Newsletter #104 - April 2010
--From me to you, Dr Paul Lam
--The Ripple Effect, a follow up story of Tai Chi Advocates, Maree Lamb
--Building Comadarie and Connection, Robin Malby
--Working with the Handicapped, Mary Ronge
--Tai Chi for Arthritis and its Application to Addiction Recovery, Daniela Ostezan
--How Tai Chi for Health has helped the Singapore Community, Dr Lau Tang Ching and Gladys Tan
--Twilight Tai Chi – Modifying Tai Chi for Nursing Care Homes, Trevor Reynaert
--Humour, Laughter and Radiant Health, Bob McBrien
--The Ripple Effect, a follow up story of Tai Chi Advocates, Maree Lamb
--Building Comadarie and Connection, Robin Malby
--Working with the Handicapped, Mary Ronge
--Tai Chi for Arthritis and its Application to Addiction Recovery, Daniela Ostezan
--How Tai Chi for Health has helped the Singapore Community, Dr Lau Tang Ching and Gladys Tan
--Twilight Tai Chi – Modifying Tai Chi for Nursing Care Homes, Trevor Reynaert
--Humour, Laughter and Radiant Health, Bob McBrien
Click on the title above to read the articles, this linkto read all previous newsletters and here to subscribe.
The theme this month is “How does Tai Chi Benefit the Community?” Tai Chi is fast becoming a major force in the 
community worldwide. Arthritis Foundations over the world are proactively adopting, promoting and teaching our Tai Chi for Health programs. Different age care facilities, health centres, government bodies from State to National levels are promoting tai chi not only for health and wellness but to prevent falls, and relieve various chronic conditions.
community worldwide. Arthritis Foundations over the world are proactively adopting, promoting and teaching our Tai Chi for Health programs. Different age care facilities, health centres, government bodies from State to National levels are promoting tai chi not only for health and wellness but to prevent falls, and relieve various chronic conditions. Up to now, we estimate over 2 million people around the world have been touched by the Tai Chi for Health programs. This month we have presenters from individuals to organisations sharing their experiences from different perspectives; from using TCA to fall prevention, from overcoming different disabilities to improving health and wellness. I would love to hear from you, please click here to tell us how tai chi has impacted on you and your community.
Let me now take you to the polar opposite of tai chi, the area of showbiz. Twelve years ago as part of my effort to bring Tai Chi for Health to USA, a TV program in New York interviewed me and asked me to lead a group of people doing tai chi outside Madison Square Garden. I did not have any tai chi students in New York then, so I recruited my nephew, a Manhattan resident who had learned tai chi from me before. By chance I ran into an Australian student of mine, Janice Lai, with her son Ken, an aeronautic engineer but a passionate musician, who was about to begin a music composition course in Manhattan. Together with some of my nephew’s friends we staged TCA. That was Ken’s first experience appearing on TV. Now just the other day, 12 years later, I saw Ken and his friend Marcus on Australia’s SBS-TV talking about the dream of bringing their production “Angels” to Broadway, this time Ken is the star of the show! Read the heart warming story of their determination and perseverance. I wish them luck and success!
Two weeks ago I did a presentation and attended the 2nd Lifestyle Medicine Conference in Sydney. There were prominent scientists, doctors, exercise experts and teachers who presented evidence and studies on how important a healthy lifestyle in terms of healthy diet and regular activity can impact and effectively prevent chronic conditions, how this can give people a better quality of life and save a huge amount of health dollars. An interesting part of the conference was when Prof Garry Egger read a statement relating to healthy lifestyle and saving the environment. You can see and hear this statement online at the Lifestyle Medicine Association website.
prominent scientists, doctors, exercise experts and teachers who presented evidence and studies on how important a healthy lifestyle in terms of healthy diet and regular activity can impact and effectively prevent chronic conditions, how this can give people a better quality of life and save a huge amount of health dollars. An interesting part of the conference was when Prof Garry Egger read a statement relating to healthy lifestyle and saving the environment. You can see and hear this statement online at the Lifestyle Medicine Association website. I have received many enquiries about donating to the Suzanne McLauchlan Memorial Scholarship Fund. Thank you for your interest and generosity. Please click here to find details of the scholarship and how you can contribute.
Please note: The June one week workshop in Tacoma, WA, USA is now full. I would love to take everyone who wished to come, but in order to maintain the quality and the individualised and interactive environment; we have stopped taking registrations. If you are interested in attending future annual workshops either in Australia or USA please subscribe to the workshop notifying list. This way you will be notified as soon as a workshop becomes available to register. I look forward to seeing you in one of our workshops soon.
In this newsletter:
- Following Suzanne McLauchlan’s concept of bringing TCA to the Clermont community in Central Queensland, Maree Lamb shares with us how the workshop came to fruition and the enjoyment it brought to the participants.
- Robyn Malby found developing social gatherings for tai chi students gave them more meaning, that tai chi is not just an exercise class but a family with strong attachment and commitment to tai chi practice and their class.
- Mary Ronge hopes Sandy’s story will encourage others to work with those handicapped. That the highest form of tai chi is not in the moves the body makes, but when the energy or spirit flows.
- Daniela Ostezan discovered TCA is not only a versatile program which works well and offers health benefits for people with arthritis but can also aid the addiction recovery process.
- Singaporeans Dr Lau Tang Ching and Gladys Tan found other than having health benefits and social cohesion, tai chi promotes and fuses together a variety of people from different cultural backgrounds.
- Read the inspiring story of how Trevor was able to use his tai chi skills to create holistic movement and spread qi to age care residents. With encouragement they collectively interact, exercise and have fun...
This Month’s Special:
25% Discount on the Tai Chi for Health DVDs
When ordering please write in the 'Comment's Section code 0410SPHS.
25% Discount on the Tai Chi for Health DVDs
When ordering please write in the 'Comment's Section code 0410SPHS.
Limit one order per person. Click here for more information or to place your order.
Upcoming workshops: by Dr Paul Lam
May 8 - May 9, 2010. Singapore, Singapore
Tai Chi for Diabetes Instructor Training
May 8 - May 9, 2010. Singapore, Singapore
Tai Chi for Diabetes Instructor Training
May 22 - May 23, 2010. Singapore, Singapore
Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor Training
May 29 - May 30, 2010. Berg en Dal (bij Nijmegen), Netherlands
Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor Training
Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor Training
June 5 - June 6, 2010. Tacoma, WA, United States
Seated Tai Chi for Arthritis and Tai Chi @ Work Instructors Training
June 7 - June 12, 2010. Tacoma, WA, United States
One Week Tai Chi Workshop….Registrations now closed
July 15 - July 16, 2010. Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand
Tai Chi 4 Kidz Instructor Training
July 17 - July 18, 2010. Ponsonby, Auckland, New Zealand
Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
July 24 - July 25, 2010. Sydney, NSW, Australia
Tai Chi for Arthritis Instructor Training
July 24 - July 25, 2010. Sydney, NSW, Australia
Tai Chi for Diabetes Instructor Training
July 24 - July 25, 2010. Sydney, NSW, Australia
Tai Chi for Arthritis Part ll & Update
August 14 - August 15, 2010. Sydney, NSW, Australia
Exploring the Depth of Tai Chi for Arthritis
Many other workshops conducted by my authorised master trainers are listed in the Workshop Calendar.
Yours in Tai Chi,
Paul Lam, M.D.
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The Ripple Effect - a follow up story about Tai Chi Advocates
Maree Lamb, physiotherapist and TCA instructor, MacKay, QLD, Australia
In the September 2009 newsletter, MT Suzanne McLauchlan wrote an article called “Tai Chi Advocates are Great Ambassadors”. This program has since created further opportunities for more people to experience TCA - the ripple effect.
Psychologist Rebecca Cox, one of the health professionals who completed Suzanne’s TCA Advocates Program, is now a Health Promotions Officer in the isolated town of Clermont in Central Queensland. The population is about 2000 and people have to travel long distances to access some services. Rebecca’s survey for the Healthy Lifestyle Program identified tai chi as an activity that many residents wanted to try. When Suzanne was tragically killed in an accident in late 2009 she was about to embark on a project to introduce tai chi to the Clermont community. I am a physiotherapist and TCA Instructor and when Rebecca contacted me we were able to work together to make the workshop happen. Suzanne was my teacher and I knew she would approve. Greta Reidy (also one of Suzanne’s students and a TCA instructor) volunteered to come with me to assist with the running of the workshop and to be that very important “corner person” that we all rely on when we are beginners. Her practical help and planning skills were invaluable. Maree Chadwick, a Senior Trainer from Victoria, was also a great source of information and encouragement when I asked for advice on how to structure the program. The tai chi network was already working its magic.
Maree Lamb, physiotherapist and TCA instructor, MacKay, QLD, Australia
In the September 2009 newsletter, MT Suzanne McLauchlan wrote an article called “Tai Chi Advocates are Great
Ambassadors”. This program has since created further opportunities for more people to experience TCA - the ripple effect.Psychologist Rebecca Cox, one of the health professionals who completed Suzanne’s TCA Advocates Program, is now a Health Promotions Officer in the isolated town of Clermont in Central Queensland. The population is about 2000 and people have to travel long distances to access some services. Rebecca’s survey for the Healthy Lifestyle Program identified tai chi as an activity that many residents wanted to try. When Suzanne was tragically killed in an accident in late 2009 she was about to embark on a project to introduce tai chi to the Clermont community. I am a physiotherapist and TCA Instructor and when Rebecca contacted me we were able to work together to make the workshop happen. Suzanne was my teacher and I knew she would approve. Greta Reidy (also one of Suzanne’s students and a TCA instructor) volunteered to come with me to assist with the running of the workshop and to be that very important “corner person” that we all rely on when we are beginners. Her practical help and planning skills were invaluable. Maree Chadwick, a Senior Trainer from Victoria, was also a great source of information and encouragement when I asked for advice on how to structure the program. The tai chi network was already working its magic.
Rebecca had secured funding from a number of sources for an Introductory Weekend Workshop and for a further session a few weeks later. Our challenge was how to make the group self-sustaining when there was no trained leader to conduct weekly follow up classes. Some of the funding was therefore directed towards hiring a room for weekly practice sessions and providing Dr Lam’s DVDs to the local library for loan. Now we felt confident that a self-led practice group could meet to build on the skills they had learned.
I live in Mackay which is about 300 km from Clermont, so Rebecca facilitated the workshop locally by making the bookings, organising the catering and doing the advertising. Because she is a trained Tai Chi advocate, she was able to answer many of the questions that people had about the TCA program and its suitability for them. Her enthusiasm was infectious and the local people responded. After many emails and phone calls the first workshop was held in February 2010. More than 30 people took part over the 2 days. Their ages ranged from 10 to 85 years. Many travelled from surrounding properties to attend, some from over 100km away. As country people do, they shared transport and billeted friends. They are used to taking every opportunity to try new activities when given the chance to do so.
The group was introduced to the TCA form, some practice drills and the essential principles of weight shift and posture. A resource book was provided with articles from Dr Lam’s website, reminder notes, the Tai Chi Productions products pamphlet and a practice schedule to get the group started the following week on their own. Greta and I answered many good questions about the Tai Chi for Health programs. A couple of the participants expressed interest in becoming future leaders and we provided them with information on the process and offered some mentoring towards this goal.
The enjoyment on the faces of the participants was wonderful. The highlights were surely 85 year old Laura who, with a broad smile, thanked us for being able to try tai chi “before I got too old” and the hand drawn thank you card from 12 year old Bonnie showing the tai chi symbol and salute. Or maybe it was Bob, who was hoping the flood plain rivers would rise just enough to keep us in Clermont for a few more days so he could get that Single Whip just right.
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Building Comadarie and Connection
Robin Malby, Master Trainer, Concord, CA, USA
Robin Malby, Master Trainer, Concord, CA, USA
As a Master Trainer and tai chi instructor, I find the effort of developing social gatherings for tai chi students very worthwhile. Let me share with you the following story:
worthwhile. Let me share with you the following story: When I was a new tai chi instructor starting out, I taught a beginners’ course of TCA through a local adult education program and another beginner class at the senior center across town. I found it challenging to get my students beyond the first twelve movements due to the short sessions scheduled at both locations and the breaks in between. These factors always seemed to slow down our tai chi momentum and caused some students to drop out. Later the senior center director allowed me to lengthen my sessions which solved many of the problems, but before that was to occur, I had decided to rent space at a local dance studio and create an ongoing year round intermediate and advanced level TCA class. Interested students from both beginner classes who were ready and willing to pay just a little more, fed into this higher level class.
Originally there were fifteen students who made the leap. But I noticed they tended to clump together in a senior center group and an adult education group on opposite sides of the studio, and were not meshing. Part of the problem was solved when one of the students who lived near the dance studio invited the entire class to her home for a traditional Japanese lunch. I watched as class members sat at tables low to the ground and became comfortable enough to share their histories and personal stories over deliciously prepared food. Soon we discovered everyone had more things in common than only tai chi. Bonds were developed that day that were to grow strong and hold for weeks to come.
A few months later another student wanted to promote the lunch idea, so we all met at her daughter’s large home and held our class in the expansive backyard. It was the first time anyone had done tai chi outdoors, and the meditative silence and warmth of the sun brought everyone deeper. Suddenly tai chi seemed to hold more meaning. Sitting around a long barbecue table amongst flowering plants and trees, I asked everyone to share where they had been born and grew up. Two students were shocked to discover they were from the same far away city and state. It was now quite obvious we were no longer just an exercise class; we were a tai chi family.
A few months later another student wanted to promote the lunch idea, so we all met at her daughter’s large home and held our class in the expansive backyard. It was the first time anyone had done tai chi outdoors, and the meditative silence and warmth of the sun brought everyone deeper. Suddenly tai chi seemed to hold more meaning. Sitting around a long barbecue table amongst flowering plants and trees, I asked everyone to share where they had been born and grew up. Two students were shocked to discover they were from the same far away city and state. It was now quite obvious we were no longer just an exercise class; we were a tai chi family.
Inspired to keep this tai chi connection strong, I gave a tai chi barbecue with the help of my husband at my home the following summer. We made it potluck, and all students who attended contributed to the meal. By now I had several repeat beginner students and a second advanced class developing at the senior center so I invited them as well. We may have been a bit crowded amongst lawn tables and chairs, but because of the good food, wine, and camaraderie, no one minded. The barbeque has since become a twice yearly event. Students who attend develop very strong attachments to one another and become more committed to their tai chi practice and their class. My dropout rates are less and several of my students have been with me for many years. I look forward to my classes each week, because we have all become so connected and truly do move as one in spirit.
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Working with the Handicapped
Mary Ronge, TCA instructor, Brady's Bend, PA, USA
Mary Ronge, TCA instructor, Brady's Bend, PA, USA
I am writing this in hopes that Sandy’s story will encourage others to work with those handicapped beyond where they can be reasonably expected to master the form. Perhaps the highest form of tai chi is not in the moves the body makes, but when the energy or spirit flows.
For the last few years, I have been blessed to do massages for a woman who lives in a group home for the multiple challenged. During my weekly visits, I have gotten to know the other women who live there as well. When they learned that I teach tai chi, Sandy told me that, “they do that at my camp”, but added that she couldn’t participate. Sensing her desire to try, I asked permission of the staff to work with her.
It is a challenge for both of us. In addition to her mental challenges, Sandy has cerebral palsy and very limited eyesight. We mostly do qigong exercises and the opening three moves of TCA. Since she can’t see well enough to follow my moves, I coach her verbally and gently tap the leg or arm I want her to move. Some days I think I can see slight improvements in her range of motion or posture. While I continue to try to coax her to hold her head up, she is happy in her tai chi journey. I was moved to tears last summer when I received a postcard from her while she was at camp. It read, “I am happy because I did not fall getting off the bus this year.”
they can be reasonably expected to master the form. Perhaps the highest form of tai chi is not in the moves the body makes, but when the energy or spirit flows. For the last few years, I have been blessed to do massages for a woman who lives in a group home for the multiple challenged. During my weekly visits, I have gotten to know the other women who live there as well. When they learned that I teach tai chi, Sandy told me that, “they do that at my camp”, but added that she couldn’t participate. Sensing her desire to try, I asked permission of the staff to work with her.
It is a challenge for both of us. In addition to her mental challenges, Sandy has cerebral palsy and very limited eyesight. We mostly do qigong exercises and the opening three moves of TCA. Since she can’t see well enough to follow my moves, I coach her verbally and gently tap the leg or arm I want her to move. Some days I think I can see slight improvements in her range of motion or posture. While I continue to try to coax her to hold her head up, she is happy in her tai chi journey. I was moved to tears last summer when I received a postcard from her while she was at camp. It read, “I am happy because I did not fall getting off the bus this year.”
Wanting her to achieve her goal of doing “real tai chi”, I wrote to Dr. Lam, asking for pointers to teach her more effectively. His response, “when tai chi helps others, it is real”, pointed out that if Sandy enjoys it, her quality of life is raised. That made me think about what I get from tai chi. I love the flow of the movements, and the calmness that comes from synchronized breath, and it helps to calm those persistent monkeys in my mind. For Sandy Hoffman, tai chi is the joy derived from the attention of another person, the sense of accomplishment when I compliment her progress, and perhaps a slight improvement in balance and coordination. It is the joy of learning something that her peers do not know, and sharing her version of those moves with those she meets. Sandy often calls a new staff person in to watch our practice, and always puts forth a little more effort for a new audience.
While our practice may not include proper execution, it does involve sharing and love. Tai Chi has indeed improved her quality of life. With all of the limitations of her body and mind, Sandy has found the spirit of tai chi!
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Tai Chi for Arthiritis and its Application to Addiction Recovery
Daniela Ostezan, TCA Instructor, Lake Orion, MI, USA
Daniela Ostezan, TCA Instructor, Lake Orion, MI, USA
TCA is a versatile program that works well and offers health benefits for people with arthritis and can also aid in the addiction recovery process.
addiction recovery process. A peaceful and calm atmosphere surrounds you, as the tai chi class begins and you are listening to the music, starting the gentle warm up and stretching exercises. Immersing ourselves in a relaxed state is, for some of us, a fact that we are embracing every time. Now, imagine being a resentful, misunderstood alcoholic, and finding yourself in a TCA class, as part of your recovery path.
If the liquid that you are drinking is produced by fermenting starch and sugar in fruits and grains, then you are drinking alcohol. Add the distillation process (discovered in 12th century) and the alcoholic content is highly increased. You may have an alcoholic addiction if you are craving it, can’t control its use and continue to use it despite its negative consequences.
Starting the addiction recovery journey is not a simple or easy route. I am fortunate enough to teach tai chi as part of such a program. Most of my students are over age 50. What I have learned is that Tai Chi for Arthritis fits into their life style with physical limitations and chronic illnesses. As we continue with our lessons, health benefits emerge like strength, flexibility and balance. In the beginning it’s about the physical aspect of TCA. Like most of us, it’ about learning and remembering the sequences of the form. Days are followed by weeks where shifting the weight from one foot to the other requires a need for mental and emotional change. This moment is what every teacher yearns for, when the student’s body and mind are one.
How about learning and performing TCA when you are not a disciplined person? Did you know that alcoholics have no defence and nonexistent will power against the drink? Or that the alcohol affects their breathing rate and controls their mind? Can you imagine someone more in need of tai chi?
Tai Chi was used successfully in the past (from the 1700s) in China as part of the addiction treatment. Its benefits were a strong and positive effect on nervous system and improvement of the physical condition of the patients. In order to “fill the form” it is required that the mind is free of distraction, uninterrupted movements, accompanied by natural breathing.
Once in recovery, these students determination is hard to describe. The beauty of using TCA as part of the recovery program is because of body and mind connection. The movements are coordinated throughout the exercise period, with legs as the base, the waist as the axis, and where hands and eyes are necessary for the body to perform in a constant motion. Waving in the Clouds gives a tranquil feeling while the body is balanced and steady. Open and Close movements are well coordinated through the form where breathing is deep and even. Can you see the satisfaction of performing “Parry and Punch” followed by “Pushing the Mountain” fuelled by a painful memory? As the students depart from anger and frustration, they take to their heart that defensive approach (not aggression) which brings greater results. The mind becomes alert and also tranquil with consciousness commanding the body. Weeks are followed by months were TCA is a combination of training for quality movements, breathing and one’s will.
Maybe the sound of music quiets down a restless mind, maybe the strength from embracing the tiger and pushing the mountain will open new opportunities, maybe it’s just another day in their recovery journey, but I know that tai chi struck a cord with these special people. It is exciting and rewarding to see the students advance, discovering the benefits of such an ancient art. TCA is a tool and a resource that could be used in their future endeavours.
Recovering from alcohol addiction and mastering sobriety is a big accomplishment. Addiction recovery returns people back to society stronger and more willing to help others than ever. We are thankful that TCA can be part of addiction recovery and healing process.
Recovering from alcohol addiction and mastering sobriety is a big accomplishment. Addiction recovery returns people back to society stronger and more willing to help others than ever. We are thankful that TCA can be part of addiction recovery and healing process.
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Dr Lau Tang Ching and Gladys Tan, Master Trainers, Singapore
Dr Lau Ting
Dr Lau is currently working as a Consultant Rheumatologist in the Division of Rheumatology in the National University Hospital of Singapore. He is currently the president of the Osteoporosis Society (Singapore) and the vice-chairman of the National Arthritis Foundation. As there is evidence in medical literature that taichi for health exercises are proven to improve joint pain and function, prevent falls and osteoporosis, Dr Lau has also helped to promote this exercise for the benefit of older people in Singapore.
The Tai Chi for Health program in Singapore was started in September 2007 when Dr Paul Lam first visited Singapore. He conducted the very first Tai Chi for Arthritis instructor workshop under the auspice of the National Arthritis Foundation (Singapore) on the 2nd and 3rd of the same month. This was followed by a Tai Chi for Osteoporosis workshop in May 2008 under the auspice of the National Healthcare Group. The program initially had a slow start, as many of the instructors were allied health professionals and doctors who were only able to conduct a few Tai Chi for Health classes in Singapore due to their heavy work commitment. In addition, venues for classes were not easy to come by due to shortage of funds.
Dr Lau is currently working as a Consultant Rheumatologist in the Division of Rheumatology in the National
University Hospital of Singapore. He is currently the president of the Osteoporosis Society (Singapore) and the vice-chairman of the National Arthritis Foundation. As there is evidence in medical literature that taichi for health exercises are proven to improve joint pain and function, prevent falls and osteoporosis, Dr Lau has also helped to promote this exercise for the benefit of older people in Singapore. The Tai Chi for Health program in Singapore was started in September 2007 when Dr Paul Lam first visited Singapore. He conducted the very first Tai Chi for Arthritis instructor workshop under the auspice of the National Arthritis Foundation (Singapore) on the 2nd and 3rd of the same month. This was followed by a Tai Chi for Osteoporosis workshop in May 2008 under the auspice of the National Healthcare Group. The program initially had a slow start, as many of the instructors were allied health professionals and doctors who were only able to conduct a few Tai Chi for Health classes in Singapore due to their heavy work commitment. In addition, venues for classes were not easy to come by due to shortage of funds.
Fortunately, the turning point came about in May 2009, when the National Arthritis Foundation, the Council for Third age (C3A), and the People’s Association (PA) managed to collaborate to conduct a Tai Chi for Osteoporosis workshop for more than 70 traditional Tai chi trainers in May and September of 2009. We also managed to secure funding from C3A to conduct workshops and subsidise tai chi classes for participants. With the help of two very talented and committed Tai Chi for Health instructors, Ms Gladys Tan and Ms Jennifer Yuen, we managed to engage many of the traditional tai chi trainers to teach the Tai Chi for Health program. Many of these trainers found Dr Lam’s modified workout friendly and accessible to beginners.
This collaboration resulted in the successful launch of a special series of “Tai Chi for Health” courses in Singapore since August 2009. Most Singaporeans have heard of tai chi as a good way to help improve one’s physical and mental well-being. But these courses have been specially designed to offer added benefits of helping one cope with common chronic conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis and falls prevention. We have plans to start many “Tai Chi for Health” courses at Community Clubs (CCs) and Residents’ Committees (RCs) centres to raise the interest and participation of residents of all ethnicities and ages in this exercise. More than 30 courses are already completed, with more than 100 to be started in the next few months.
This collaboration resulted in the successful launch of a special series of “Tai Chi for Health” courses in Singapore since August 2009. Most Singaporeans have heard of tai chi as a good way to help improve one’s physical and mental well-being. But these courses have been specially designed to offer added benefits of helping one cope with common chronic conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis and falls prevention. We have plans to start many “Tai Chi for Health” courses at Community Clubs (CCs) and Residents’ Committees (RCs) centres to raise the interest and participation of residents of all ethnicities and ages in this exercise. More than 30 courses are already completed, with more than 100 to be started in the next few months.
Younger people were also looking to tai chi for its health benefits. 39-year old participant, Felicia Lin, who suffers discomfort in her knees, was enthused about her increased energy level after attending the classes. Participants also came from other ethnic groups. Mdm Janosvathy, a 76-year old Indian lady was one of them. She was recommended by her doctor to exercise due to her high blood pressure and found the gentle workout extremely enjoyable.
Through the Tai Chi for Health program, we hope to open up many opportunities for Singapore residents to make friends whilst exercising their way to better health. This would also help to improve their social and emotional health and wellbeing.
Gladys Tan
It has been a fulfilling job as a tai chi trainer of 5 years, especially when I see my students grasping the skills of tai chi as a form of exercise. It is however, an even greater fulfilment when I started teaching the Tai Chi for Health program a year ago and witnessed the improvement of my student’s health. Since the start of the program, I have an increasing number of students who are older with mobility difficulties, as well as beginners who are attracted by the name of the program. Some of them tried tai chi before but gave up due to its difficulty and complexity. However, with the program, they are able to enjoy and learn tai chi, and improve their health while doing so. This is an encouraging sign especially in our aging society.
I teach tai chi in community centres which are under a government body name People’s Association (PA), the mission of PA is to promote national unity and social cohesion by bringing people together and bridging communities; that is our mission as a trainer too. Other than bringing the health benefits to people, we bring people who share the same interest together. We organize and plan programs and activities to foster new friendships and create stronger bonds. Participants are encouraged to bring their family members to attend some of the event as a way to enhance their family bonding too.
Activities include festive celebrations e.g. lunar new year and mid-autumn day; educational tour; morning exercise at parks or beaches; retreat workshops, and tai chi demonstration events for student to showcase their skills with invited guest from other community centres to present different form of tai chi as an exchange program.
There are also interest groups led by dedicated and passionate leaders who organize regular group practices. Cross-interest group are formed too as people have different hobbies like cooking, handicraft which they can share with others.
Singapore is a multiracial society, and Tai Chi for Health program attracts people from other race. I have students from all ethnic backgrounds who are fascinated by the tai chi form. As you can see, other than having health benefits and social cohesion, tai chi promotes and fuses together a variety of people of different cultural backgrounds. Tai Chi indeed does not only benefit the individual, but also the community.
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(inspired by all my friends at Hazelhurst Nursing Home)
Trevor Reynaert, TCA Instructor, Gloucestshire, UK
Trevor Reynaert, TCA Instructor, Gloucestshire, UK
Trevor Reynaert has travelled the world as an engineering trainer and technical writer, and has practised TC for well over 20 years years. After initially certifying as a TCA instructor in 2001, he now combines his professional career with teaching TC to all ages and abilities in West Gloucestershire, UK.
During 2008 my 86 year old mother with mild dementia suffered a severe stroke which necessitated her having to move into a residential nursing care home. Hearing that I had run tai chi sessions for arthritis for people with general age-related frailty in other residential homes, I was asked if I could adapt anything to provide movement and exercise for their residents, the majority of whom were chair-bound with varying degrees of dementia, often compounded by stroke or Parkinson's.
move into a residential nursing care home. Hearing that I had run tai chi sessions for arthritis for people with general age-related frailty in other residential homes, I was asked if I could adapt anything to provide movement and exercise for their residents, the majority of whom were chair-bound with varying degrees of dementia, often compounded by stroke or Parkinson's. The challenge was set – could I adapt form for them? Meeting the residents I soon realised that in order to stimulate an hour or so of interest and fun, whatever we did must create attention and encouragement to each individually, yet enable them to work together as a group. Daunting though this seemed, after much thought and deliberation I decided to give it a try using an approach inspired by Dr Paul Lam’s Tai Chi for Kidz program.
The day arrived to start, and for me to become an extrovert with spontaneous unscripted “one-liners” to maintain the fun! Everyone is sitting around the room with me and as many helpers as I can muster in the centre so that we can interact with everyone. We turn on the music and the show begins. Using a mixture of Paul's warm-up movements, conventional form movements and qigong, it's “follow me” time - the only difference being that each movement is described in a fun way relating them to animals or everyday familiar actions.
We start as monkeys dangling arms to hang loose, then after circling arms upwards a few times to pull down the warm sun above, we look sideways at our faces in a "mirror" held in our hand (mine's the ugly one). Reaching up with each arm “picking apples (or B....'s fruit choice of the day) and putting them in a basket” we then “push the tree” a few times to dislodge the last one.
Using this concept we have developed dozens of other “modified” movements. Dragon “washes his face”, then we pick up a towel to "dry the face" (recognisable as TCA warm up #1), further exercising neck, shoulder and arms. D.... loves "stroking the birds tail" then being a "bear" (rolling punch), and opening arms to "brush away bees" before kicking over the bee hive to get at the honey. M..... loves drawing a bow to "shoot an arrow" at me. Everyone has their favourite.
To purists this may not seem like conventional tai chi, but I soon found that the technique has enabled the majority to remember and relate to at least one action. Even those with little or no retention start to join in and copy gentle movement, especially when encouraged a little. Many minds were working together. Everyone's movement varies and often may not resemble mine – but they are joining in. Those with limited movement caused by a stroke are encouraged by helpers to move the affected limbs as much as possible and the lady with Parkinson's specifically encouraged by the simple, gentle 5 element qigong movements.
Kicks are supplemented by a seated “golden cockerel standing on one leg” (cock-a-doodle-do shouts someone); again this stimulates holistic coordinated movement, as does “stroking the birds tail”. “Tying the coat” throws a custard pie into a neighbours face, and gently moves shoulders, elbows and wrists. Sun style “yin and yang rolls into one”, stimulates wrist movement and mental activity. To resident-led chants of “up the wall, along the roof, etc.", we draw a picture of a house in the air as we perform Sun style “cloud hands”.
Early on in the program I demonstrated fan form for added interest. Everyone loved it, the opening crack, the graceful movement. Soon we had purchased fans for everyone. With a salute and bow, V.... and her friends open the fan with a synchronisation that would be the envy of my regular class, stimulating wrist action. Folding movements, figures of eight, closed upwards and downward thrusts, all extend the already extensive movement range of the hand forms, and adds achievement and interest.
The best part of a session is towards the end. By now most have joined in. It's time for some real tai chi. We all salute and helpers Jools and Rosemary join me in a conventional form, (TCA, TCD, even Sun 73) - one difference though - I call out the form using the terms that everyone knows. To the amazement of visitors and those passing the door, the whole room is doing coordinated tai chi in their own adapted differing ways. They are exercising, having fun and interacting.
Sessions can be tinged with sadness when a familiar face is no longer with us, but their place is soon taken by another, confused and uncertain at first, but very soon to become part of the fun. What started out as a daunting experiment that is definitely hard work to lead has proved so wonderfully rewarding for the 20 or so residents who join in and for those of us helping them. If anyone who teaches tai chi has the opportunity to try it, don't be put off when presented with a roomful of people in the twilight of their lives, sitting staring at each other. Use your tai chi skills to create holistic movement, spread chi, and with encouragement they will collectively interact. Even those towards the bottom of the dementia score will still usually show enjoyment.
Sadly my mother passed away soon after we started, but was there for my first session. She had spent her life helping those less fortunate than herself and I'm sure that now she is looking down with approval on the legacy that her unfortunate illness has inadvertently created.
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Humour, Laughter and Radiant Health
Dr Bob McBrien, Salisbury, MD, USA
Dr Bob McBrien, Salisbury, MD, USA
Laughter as good medicine is being reported in research and the evidence for humor's health benefits is piling up. Added to research on the benefits to the cardiovascular system is a report from Japanese scientists showing that laughter reduces glucose levels in people with diabetes. As I make plans for my trip to the June workshop in Tacoma I have located some bits of wit found at restaurants and other eating establishments. Perhaps as readers stop for a meal while travelling they may discover a few more items that help them exercise our laugh muscles. I welcome additions to the following:
Added to research on the benefits to the cardiovascular system is a report from Japanese scientists showing that laughter reduces glucose levels in people with diabetes. As I make plans for my trip to the June workshop in Tacoma I have located some bits of wit found at restaurants and other eating establishments. Perhaps as readers stop for a meal while travelling they may discover a few more items that help them exercise our laugh muscles. I welcome additions to the following: On the menu
- Ham and Cheese - $2.50. Cheese and Ham - $2.90."
- Our whipped butter is made with margarine."
Signs in restaurant windows
- Open seven days a week. Closed Sundays."
- “Parking for drive-through customers only."
- “Hot drinks to take out or sit in."
- “Eat here or we will both starve"
Questions asked their server
- “How many pieces are in the eight piece chicken deal?"
- “How much is the $1.99 popcorn chicken?"
- "Is the honey mustard sauce sweet?"
- "Does your ice cream contain dairy products?"
- “Is there any meat in the veggie rolls?"
- “Do you get rice with your fried rice?"
- "What's the difference between the 1/4 pounder and the 1/3 pounder?"
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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.
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.
Ask Dr Lam - you can ask me anything about tai chi here.
