Chi for Arthritis Levels 1 & 2 classes in one class. TCA level 1 is taught in the 8-week summer series.
TCA Level 2 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. Dr. Lam developed the Tai Chi for Arthritis program with Part 2, which consists of 41 movements, to be suitable for most people. Additionally, these classes introduce Tai Chi walking.
Intermediate Tai Chi for Health
This class takes TCA Level 1 & 2 (Sun Style) to greater depth while exploring other styles and forms. Throughout the year sitting / walking meditation, tai chi walking, and self-massage may be offered. As time permits, instructors may introduce Tai Chi for Osteoporosis, Tai Chi for Heart Conditions, Tai Chi for Rehabilitation, and Tai Chi for Diabetes.
Various Qigong practices may also be introduced as time permits: 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). 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 offers 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. The instruction will be 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.