Welcome to Inner World Journeys

MIAMI, USA
RITZ CARLTON

DATES & PRICES	\|	ITINERARY	\|	RESERVATION FORM	\|	DOWNLOAD PDF BROCHURE
ARTHRITIS	\|	DIABETES	\|	OSTEOPOROSIS	\|	CLINICAL RESEARCH
OUR INSTRUCTORS

HOW DOES TAI CHI WORKS FOR DIABETES?
BY DR .PAUL LAM
Diet and exercise are the cornerstone of diabetes management. People with diabetes who exercise regularly have better control over their blood glucose levels and fewer complications such as heart disease and stroke.

Many people, however, are unable to keep up with their regular exercise because they either don't enjoy it, or have a problem finding time to exercise. Tai Chi offers a major advantage: It's enjoyable, and to many, it's almost addictive. After getting over the initial learning phase (about three to six months) and becoming familiar with the rhythm and feel of Tai Chi, most people
continue exercising. You can practice Tai Chi almost anywhere.

Stress stands in the way of controlling diabetes. Since Tai Chi encourages mental relaxation and reduces stress, it follows that Tai Chi can improve the control of diabetes.

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

TAI CHI HELPS ALLEVIATE DIABETES
BY DR .PAUL LAM

Gentle exercise has been shown by studies to prevent diabetes in 60 percent of cases (reference 1, reference 2). Therefore, since Tai Chi is a gentle exercise, we can assume that it's effective in preventing and improving the control of diabetes.

The major problems of diabetes are the associating complications such as heart disease, visual impairment, and stroke. Tai Chi focuses on building strength, balance and flexibility through slow, fluid movements combined with mental imagery and deep breathing. Scientific studies have shown Tai Chi to have beneficial effects on cardio-respiratory fitness, muscular strength, balance, peripheral circulation, reduced tension, and anxiety.(reference 3,reference 4, reference 5, reference 6, reference 7, reference 8). These in turn minimize the complications of diabetes.

Diabetes causes peripheral neuropathy, a condition in which the nerves in the feet are damaged thus affecting stability in walking. Tai Chi has proved to be effective in helping balance and mobility.

To find out more about References 1 - 8 click here for: References Diabetes Clinical Research.

THE POWER OF THE MIND
BY DR .PAUL LAM
Tai Chi enhances concentration, clarity of the mind, improves relaxation and uplifts the mood. The immense power of the mind has not been fully estimated. As one of the most effective mind-body exercises, Tai Chi helps the student to be aware of the intrinsic energy
from which he or she can perceive greater self-control and empowerment.

Chinese Traditional Medicine and the Power of Qi (Qi = Chi)

Qi is the life energy inside a person. The concept of qi is fundamental in most eastern cultures. In fact, Chinese traditional medicine is based on this concept. Designed to cultivate and enhance qi, Tai Chi encourages gentle and slow movements which stretch one's
meridians (energy channels along which qi travels) and keeps them strong and supple. The rhythmic movement of the muscle and joints pump energy through the whole body.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, diabetes is a deficiency of moisture and essence (yin) of the lung, spleen and kidney meridians . Enhancing qi in the appropriate meridians (reference 9) will therefore improve diabetes.

To find out more about References 1 - 8 click here for: References Diabetes Clinical Research

REFERENCES FOR TAI CHI FOR DIABETES
1. J Tuomilehto & Associates, Department of Epidemiology and Health Promotion Helsinki, 3 May 2001. Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus by Changes in Lifestyle Among Subjects With Impaired Glucose Tolerance. The New England Journal of Medicine.

2. The New England Journal of Medicine, VOLUME 346, FEBRUARY 7, 2002, NUMBER 6. Eeduction In The Incidence Of Type 2 Diabetes With Lifestyle Intervention Or Metformin.

3. Lai J, Lan C, Wong M and Teng S. 1995. Two-Year Trends in Cardiorespiratory Function Among Tai Chi Chuan Practitioners and Sedentary Subjects. Journal of American Geriatrics Society, 43(11), p 1222-1227.

4. Wolfson L, Whipple R, Cerby C, Judge J, King M, Amerman P, Schmidt J and Smyers D. 1996. Balance and Strength Training in Older Adults: Intervention Gains and Tai Chi Maintenance. Journal of American Geriatric Society, 44(5), p 498-506.

5. Lan C, Lai J, Chen S and Wong M. 2000. Tai Chi Chuan to Improve Muscular Strength and Endurance in Elderly Individuals: a Pilot Study. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 81(5), 604- 607.

6. Hong Y, Li X and Robinson P. 2000. Balance Control, Flexibility, and Cardiorespiratory Fitness Among Older Tai Chi Practitioners. British Journal of Sport Medicine, 34(1), p 29-34.

7. Wang J, Lan C and Wong M. 2001. Tai Chi Chuan Training to Enhance Microcirculatory Function in Healthy Elderly Men. Archives of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 82(9), p 1176-1180.

8. Brown D, Wang Y, Ebbeling C, Fortlage L, Puleo E, Benson H and Rippe J. 1995. Chronic Psychological Effects of Exercise and Exercise Plus Cognitive Strategies. Medicice & Science in Sports and Exercise, 27(5), p 765-775.

9. Chinese Medical Theories, Between Heaven and Earth by Harriet Beinfield and Efrem Korngold

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

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

Daily Agenda -

9:00 a.m.	Introductions and Program Overview, Warm up exercises, review of TAI CHI movements, and cooling down exercises
11.00 a.m. - 11.15 a.m.	Morning Tea
11.15 a.m. - 12.30 p.m.	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.	Summary of the day, feedback, Summary of the next day.

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

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

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.