Tai Chi for Back Pain


Book Description

Tai chi for back pain and also for wheelchair bound and other chronic conditions. A program of 8 lessons.




The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi


Book Description

A longtime teacher and Harvard researcher presents the latest science on the benefits of T’ai Chi as well as a practical daily program for practitioners of all ages Conventional medical science on the Chinese art of T’ai Chi now shows what T’ai Chi masters have known for centuries: regular practice leads to more vigor and flexibility, better balance and mobility, and a sense of well-being. Cutting-edge research from Harvard Medical School also supports the long-standing claims that T’ai Chi also has a beneficial impact on the health of the heart, bones, nerves and muscles, immune system, and the mind. This research provides fascinating insight into the underlying physiological mechanisms that explain how T’ai Chi actually works. Dr. Peter M. Wayne, a longtime T’ai Chi teacher and a researcher at Harvard Medical School, developed and tested protocols similar to the simplified program he includes in this book, which is suited to people of all ages, and can be done in just a few minutes a day. This book includes: • The basic program, illustrated by more than 50 photographs • Practical tips for integrating T’ai Chi into everyday activities • An introduction to the traditional principles of T’ai Chi • Up-to-date summaries of the research on the health benefits of T’ai Chi • How T’ai Chi can enhance work productivity, creativity, and sports performance • And much more




Tai Chi Fundamentals


Book Description

This program & accompanying manual teach the T'ai Chi Fundamentals Program. This unique program provides a systematic approach for mastering T'ai Chi basics. An analysis of the movements as well as their clinical applications & functional benefits are provided buy a physical therapist. It is designed for healthcare professionals seeking complementary mind/body exercises for their patients.




Tai Chi Wu Style


Book Description

A guide to the internal martial arts exercises of short-form Wu-Style Tai Chi • Details the 8 core forms of Wu-Style Tai Chi with fully illustrated instructions • Ideal for older practitioners as well as those with health disabilities due to the “small frame” primary stance, slower and smaller movements, and conservation of energy • Explains how Wu Style provides a natural introduction to martial arts boxing • Reveals how Wu Style eases stiffness, relieves back pain, and reduces abdominal fat Following the flow of chi energy, rather than directing it as in traditional Tai Chi, Wu-Style Tai Chi focuses on internal development, seeking to conserve chi energy and gather jin power from the Earth through the tan tien. Centered on a “small frame” stance--that is, feet closer together and arms closer to the body--and a slower progression of movements in solo practice, Wu Style offers a gentle Tai Chi form for beginners and, when practiced with a partner, a grounding introduction to martial arts boxing and Fa Jin (the discharge of energy for self-defense). The more functional stance, smaller movements, and conservation of internal energy make Wu-Style Tai Chi ideal for older practitioners as well as those with health disabilities. Condensing the 37 movements of Wu Style into 8 core forms, Master Mantak Chia and Andrew Jan illustrate how to build a personal short-form Wu-Style Tai Chi practice. They explain how Wu-Style Tai Chi removes energetic blockages and helps to elongate the tendons, reducing stiffness and allowing the limbs to return to their natural length and full range of motion. Regular practice of Wu Style relieves back pain as well as reducing abdominal fat, the biggest hindrance to longevity. Exploring the martial arts applications of Wu Style, the authors trace its history beginning with founder Wu Chuan-Yu (1834-1902) as well as explain how to apply Wu Style to “Push Hands” (Tui Shou) and Fa Jin. Through mastering the short-form Wu Style detailed in this book, Tai Chi practitioners harness a broad range of health benefits as well as build a solid foundation for learning the complete long-form Wu Style.




Seated Taiji and Qigong


Book Description

Practising Taiji and Qigong is the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern life and a great way to stay healthy. Now caring professionals can help those with limited mobility to experience the benefits of Taiji and Qigong with this easy-to-follow guide. Covering everything caregivers need to know about Taiji and Qigong, this illustrated guide provides an explanatory introduction to these forms of exercises and shows how to build up a program from easy steps to more challenging ones. There are exercises to stimulate every part of the body, with variations to suit the patient's needs and preferences. All the movements are adapted from the same ancient principles guiding classic Taiji and Qigong and will help strengthen the body as well as provide contemplative relaxation. This book will show occupational therapists, physical therapists, nurses, activity directors, mental health practitioners, martial arts instructors, and anyone else working with people with physical disabilities and the elderly exactly how these simple techniques can make big improvements to a person's physical and mental wellbeing.




Crooked


Book Description

The acclaimed author of Carved in Sand—a veteran investigative journalist who endured persistent back pain for decades—delivers the definitive book on the subject: an essential examination of all facets of the back pain industry, exploring what works, what doesn't, what may cause harm, and how to get on the road to recovery. In her effort to manage her chronic back pain, investigative reporter Cathryn Jakobson Ramin spent years and a small fortune on a panoply of treatments. But her discomfort only intensified, leaving her feeling frustrated and perplexed. As she searched for better solutions, she exposed a much bigger problem. Costing roughly $100 billion a year, spine medicine—often ineffective and sometimes harmful —exemplified the worst aspects of the U.S. health care system. The result of six years of intensive investigation, Crooked offers a startling look at the poorly identified risks of spine medicine, and provides practical advice and solutions. Ramin interviewed scores of spine surgeons, pain management doctors, physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, exercise physiologists, physical therapists, chiropractors, specialized bodywork practitioners. She met with many patients whose pain and desperation led them to make life-altering decisions, and with others who triumphed over their limitations. The result is a brilliant and comprehensive book that is not only important but essential to millions of back pain sufferers, and all types of health care professionals. Ramin shatters assumptions about surgery, chiropractic methods, physical therapy, spinal injections and painkillers, and addresses evidence-based rehabilitation options—showing, in detail, how to avoid therapeutic dead ends, while saving money, time, and considerable anguish. With Crooked, she reveals what it takes to outwit the back pain industry and get on the road to recovery.




Tai Chi


Book Description

Master teacher Paul Lam distills twenty-four popular forms into six to offer a tai chi workout for all students, including three qi gong exercises.




Overcoming Arthritis


Book Description

A unique plan that shows you how to relive arthritis pain and restore your mobility. After being diagnosed with osteoarthritis and bringing his symptoms under control through tai chi, Dr. Paul Lam created a complete program to help others lead a more active, pain-free life. Used to treat arthritis in China, tai chi helps open up joint movement and increase muscle strength. Explaining how to use a simple-to-follow 12-step program to relieve symptoms of pain and stiffness, Overcoming Arthritis is an essential reference for anyone with arthritis who is interested in enjoying a better quality of life. Clear, full-color photographs walk you through each movement. Exercises can be adapted for people in wheelchairs or for those with limited mobility.




Sunset Tai Chi


Book Description

A comprehensive introduction to using Tai Chi for stress relief. Uses restorative poses from yoga, and purifying movements and meditations from qigong, followed by the tai chi stances, drills, and a short Sunset Tai Cgi form that can be practiced sitting or standing. This mind/body program teaches you to calm down and recuperate from the stress of the day, preventing stress-related illness. Learn to use the energy of the setting sun to release impurities and tension.




Teaching Tai Chi Effectively


Book Description

Dr Paul Lam, Family Physician and Tai Chi Master combined his traditional tai chi training with scientific research to develop a unique teaching system that will help teachers become more effective and help students enjoy and improve their tai chi. Using real life examples to illustrate his ideas, Dr Lam analyses what makes an effective teacher, what to look for in a teacher and how to find a teacher for the individual learning styles. He describes the easy to learn teaching system," Stepwise Progressive Teaching Method," t; That he has developed over the last 20 years, gives practical advice on how to format tai chi classes as well as how to teach tai chi safely. Many tai chi books have been written, but never has a Tai Chi Master written a book on how to teach Tai Chi; this is a first for the tai chi world and should be read by teacher and student alike !