Newsletter #116 - April 2011
- From me to you, Dr Paul Lam
- How an Idea of doing a Mass Tai Chi Demo Resulted in a High Point Event in Singapore, Jennifer Chung
- Strategies to Improve our Teaching Skills, Robin Malby
- Harmonizing with your Teacher, Caroline Demoise
- Welcoming Jing into your Life, Leanne Simpson
- Tai Chi for Osteoporosis, Rick Tame
- Featured Profile – Jef Morris, Tony Garcia
- Humour, Laughter and Radiant Health, Bob McBrien
- How an Idea of doing a Mass Tai Chi Demo Resulted in a High Point Event in Singapore, Jennifer Chung
- Strategies to Improve our Teaching Skills, Robin Malby
- Harmonizing with your Teacher, Caroline Demoise
- Welcoming Jing into your Life, Leanne Simpson
- Tai Chi for Osteoporosis, Rick Tame
- Featured Profile – Jef Morris, Tony Garcia
- Humour, Laughter and Radiant Health, Bob McBrien
Click on the title above to read the articles, this link to read all previous newsletters and here to subscribe.
We are only three months into the year and already saddened by nature’s deliverance of one disaster after another.
First we had floods in Queensland, then the earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand and now the earthquake/tsunami in Japan. Let us send our positive energy and practical help in any way we can to those in distress.
In the last two newsletters, we included videos with some of the articles. Likewise this month, we would like to share a video of Jennifer Chung, Master Trainer from Singapore, telling us how an idea of getting a few people together to practice tai chi with me turned out to be a gathering of 2000. You will see videos and photos of her presentation. It goes to show a follow through of one person’s idea can be inspirational. We can all make things happen if we try and work hard like Jennifer and her colleagues. Next month, I will show Marty Kidder’s presentation on how to improve ones tai chi. If you know Marty, his presentation is bound to have an element of “Kidder” wit and humour.
The New York Times on March 10, 2011 reported that the American Geriatrics Society and the British Geriatrics Society have updated their guidelines for preventing falls in older people. There were two notable changes and one was recommending tai chi, the meditative, slow-motion Chinese exercise, as an effective way to prevent falls. As more studies show tai chi’s health giving effect, the usefulness of tai chi in most, if not all chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease becomes widely accepted. It has turned into an important healthcare strategy around the world. While there are many resources on tai chi, there are hardly any which focus on the teaching of tai chi. Teaching tai chi effectively and safely is vital.
Next month, we will feature a story on Richard Link who used a Tai Chi for Health program to help him and his fellow post transplant patients recuperate. You can read the news item from the DailyNews and Richard's article next month.
This month’s theme is again on teaching tai chi. We have Robin Malby's article on strategies to improve our
teaching skills, Leanne Simpson writes about teaching tai chi to kids in her book “Time Out Tai Chi”. Our regular contributor Caroline Demoise, writes a sequel to last month's article “Harmonizing with your Student" entitled “Harmonizing with your Teacher”.
teaching skills, Leanne Simpson writes about teaching tai chi to kids in her book “Time Out Tai Chi”. Our regular contributor Caroline Demoise, writes a sequel to last month's article “Harmonizing with your Student" entitled “Harmonizing with your Teacher”.The One Week Tai Chi workshop in June, Terre Haute, USA is now full. We apologise to those who have missed out on the opportunity to attend this year. We have a quota for all our classes in the workshop, to ensure each participant receives adequate attention to enjoy the energising experience. However, there are still places available at the preconference workshop, Tai Chi for Fall Prevention and Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis, June 11-12. There are also places available at the Tai Chi for Diabetes Instructor Training workshop in Florence, Italy, April 16-17 and Tai Chi for Arthritis, Diabetes or Osteoporosis workshops in Sydney, May 14-15. I look forward to seeing you at one or more of these workshops.
In this Newsletter:
-
Jennifer Chung tells how an idea of getting a few people together to practice tai chi with Dr Lam turns out to be a mass gathering of 2000.
-
Robin Malby gives examples of teaching strategies which she has found helpful to use as an instructor in order to meet the growing needs of class participants.
-
Continuing the topic of creating a harmonious class, Caroline suggests in her article this month that students, as well as teachers, play a role in making a tai chi class a good environment to learn in.
-
Leanne Simpson introduces her book “Time Out Tai Chi” and how she was inspired to write this book from teaching tai chi to kids.
-
Rick Tame outlines the benefits of modified tai chi programmes for people with low bone density and osteoporosis.
This Month’s Special:
- Tai Chi for Arthritis - 12 Lessons with Dr Lam - DVD
Buy the "Tai Chi for Arthritis - 12 Lessons with Dr Lam" DVD and receive 'FREE' the "Tai Chi for Arthritis" handbook. Worth USD $9.95 or AUD $12.95. Limit to one order per person.
Click here for more information or to place your order.
Upcoming workshops: by Dr Paul Lam
April 16 - April 17, Florence, Italy
Tai Chi for Diabetes Instructor Training
May 14 - May 15, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Tai Chi for Diabetes Instructor Training
May 14 - May 15, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor Training
May 14 - May 15, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Tai Chi for Osteoporosis Instructor Training
May 14 - May 15, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Tai Chi for Arthritis Part II and Update
May 29- May 30, Singapore
Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
June 4 - June 5, Singapore
Tai Chi for Energy Instructor Training
June 11 - June 12, Terre Haute, IN, United States
Tai Chi for Fall Prevention & Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis
June 13 - June 18, Terre Haute, IN, United States
One Week Tai Chi Workshop
July 23 - July 24, Sydney, NSW, Australia
Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Many other workshops conducted by my authorised master trainers are listed in Workshop Calendar.
Yours in Tai Chi,
Paul Lam, MD
/taichiforhealthinstitute.org/
/taichiforhealthinstitute.org/
back to top
How an Idea of doing a Mass Tai Chi Demo Resulted in a High Point Event in Singapore
Jennifer Chung, Master Trainer, Singapore
Jennifer Chung, Master Trainer, Singapore
This is a talk Jennifer gave at the recent Sydney one week workshop in January.
Our tai chi group (Dr. Lau, Simon, Gladys and I) had been talking about this idea of a mass demo for quite a while. It was during a drink session after a successful workshop in Sept 2009 that the idea struck us. The idea was appealing as it would be a good publicity plan to create awareness and interest for this new course being offered in the community club in Singapore. We set a date for May 2010 where Dr. Lam would be in Singapore and he could lead the mass demo.
It was during a drink session after a successful workshop in Sept 2009 that the idea struck us. The idea was appealing as it would be a good publicity plan to create awareness and interest for this new course being offered in the community club in Singapore. We set a date for May 2010 where Dr. Lam would be in Singapore and he could lead the mass demo.The original plan was to target 500 people doing a mass demo in a park. It was through People’s Association that the idea was accepted and it had to be a high point event. People’s Association is a government body which started facilitating Tai Chi for Health classes in their entire community club. Year 2010 was also PA’s 50th Anniversary. A task force committee was set up with 20 volunteers planning for this event.
The committee held numerous meetings, selected the right venue and covered registration, traffic control, marshal, sound system, logistics, an exhibition for healthy cooking, a public talk, all safety measures etc. Dr Lam was asked to create a simple set of movements for the mass demo. There were people in this event that had never done tai chi before so the movements had to be simple to learn, fun and safe. The weather was not looking good. It had been raining continuously for the past two weeks leading up to the event and everyone was praying hard for some good weather just for the morning of May 15. May 15 arrived. The tai chi god was with us and blessed us with fine weather. It was an important and memorable day for all tai chi participants especially for the committee.
What we achieved: This FREE event provided the opportunity for people of all ages to enjoy an introductory group experience of the new Tai Chi for Health Program in Singapore. Two thousand participants joined the mass demo. Within one year, more than160 classes were running and over 4000 people learned the Tai Chi for Health Program.
back to top
Teaching tai chi takes patience, skill and creativity. It requires the instructor to plan lessons thoughtfully and observe their class participants closely in order to decide what teaching strategies will be the most effective.
observe their class participants closely in order to decide what teaching strategies will be the most effective.One of the first challenges I faced when I started teaching tai chi, was being able to fully support those participants who completely lack focus. Even with each tai chi form broken down into smaller steps, these individuals struggle to remember the shape and sequence. It doesn’t matter if I use more verbal cues, less verbal cues or auditory, visual and kinaesthetic examples…they just don’t pick it up. I realized early on that this was not necessarily due to any learning deficit they had, but was more a reflection of their over planned and stressful lives. They would arrive to class scattered, and remain that way; rarely able to centre enough within themselves to give me or their tai chi forms their full attention.
Since it is counterproductive to try and teach someone who is not plugged in, I learned to begin each class meeting with a ten minute check in meditative exercise. All my students begin class seated, closing their eyes and focusing on their abdominal breathing and alignment. I lead some relaxation practices to help them go deeper internally. The outside world is left where it belongs… outside. Once we start warm ups, I find all the class members much calmer and in tune with their own bodies. My more distractible participants are able to follow with less flightiness. As the hour goes by if I observe anyone drifting, all I have to do is remind them to “check in” with their internal selves, and they will settle back into the movements with more intent. I now make the ten minute check in a regular practice with any class I teach.
I also discovered how important it is to provide opportunities for class members to actively engage in the learning process. If I am always the one waxing poetic with philosophy, pumping out verbal cues, continually guiding…very few will discover the deeper layers of tai chi for themselves. If I am always standing in front of the class leading the form sequence or “spoon-feeding” as I will refer to it, no one will take much initiative to practice outside of class. Why would you need to if the teacher is always there to lean on?
Hence I raise the bar. If I am teaching in depth principles, and we are focusing on “song” in the TCA form for example, I will stop my class and ask for feedback. What did you notice when you lengthened your spine and expanded your shoulder joints in single whip? How did it feel? Who noticed where your energy flowed, where your attention went? Any suggestions for the next go around? Where should we direct our intention next? Why? This line of questioning gets people pondering …sharing ideas. It generates more interest in what else tai chi has to offer besides the memorization of choreography and allows people to take responsibility for their own growth in this complicated art.
Encouraging this type of independence is also my motivation for getting out of the front. I will stand in the middle of the group or the back of the room as we move through the form. Sometimes I will choose two or three others to lead the class. Or I will ask everyone to form partner groups of two to three people and take turns leading or following one another. I might ask the small groups to focus on only one move, or I might ask them to work on an entire sequence. Then I ask for feedback. What did you discover? What was easy? What was challenging? Whenever I assign several weeks of small group work in class, I notice everyone’s tai chi skill greatly improves because they feel slightly more exposed and therefore practice a lot more between classes. I also discover who in these small groups loves to teach and we all benefit. These individuals may come up with a fresh and interesting way to explain a move that had not occurred to me.
Along my teaching path I have learned to introduce the unexpected. Those inevitable times come when classes hit plateaus and people are muffling through moves they learned early on as if taking them for granted. That is when I might introduce a new tai chi for health program and start a whole new re-energizing journey. However…that is only one direction to consider. This period of stagnation is a great opportunity to step back, mix it up and go even deeper. Perhaps a teacher has covered the in depth principles in all the forms but were they explored sitting?
A whole hour can be spent dissecting Waving Hands in the Clouds from the chair. Along with applying the principles; we can work on dan tien breathing, focus on what our arms are really doing in the move, our weight shift and spiral energy. Forms can be studied with our eyes closed so we can visualize the chi flow going where we intend. The possibilities are endless, and class participants learn the gift of patience in their tai chi practice. They re-examine movements they had no idea held a much deeper mystery. This knowledge quickly transfers to the standing form.
I cannot possibly list all the ways to improve our teaching skill. There exists a plethora of techniques to use and exemplary tai chi teachers from whom we can learn. Like most on this road, I continue to study with my colleagues and teachers, and absorb all I can. There is always room for improvement and with constant practice as tai chi instructors; the opportunity is there to share what we love.
back to top
Learning tai chi is a humbling experience. The process involves releasing mental concepts we have about ourselves to look past the ego’s desire to learn quickly, be the best in class or impress the teacher in some way. Then you can find that sweet spot of being receptive to learning open to your limitations, comfortable with who you are in this moment and willing to hear something unexpected. When you bring an attitude of willingness to harmonize with your teacher’s style of instruction and give your teacher your attention, your best effort and your appreciation for the learning process, you will learn and have fun doing it.
to look past the ego’s desire to learn quickly, be the best in class or impress the teacher in some way. Then you can find that sweet spot of being receptive to learning open to your limitations, comfortable with who you are in this moment and willing to hear something unexpected. When you bring an attitude of willingness to harmonize with your teacher’s style of instruction and give your teacher your attention, your best effort and your appreciation for the learning process, you will learn and have fun doing it.A good learner participates with the teacher in creating an open line of communication during class and a setting the tone for a relaxed learning atmosphere. The energy you bring to class blends with your classmates and your teacher’s energy to set the stage for a good learning environment. Here are some simple things you can do to harmonize with your teacher. Respect their background, training and information. Give them your attention. Show them your appreciation. Don’t expect them to be perfect or to know everything about tai chi. Rather value what they do know and appreciate the opportunity to learn what they have to teach.
My first learning experience was within a traditional lineage system with a strong expectation that you remain loyal to that style and not study with other teachers. While I can appreciate the value of commitment to stay with a form until you have progressed to a reasonable level of mastery of the external movements, I am well aware of the value of studying with a variety of teachers during your lifetime. Ten years with my first teacher gave me a good foundation in tai chi principles, an opportunity to transform some of my body’s stiffness and rigidity during movement, time to develop leg strength, learn a long traditional form, read and ponder the meaning of tai chi principles and develop a passion for tai chi.
Every teacher has something unique to share with you. They bring a perspective on tai chi and a flavour or style that is subtly different from every other teacher. If you are like me, you wouldn’t want to miss any of your favourite flavours like chocolate, mocha or French vanilla at the ice cream store. Likewise in tai chi, I wouldn’t have wanted to leave this world without experiencing Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu Hao or Sun style during my lifetime of studying tai chi. Each form has a unique flavour and feel, and all are delicious. They also share the same underlying principles, although the external movements express differently. Having a variety of teachers with different personalities, unique teaching styles, and various subsets of tai chi information to share with you adds spice to your tai chi life and learning experience.
Every teacher has something unique to share with you. They bring a perspective on tai chi and a flavour or style that is subtly different from every other teacher. If you are like me, you wouldn’t want to miss any of your favourite flavours like chocolate, mocha or French vanilla at the ice cream store. Likewise in tai chi, I wouldn’t have wanted to leave this world without experiencing Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu Hao or Sun style during my lifetime of studying tai chi. Each form has a unique flavour and feel, and all are delicious. They also share the same underlying principles, although the external movements express differently. Having a variety of teachers with different personalities, unique teaching styles, and various subsets of tai chi information to share with you adds spice to your tai chi life and learning experience.
Recently, I had a unique experience as a student. Feeling a bit stressed by life, I responded by letting go of my normally controlled ‘good student behaviour’ and was surprised to hear myself making hilarious comments during class. I was momentarily letting off steam and rebalancing my energy. If I felt like complaining, I did. And when I felt joy I expressed it. My natural inner child came out and felt free to play in the safe environment created by our wise teacher. As students, we were accepted for who we were in that moment. Everyone had a wonderful time during that training. There was freedom of expression, there was camaraderie, and there was learning because the teacher harmonized with us in that moment. And I learned at a deeper level about the yin and yang of teaching and learning, the importance of accepting yourself and others and how to flow with the art of discovery in tai chi.
back to top
Make the move to have time out together is the grab line for my book “Time Out Tai Chi – Welcoming Jing” a line that I found very difficult to write. The publisher’s brief was write a phrase that tells people what they will get from reading your book.
that I found very difficult to write. The publisher’s brief was write a phrase that tells people what they will get from reading your book. Time Out is a breather, a brief suspension of activity or a short break. Practicing Tai Chi is a chance to focus on yourself. How beautiful is it to see a group doing tai chi, working the same move and gathering the energy together. Then to look closer and see each individual making it their own, a hand slightly in a different place, an old unrepairable injury, an extra foot movement to make turning, a little easier on the old battered knee and a smile of achievement on one and a smile of relaxation on another, each person on their own trip, together.
The illustrated book “Time Out Tai Chi – Welcoming Jing.” came about when I combined two of my passions, one for creative writing and the other of course, Tai Chi. Having spent a lot of my life working with children I wanted them to find joy in having time out and with tai chi being accessible to just about everyone I felt that combining them could be a key way of bringing a healthier and happier lifestyle to all ages.
Being realistic I knew that this could only happen if parents, grandparents and even teachers took hold of this idea. There had to be documented and proven health benefits, it had to fit into their busy lives and have a simple starting point hence the concept “Time Out Tai Chi – Welcoming Jing.”
The main character is Jing, a panda who has just moved into the zoo and as a way of coping he practices tai chi, the other zoo animals led by Vinny the platypus and Rose the possum notice that he is doing something and start to pick up on some of the basic movements of which they imitate. As the curiosity grows within the zoo population a conversation starts to develop and new friendships are formed.
The storyline introduces the Posture of Infinity, Tai Chi and Open & Close, these moves are discussed and practiced and the symbolism behind the Tai Chi Salute explained. The basic principles of correct posture, concentrating on slow gentle movements and adding the breath are encouraged. The back of the book has photographs of children doing the movements with instructions as a summary for easy reference. This book was written to provide a simple starting platform to the practicing of tai chi and compliment the existing Tai Chi for Health programs.
practiced and the symbolism behind the Tai Chi Salute explained. The basic principles of correct posture, concentrating on slow gentle movements and adding the breath are encouraged. The back of the book has photographs of children doing the movements with instructions as a summary for easy reference. This book was written to provide a simple starting platform to the practicing of tai chi and compliment the existing Tai Chi for Health programs. I am asked continually “What age group is the book designed for?” I have trialled it with toddler, pre-school and year 6 groups and found them all receptive and have also watched with amusement as a group of teenagers read the book together and played out the moves. A number of retirement village residents and older adult groups have shown interest in the book as a way of learning about the basic moves and sharing them with grandchildren.
For the Tai Chi Instructor/Leader I have provided a suggested lesson plan for parts of the book as a way of making it a little easier to follow the concept, these and book purchasing options can be found at www.timeouttaichi.com
Make 'Time Out Tai Chi' a part of your family’s or students’ lives. The word “Jing” can be roughly translated to mean “serenity”.
Welcoming Jing into your life is a positive experience for all.
back to top
We know that regular exercise is important for those who have a low bone density (osteopenia) and osteoporosis, and a common question asked of the helpline is “What is a safe and effective form of exercise for me?” This is a difficult question to answer because what might be an appropriate recommendation for a 50 year old who has recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis may not be right for a 75 year old with a history of vertebral compression fractures. One possible answer to this question is the ancient Chinese martial art of tai chi.
and a common question asked of the helpline is “What is a safe and effective form of exercise for me?” This is a difficult question to answer because what might be an appropriate recommendation for a 50 year old who has recently been diagnosed with osteoporosis may not be right for a 75 year old with a history of vertebral compression fractures. One possible answer to this question is the ancient Chinese martial art of tai chi.When you mention tai chi, many people will immediately think of groups of people moving slowly and gracefully in parks or public places. Maybe you have seen a demonstration at a conference or support group meeting, or even seen participants practicing this art in a local gym and wondered “Would this be right for me?”
Tai Chi (which you may see written as tai chi chuan or taijiquan) means ‘supreme ultimate fist’. Its origins are obscure but it was originally a complex martial art, and as such is still practised by some. Nowadays though, many people practice Tai chi for its health benefits. There are many types of tai chi some of which are physically challenging and not appropriate for people who are at high risk of fracture.
There are five main styles; Chen, Yang, Wu (Hao), Wu and Sun each of which has different characteristics. Some have powerful movements with low stances; others are long routines with high risk movements requiring well developed balance. One style has forward leaning stances which do not strengthen the deep stabilizer muscles in the back and may even increase the risk of injury. Sun style (a 20th century, style) has upright stances and ‘follow’ steps’ – which means that whenever one foot steps forward or backwards the other foot follows. This produces a stable stance making this style more suitable for older people and those with fragile bones. As well as Sun style, the Yang 24 form has been shown to develop balance and strength and for more able participants it is an enjoyable form to learn.
Recent studies looking at modified forms of tai chi have shown that the regular practice of tai chi may slow down the loss of bone density, and improve flexibility, muscle strength and balance. There is good evidence that tai chi also reduces falls and therefore may reduce the risk of broken bones. Relief of pain from arthritis and improved relaxation and mental strength have also been demonstrated.
back to top
By Tony Garcia, Master Trainer, Miami, FL, USA
In my life's journey with Jef after having known him for over 20 years, I have witnessed people approaching him going through difficult times. He finds an opening to help shed light on any given situation they might have. He has helped people's lives change providing a new outlook on life's journey and the road ahead. I truly believe his mission here on earth is to help people look deep inside their true selves, comfort their inner confusion and carefully listen to their pain. Using tai chi, meditation and breathing, he has helped many people focus and find balance on a physical and emotional level. He has consoled many while at the same time unravelling their inner needs.
going through difficult times. He finds an opening to help shed light on any given situation they might have. He has helped people's lives change providing a new outlook on life's journey and the road ahead. I truly believe his mission here on earth is to help people look deep inside their true selves, comfort their inner confusion and carefully listen to their pain. Using tai chi, meditation and breathing, he has helped many people focus and find balance on a physical and emotional level. He has consoled many while at the same time unravelling their inner needs.Jef has come to understand the health and challenges one encounter on a day to day basis being divorce, death or children with behaviour issues. He has shown this can be handled by carefully listening to the incoming force as in tai chi and help change the pattern along their path in life. Through his calm nature and loving manner, he has the ability to emanate his serenity to all those who seek him.
When Jef analyses and helps you cope, he leaves an imprint you will never forget. I have witnessed one person can make a difference and enlighten others along their walk in life.
When Jef analyses and helps you cope, he leaves an imprint you will never forget. I have witnessed one person can make a difference and enlighten others along their walk in life.
Whilst the older, traditional forms of tai chi might be suitable for some they may not be appropriate for people with balance or joint problems. With these classical styles the emphasis is on correct form and structure and for many with health problems this might be difficult to achieve. Newer, modified tai chi styles may offer positive benefits for a wide range of participants and can even be performed seated. Modified forms are designed with a strong emphasis on safety, use movements that are low risk, and are easier to practice. In a typical class you will find people of differing ages and physical ability practicing along side each other enjoying tai chi.
It is no surprise that Victor Borge is credited with the quote, "Laughter is the shortest distance between two
persons." His healthy style of humour offended no one. If there were any complaints by his audience it was because he never completed playing the piece he selected for his joke. Remember he was a world class concert pianist before he found his true art. Victor Borge's DVDs of his concerts provide an evening of laughter and fun for all. This month's sample of positive humour is found in the innocence of children and their interactions with their grandparents. The following stories help us enjoy non-toxic humour and the laughter it generates.
My thanks to TCA instructor Jim Mace in Delaware, USA for providing these bits of wit.
• Teddy age five asked his grandma how old she was.
Grandma smiled and answered, "Why I am 39 and holding."
Teddy thought for a moment, and then said, "Grandma how old would you be if you let go?
• A little boy attending church with his grandfather watched as the ushers passed around the offering plates. When the offering plate came near his grandfather, the boy said loudly, "Don't pay for me Grandpa I'm not five yet."
• When my four-year-old son opened the birthday gift from his grandmother, he discovered a water pistol... He squealed with delight and headed for the nearest sink.
I was not so pleased. Turning to my mom and I said, "I'm surprised at you. Don't you remember how we drove you crazy with water pistols?"
My mother smiled and replied.... "Of course I remember!"
• "Oh, I sure am happy to see you," the little boy said to his maternal grandmother as she entered the room, “Now daddy will do that trick he promised us."
Grandmother replied, "What trick is that? I want to see it too!"
The boy answered “I heard him tell mommy that if you came to visit, he would climb the walls!”
Readers having other humorous quotes can send them to drbobtaichi@juno.com.
back to top
=====================
END OF NEWSLETTER
Warning: Dr. Lam does not necessarily endorse the opinion of other authors. Before practicing any program featured in this newsletter, please check with your physician or therapist. The authors and anyone involved in the production of this newsletter will not be held responsible in any way whatsoever for any injury which may arise as a result of following the instructions given in this newsletter.
END OF NEWSLETTER
Warning: Dr. Lam does not necessarily endorse the opinion of other authors. Before practicing any program featured in this newsletter, please check with your physician or therapist. The authors and anyone involved in the production of this newsletter will not be held responsible in any way whatsoever for any injury which may arise as a result of following the instructions given in this newsletter.
