Newsletter #46 - May 2005
In this issue:
-- FROM ME TO YOU by Dr Lam
-- JUMING TAI CHI SCULPTURES
-- TAI CHI IMPROVES MY BP AND ARTHRITIS by Valma Chenouctl
-- Q & A by Dr Lam
-- ARE HERBAL REMEDIES EFFECTIVE FOR ANXIETY? from Your Health
Click on the title to read the article, and here to read previous newsletters
I've had a most interesting discussion with Alison from the UK. She's an occupational therapist with a Ph D in psychology, specializing in research. Alison is planning to teach other occupational therapists part of Tai Chi for Arthritis as an introduction to tai chi for patients. She says many patients feel more comfortable going to their health professional for tai chi lessons since the therapists know of their conditions and will take good care of their conditions during the lessons. Once patients have learned and benefited from tai chi, they are referred to a "normal" tai chi class. So we are bringing many people who would otherwise not do tai chi to tai chi classes. This is precisely the same direction we took for all tai chi for health programs.
Whether it is Tai Chi for Arthritis, Diabetes, fall prevention, back pain or other chronic conditions, all our programs are suitable as an introductory tai chi for health. We don't compete with normal tai chi classes. On the contrary, we are bringing more students to tai chi classes. We provide knowledge of medicine, teaching and biomechanics integrated with the essential principles of tai chi. Our programs are open to anyone, especially health professionals and tai chi instructors of any schools. We, the master trainers, see ourselves as colleagues to health professionals and tai chi teachers. Our programs are useful tools to help people, and you can use them to better serve your patients and students.
We are very much looking forward to working with you at the coming Florida workshop. Do contact us ASAP if you wish to attend since most classes are full, and in campus accommodation is now full (although we have negotiate favorable rate from the motel nearby).
I had a great time visiting the Juming Museum in Taiwan. Juming, a famous artist, has a series of tai chi sculptures. They are beautiful and gigantic. He expressed the process of integration of body and mind through his work. Click here for the series of photos - rest your cursor on each picture and you'll be able to read my explanation.
I met Val in Melbourne at the Tai Chi for Back Pain workshop, she told me how much she has benefited from the Tai Chi for Arthritis program and would like to share her experience with you. It is wonderful that she has been helping many people improving their health and lifestyle by teaching them the program. Keep up with your good work Val!
Sun style is rapidly gaining more interest. Let me know if the answer in our Q & A is helpful to you.
This month's most helpful review is done by Ryan F. Ryan, please contact our office at service@taichiproductions.com to claim your free Tai Chi music CD. This is Ryan's comment: "I have purchased a few videos and DVDs on the 24 form, but was unable to learn them well, as switching camera angles made it rather confusing. I was encouraged to buy one of Dr. Lam's DVDs, so naturally I chose the 24 forms. I couldn't have made a better decision. After studying it for four months, I was able to go over it with my gung fu instructor. He commented that it looked like I had been practicing it for years. I can't wait to purchase the Sun style next."
For the first time ever, a few days ago, I conducted three workshops in a row in the UK's Greater Manchester. Many people came for all three workshops. Thus, it seems appropriate to put these three programs' instructional videos/DVDs in a package.
This month's feature products:
1. Tai Chi for Arthritis DVD or video (USD$24.95) and handbook (USD$9.95): A step-by-step instructional tape shown by scientific studies to improve pain and function for people with arthritis.
2. Tai Chi for Diabetes DVD or video (USD$24.95) and handbook (USD$9.95): A step-by-step instructional tape designed to improve and prevent diabetes.
3. Tai Chi for Back Pain DVD or video: A step-by-step instructional tape designed to prevent and improve back pain. USD$24.95
The complete package: USD$64.85 (Normally $94.85. You save $30.)
Click this link to place your order: https://www.taichiproductions.com/shop/product.php?product=68
I have posted the photos of the Hong Kong, Northern Ireland and Greater Manchester, UK workshops online. Check them up.
Next month I will share with you some of the topics and new ideas we would be learning from the Florida Workshop.
Yours sincerely,
Paul Lam MD
http://www.taichiproductions.com
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For two reasons, I would like to thank you for introducing me to tai chi. In 1990, I got an electric shock at work. Doctors couldn't get my blood pressure from fluctuating. They tried various tablets including the one I now take. Since starting Tai Chi for Arthritis four years ago, my blood pressure has stabilised.
After the shock, everything seemed to break down. I needed two knee replacements but being overweight, they couldn't operate at the time. So for years I took Celebrex (an anti-inflammatory drug for arthritis). Two years ago, fearing bad effects, the doctors took me off Celebrex. I thought once they stopped the medication, I would be back to square one, but thanks to tai chi, I don't need tablets for arthritis and have no trouble walking up or down stairs, driving a car or kneeling at mass, something I couldn't do up until four years ago.
Thank you again.
Valma M. Chenouctl. Victoria, Australia
P.S. And I have had no knee replacements
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Question:
Is Sun style tai chi as good for developing balance as Yang style? With Sun style, I notice that my feet are not staying on the ground in one place for very long?
Answer:
Both styles have its characteristics and it also depends upon how much you practise, how low your stances are and other factors such as how well you are at transferring weight.
It also depends on how correctly you do the forms. In Sun style, the characteristics of the follow step has several functions which includes more mobility and a better position to deliver internal force. Sun style should be as effective in developing balance if not more than Yang style. Studies that are going to be published soon have shown that Sun style is effective for preventing falls and improving balance. In my article " Comparing Chen and Sun styles" at this link: http://www.taichiproductions.com/articles/display.php?articleid=14
I explain the few differences and similarities between Chen and Sun styles. It also explains why Sun style is effective for developing balance. This has already been validated by a scientific study conducted by the Korean National University. http://www.taichiproductions.com/articles/display.php?articleid=57
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ARE HERBAL REMEDIES EFFECTIVE FOR ANXIETY?
by Your_Health an Australian Medical Newsletter - please note that some conditions and names are different in Australia from other country.
A recent review in the Medical Journal of Australia found that kava (Piper methysticum) was effective in reducing anxiety. Kava has few side effects but may cause liver damage in rare cases. Kava can interact with certain drugs so tell your doctor if you are taking it.
Inositol was found to have some benefit for panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. There was no convincing evidence for any other preparations e.g. homeopathy, bach flower remedies, vitamins and valerian.
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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.
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