 INTRODUCTION
In 1997, Dr Paul Lam, a family physician and Tai Chi
master, led a team of Tai Chi and
medical specialists to create this unique program. The special feature of Tai
Chi for Arthritis© is
that it is easy and enjoyable to learn, bringing with it the many health benefits
safely and
effectively.
Since then, medical studies have shown this program help to reduce pain significantly
and
improve on many aspects of health. For this reason, arthritis foundations around
the world are
giving it their full support.
Now, in 2007, thousands of people in 10 countries with or without arthritis
have learned the
program to improve their health. Although especially effective for arthritis
it is also suitable for
any beginner.
The Tai Chi for Arthritis© program is based on Sun style Tai Chi, chosen
because of it's healing
component. Besides the fundamental set of 12 movements Tai Chi, it contains
warm-up,
wind-down, and Qigong breathing exercises.
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TAI
CHI FOR HEALTH RETREATS
The Tai Chi for Health Retreats
are designed for individuals, and small groups who
do not
have time to attend weekly classes. Our goal is to
provide in two days of in depth personal
practice that would normally take many weeks of hourly
classes.
We believe that with a good foundation in understanding
the principles of Tai Chi, people will
practice on their own and enjoy it more as well.
The benefit of learning from great teachers, whose
teaching methodology developed by Dr.
Lam, results in an increased personal confidence to
continue. This is one of the most
effective ways to learn Tai Chi for Health. Over time,
you can develop a deeper
understanding of your posture and breathing as you
move, and how this improves your
health with consistency of practicing the Tai Chi exercises.
As Dr. Lam often states “when people do what
they enjoy, they will enjoy doing it again”.
It
has been said that Tai Chi exercises develop a self
correcting, self reinforcing change of
habits that contribute to reduced stress, improved
muscle strength and flexibility.
Our goal is to provide you the opportunity to experience
how to develop a deeper
understanding of the wisdom of these ancient Tai Chi
Principles for certain chronic
conditions.
For more information about recent clinical research
on Tai Chi, click here: Clinical Research
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TAI CHI HELPS ALLEVIATE ARTHRITIS
BY DR .PAUL LAM
Health and exercise experts agree that an exercise program for people with arthritis
should incorporate components that can improve muscular strength, flexibility,
and fitness. Muscular strength is essential for supporting and protecting
joints, which will reduce pain. Flexibility exercises also help to reduce
pain and stiffness, thus improve mobility. Stamina or fitness is important
for overall health and proper function of your heart, lungs, and muscles.
Doing everyday tasks even as simple as climbing stairs or walking to the
shops will be easier with good stamina.
Tai Chi for Arthritis© can help people with arthritis to do all these and
more. Additional benefits include improve relaxation, balance, posture, and immunity.
Tai Chi is designed to enhance Qi. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that
Qi is the life
energy essential to good health and longevity. Tai Chi for Arthritis is especially
effective for arthritis because of its powerful Qigong exercises to enhance healing.
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WHAT
ARE THE BENEFITS OF LEARNING THE PROGRAM?
- Studies
have shown Tai Chi exercises can reduce pain, improve
quality of life
- Easy
to learn, with attention to learning safely for best
results
- Contains
essential Tai Chi principles, precautions, warm up, Qigong
and two
sets of forms - in one complete package
- Ideal
for beginners with or without arthritis
- Friendly
and caring instructors who are trained to teach the program
safely
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REASONS TO COME
- Learn
the benefits of the movements of this program for people
with or
without arthritis
- To
learn and/or improve your Tai Chi
- Explore
the depth of Tai Chi with, Jef Morris, Tony Garcia, Senior
Trainer, and
our team of certified Tai Chi for Health Instructors
- To
improve your health
- To
improve your balance
- Dr
Lam’s easy method
to learn Tai Chi for Arthritis makes it a fun and effective
exercise
- Experience the health benefits
by learning to how to practice Tai Chi on your
own
- Improve
your understanding why consistency of your Tai Chi for
Arthritis
exercises can improve your confidence, and contribute
to improve the quality
of your health
- Personal training to learn
the principles to practice Tai Chi for Arthritis and
how Tai Chi exercises can contribute to your
overall fitness
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Daily Agenda -
9:00
a.m.
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Introductions and Program
Overview, Warm up exercises, review of TAI CHI
movements, and cooling down exercises |
11.00
a.m. - 11.15 a.m.
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Morning
Tea |
11.15
a.m. - 12.30 p.m.
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Theory
discussion |
| 12.30
p.m. - 1.30 p.m. |
Lunch |
| 1.30
p.m. |
Warm up exercises, review
of TAI CHI movements, and cooling down exercises |
| 3.30
p.m. - 3.45 p.m. |
Afternoon Tea |
3.45
p.m. - 5:00 p. m.
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Summary of the day,
feedback, Summary of the next day. |
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THE 3 DAY PROGRAM
INCLUDES:
- 4 nights in Miami, Florida
at the Ritz Carlton on Key Biscayne
- All meals
- 2 Days of TAI CHI training
- 1 SPA Day (by reservation)
- 12 hours of applied TAI CHI
instruction & practice
- 3 hours of TAI CHI theory and
discussion
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THE
2 DAY PROGRAM INCLUDES:
- 3 nights in Miami, Florida
at the Ritz Carlton on Key Biscayne
- All meals
- 2 Days of TAI CHI training
- 12 hours of applied TAI CHI
practice
- 3 hours of TAI CHI theory and
discussion
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HOW
TO TRY TAI CHI
BY DR .PAUL
LAM
It is important to know a little bit about
Tai Chi and to understand that it is a very different
exercise from what we are used to in the western world. We
are used to exercise being fast
and strong whereas Tai Chi emphasizes the balance of nature
so hardness and softness are
balanced.
Tai Chi works through internal strengthening, which means
that the internal organs, deep or
core muscles and the mind are strengthened. Therefore physical
exertion is minimized so
that there is less risk of injury. In Tai Chi you are required
to move slowly, to be aware of
your body and use your mind to control your movements.
Tai Chi works on the ancient Chinese understanding of nature
in that a movement usually
travels in a curve or takes a circular path instead of a
straight line as we are used to.
Getting accustomed to the speed, the control, the mind components
and moving circular
rather than straight, may take a little time. We have found
that most of our students take
about three months to get over that feeling of clumsiness
and then they begin to enjoy their
Tai Chi. In most of our scientific studies, we have found
that if we can keep students
interested for more than six months, they tend to adhere
to Tai Chi for life, that is almost
addictive!
 THE ADVANTAGE OF
A MODIFIED PROGRAMS
Tai Chi was originally a complex martial
art. Its training method was very strict and physically
demanding, nowadays most people use Tai Chi for its health
benefits. With the change of
focus, the art would serve people better if modified for
the purpose. Most research studies on
Tai Chi are based on modified forms. The ideal way to compose
a designed program should
include health professionals in the respective field and
Tai Chi experts of different styles. |
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