Taoist Tai Chi for health and well-being

By Donna Stuart

The fast-paced yet sedentary nature of modern life often results in stress and lack of sufficient physical activity. Many thousands of individuals have found the massage-like movements of Taoist Tai Chi to be an effective therapy for a wide range of health problems including poor circulation, headaches, high blood pressure, arthritis, back pain, breathing difficulties, digestive and nervous disorders as well as a way to release worry and stress. Following the principles of Taoist "internal alchemy," the goal of Taoist Tai Chi is to return the body and mind to their original pure and healthy state. Emphasis is put on being kind, generous and helpful to others and releasing one's own stress and worries. Taoist Tai Chi has been described as a form of "meditation in motion" where the continuity of its movements, combined with the devotion of one's undivided attention, heal and revitalize both the body and mind. Taoist Tai Chi is suitable for people of all ages and health conditions. You do not need to be in top shape to start. It is a "no impact" exercise so there is very little risk of jarring, sprains or other injuries. Still, the slow, controlled Tai Chi moves provide a surprisingly good physical workout. This form of tai chi has an extra degree of stretching and turning in each movement, placing the emphasis on health improvement. With diligent practice, it produces a profound effect on all systems of the body by reducing tension, improving circulation and increasing strength and flexibility. By restoring proper circulation and relieving tension in the muscles, ligaments and tendons, Taoist Tai Chi helps optimize the functioning of the body, restoring health and maintaining the proper functioning of all systems, organs and tissues. In time, Taoist Tai Chi becomes an internal art that penetrates deeper than just the muscles to benefit the entire physiology of the body.Health recovery through tai chiAt the Taoist Tai Chi Societys International Health Recovery Centre near Toronto, Canada, those with significant health problems have the opportunity to improve their health through a program of focused and intensive practice of Taoist Tai Chi in a supportive, calm and healthy environment. In Canada, Taoist Tai Chi is widely recognized as an effective therapy for multiple sclerosis, while in Australia the practice has been written up in the national journal of diabetes. According to Dr Bruce McFarlane, medical director of the International Health Recovery Centre, The diabetic practicing Taoist Tai Chi will experience the same benefits the rest of us do improved balance and flexibility, increased aerobic capacity and a slowing of the loss of muscle strength seen with aging. In addition, for people with diabetes in particular, Tai Chi helps to achieve and maintain an ideal body weight, a goal not easily achieved by the person with adult-onset diabetes. It also helps to improve control of elevated blood sugar levels.According to Dr. McFarlane, there are a number of other benefits as well. These include: cardiovascular benefits of a decrease in the level of low density (so-called bad) cholesterol and an increase in the level of high density (good) cholesterol; a normalizing effect on blood pressure, which is another risk factor (like diabetes) for stroke, kidney and heart disease; and improvements in mood and reduced risk of depression. New classes to start in North Conway April 3 and 6The local New England branch of the Taoist Chi Society USA, has been offering classes at the Eastern Slope Plaza in North Conway and at Purity Spring in East Madison for over nearly two decades. In 2005, a center was also opened in Bridgton, Maine.According to Jodie Neal, president of the branch, Its our goal to make Taoist Tai Chi available to all area residents. We encourage everyone whos interested, no matter their age or physical abilities, to join us. A series of new beginners classes in Taoist Tai Chi will be offered on Mondays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in North Conway beginning Monday, April 3, and Thursday, April 6. Students may attend either one or both classes each week. In addition, a health recovery class for those with specific health issues is offered on Saturday mornings.For more information on classes, call the Taoist Tai Chi Society in North Conway at 356-5581. For more information on Taoist Tai Chi, visit www.taoist.org.Donna Stuart is with New England branch of Taoist Tai Chi Society USA.