T’ai Chi for Arthritis & Back Pain

Dr Paul Lam has produced a modified version of the Sun form to aid the treatment of back pain and arthritis.  We are trained instructors for this form and use it as an introductory form for all our classes.

 

View our article “How T’ai Chi helps with Arthritis”

A  study published in the September 2003 issue of “The Journal of Rheumatology” shows T’ai Chi

improves arthritis. Arthritis is the No. 1 cause of disability. It is now a national health priority, according to the president of the Arthritis Foundation of Australia, Ita Buttrose. The overall financial cost of arthritis to business is around $9 billion annually. A newly published study has shown that the low-tech and low-cost ancient art of T’ai Chi improves the condition by 29-35% within three months. Conducted by three Korean professors and a Sydney general practitioner with the collaboration of two universities and one major hospital, it is the largest randomised study of its kind. Based on the 12 forms of Sun-style T’ai Chi (created by Dr Paul Lam and a team of T’ai Chi and medical experts), the study found that after only 12 weeks, the arthritic symptoms, balance, and physical functioning of older women with OA were greatly improved. The study has shown that after three months, patients have 35% less pain, 29% less stiffness, 29% more ability to perform daily tasks (like climbing stairs), as well as improved abdominal muscles and better balance.

View the study published in the September 2003 issue of “The Journal of Rheumatology.”  

The Arthritis Foundation of Australia has stated that arthritis affects more than 16.5% of Australians. This is probably too low in view of the first US state-by-state survey of arthritis and chronic joint symptoms from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, October 2002. It shows that one in three American adults are affected.

Arthritis, MS  & Diabetes

T’ai Chi for Diabetes

Dr Paul Lam has produced a modified version of the Sun and Yang style  forms specifically to aid and help prevent the onset of Diabetes. Trevor is a trained instructor for this form.

 

View our article “How T’ai Chi helps with Diabetes”

Supported by Diabetes Australia, the form is designed to help prevent and improve the control of diabetes by providing the progressive exercises that are desirable for people with this illness. The gently increasing physical activities stimulates cellular uptake of glucose and relaxation and generally improves the cardio-vascular system. This enhances Qi (life energy), which according to traditional Chinese medicine will help control diabetes.

This program can also be used for general fitness and health. It is suitable for people with no prior knowledge of Tai Chi, and is safe and easy to learn.

Dr Paul has worked with the University of New South Wales on a study to show how Tai Chi for Diabetes improves glucose control. This study was published by Australian Family Physician's Journal October 2008.       Click here to see the story  on the University  of NSW YouTube postings.

T’ai Chi for MS

T’ai Chi is therefore a valuable aid for those with MS.  Dr Paul Lam’s T’ai Chi for Arthritis program, seated or standing, together with Qi Gong has proven success as a gentle exercise routine for those with MS.

 

View our article “How T’ai Chi helps with MS”

 

T’ai Chi exercises are easily adapted for sitting, standing or walking, to increase body awareness by con­trolling balance, keeping the body aligned, and when moving backwards, forwards, or sideways, how to touch down first. Moving with the mindful intention to control, Tai Chi exercises provide practice to consciously transfer the body weight forward and back without loss of body alignment.