Our instructor showed us one evening, an article written by Jessica Jaganathan (
email: jessicaj@sph.com.sg) from
The Straits Times, August 29, 2007, titled
"Unleash taiji's healing power".
After reading the article, I learnt that Tai Chi /
Taiji helps patients with their joint problems too. Here's my own summary extracted from the article:
Examples of people who benefited from practicing Taiji
Mdm Phang Kim Eng, a former social welfare worker who was then a 74 year old retiree, had arthritic knee that was so bad that she found even picking up something from the floor was so strenuous that she couldn't do it. Her doctor warned her she would need knee replacement surgery. Her friend recommended to her Taiji. After 2 years of diligent practice, the pain of her osteoarthritis had improved so much that surgery was no longer needed.
Mrs Margaret Lee Soo Yeh, 59, used to find walking to be a strain because of a childhood problem with her knee. After Taiji, she went on a trekking expedition to Bukit Terisek in Pahang, Malaysia. She said the hike up the mountain was not easy but she had managed it, and she definitely couldn't have before Taiji.
What is Osteoarthristis and Osteoporosis?
Osteoarthristis, a degenerative disease resulting from the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage;
Osteoporosis, a disease which makes bones fragile
Brief description about Taiji
Taiji combined deep breathing with mental concentration, was designed to exercise the body, mind and spirit. Its different styles range from slow movements to explosive jumping, kicking and punching.
As people move through the various postures, they are working on muscles, focusing concentration, according to Chinese beliefs, aiding the flow of
qi, a positive energy sustaining health.
What do the professionals and experts say?
Although medical experts may not subscribe to
qi, they agree
Taiji itself provides many health benefits.
Doctors and therapists said
Taiji is beneficial for patients suffering from bone and joint diseases.
Studies have shown
Taiji is beneficial for people with Osteoarthirits, Osteoporosis and for preventing fall.
Dr Lau Tang Ching, a consultant at the department of rheumatology at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and vice-chairman of the National Arthritis Foundation said that for osteoarthritis,
Taiji strengthened the muscles around joints, preventing further damage to the cartilage and joint. It also moved the joints over their physiological range and therefore helped to prevent stiffness.
Dr Lydia Au, a consultant at the geriatrics department of Alexandra Hospital, said that apart from helping arthritic patients,
taiji also improves balance in the elderly and those with balance disorders.
Rennie Chong, a
taiji instructor and registered acupuncturist said the basis of
taiji is to ground oneself. In his first lesson with students, he would make them stand, squat and walk to see if they are placing unnecessary strain on their knees, which would lead to pain in old age.
Taiji for Health Programmes
The National Arthritis Foundation brought in Dr Paul Lam, a Sydney-based family physician and
taiji master. They had conducted a 2-day instructor's workshop where about 30 health-care porfessionals and interested parties had learnt to use
taiji for arthritis. Dr Paul Lam simplified some of the complex movements to create the Taiji For Health programme.
The above was a summary of what I'd read from the article.
I find Dr Paul Lam has produced a
Tai Chi For Arthritis DVD
for people who wish to learn . It's available at Amazon.com. Please click on the following link to find out more about this DVD
.
, to prevent thrombosis, fatigue and improve flexibility for people who sit for a long period of time. 
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