What is Tai Chi, and why are more Americans hearing about it and participating in it?

Almost every morning, in parks all over China, you can watch people practicing Tai Chi. They practice in the heat and humidity of summer and the freezing cold of winter. Why such devotion even in inclement weather? The Chinese are convinced that Tai Chi promotes health, calmness, and a sense of well-being. It is said that those who practice Tai Chi regularly will experience “longevity in the springtime of their lives.” Tai Chi is now practiced all over the world as a means of keeping body and mind well and supple.

Participants thoroughly enjoy the benefits and the fun of practicing this slow-motion form of exercise. Studies show that regular practitioners become stronger mentally and physically. They have more energy as well as improved balance. Those who dislike more traditional exercise often love Tai Chi for the camaraderie of fellow students, the sense of calm it brings amid the chaos of normal living, and the good exercise without the sweat. More and more Americans are learning about this wonderful form of exercise and participating in it. Dr. Paul Lam, an internationally respected physician and Tai Chi gold medal winner at the world international competition, along with his medical and tai chi colleagues designed a special Tai Chi program that is safe and effective for beginners and for people with a variety of medical conditions. Even more importantly, the program, when practiced regularly, is one way to help maintain health. The program is called Tai Chi for Arthritis, TCA, also popularly known as Tai Chi for Health or TCH for short.

What exactly is Tai Chi for Health (TCH)?

There are many forms of Tai Chi including Chen, Yang, Wu, and Sun styles. Dr. Lam chose to develop his program from the Sun style because of its emphasis on balance and higher stances that put less stress on the knees and joints. Though the program was developed for individuals who suffer from arthritis, it is a wonderful program for any individual whether seventeen or ninety+. In TCH, as one constantly shifts weight with a straight spine from one leg to the other, balance, strength, and posture improve. As arms, hands, and feet move, all the joints are lubricated and exercised, helping ease the effects of arthritis, stiffness, and general aging aliments. Flexibility is improved. The whole body movements massage the inner organs. Many find that the slow and gentle outward movements reduce stress. Also, students challenge their minds as they learn the moves. It is a perfect exercise for the total body.

Western medicine has begun to recognize that TCH is a health benefit that is supported by medical research. One example is the New Zealand National Healthcare Program, which covers the individual’s cost for TCH classes. Their research indicates that TCH has substantially reduced their healthcare costs by millions of dollars, primarily in fall reduction. For specific medical data, go to http://www.taichiproductions.com/articles. This site also provides extensive information about the TCH program.