Starfarm Tai Chi & Qigong

Laddie Trains for Intermediate Level Chinese Yoga

admin — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:36:41 +0000

OCT 16 2009 Albany New York

With nearly 100 people from around the country in attendence, Jiang, Jian-ye (Grandmaster) introduced The intermediate level of Chinese Yoga with Healing Qi, during a Saturday Workshop held at his Albany, New York studio. Starfarm’s Laddie Sacharko was in attendence, shown in photo.

Laddie Sacharko Attends HPA training for instructors, Chinese Yoga Intermediate level. Laddie is 3rd from right, second row.

An Intermediate Level class is planned for January 2010 at Thompson, where about 20 people have been practicing the beginner’s level. Watch for details! Check Here

2 New Tai Chi Classes Added at Mansfield Senior Center

admin — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:28:18 +0000

November 7th, 2009

Due to overwhelming registrations, two new classes have been schedule to accommodate the demand for Tai Chi classes at the Mansfield senior center:

Wednesday mornings, immediately following the 9:15-10:15 AM, class, another one hour session is added, and will begin the week following the Veteran’s Day closing of the center.
Beginning Wednesday,Nov 18th, 10:15-11:15 Tai Chi for Seniors.

Beginning in December, a new Tai Chi for Seniors session commences on Thursday mornings, 9:00-10:00.

You must register in advance, these classes filled fast, and class size is limited to 14 people. Persons under 55 may register, priority will be given to persons 55 and older. Call the Senior Center at 860 423-0262.

Older people with knee pain may get help from tai chi

admin — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:46:25 +0000

October 30, 2009 | 6:00 am

Knee pain from osteoarthritis is a common and often chronic ailment for older people. But a new study finds that practicing tai chi exercises may not only reduce osteoarthritis pain, but improve function as well.

Tai chi is a Chinese martial art with a mind-body connection that emphasizes flexibility, balance and strength. Tai chi has been used in a number of research studies because of its health benefits. Many believe that practicing the slow, controlled movements reduces stress while enhancing muscle coordination and flexibility and increasing energy.

Forty people with knee osteoarthritis, average age 65, were recruited for the study by researchers from the Tufts University School of Medicine. Half were randomly placed in hour-long twice-weekly tai chi classes for three months. The classes included self-massage, tai chi movements, breathing techniques and relaxation. Participants were also asked to practice tai chi for at least 20 minutes a day at home while maintaining their usual physical routine.

The other 20 participants acted as the control group, attending twice-weekly hour-long sessions on osteoarthritis that included information on diet and nutrition, plus ways to treat the condition and how to handle stress. They also took part in full-body stretching exercises and were encouraged to stretch for 20 minutes a day at home and follow their regular physical regimen.

After the three months, those in the tai chi group saw a substantial drop in knee pain compared with the control group. The tai chi group also saw more improvements in function, depression and health status.

In the study, the authors wrote that though the exact mechanisms are not know for how tai chi may improve knee osteoarthritis, “synergy between its physical and mental components likely plays a major role. First, tai chi may enhance cardiovascular benefits, muscular strength, balance, coordination, and physical function. All of these are thought to be able to reduce joint pain.”

The study appears in the November issue of the journal Arthritis Care & Research.

-Jeannine Stein

Photo credit: Daniel Sorabji / AFP/Getty Images

The Effect of Tai Chi on Health Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Review

admin — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:18:26 +0000

What this study is saying is that Tai Chi can bring improvements in many chronic health situations, but mechanism that brings about change is not observed,ie; what specifically about tai chi does what, to what
Read the full Study Here (PDF)

The Effect of Tai Chi on Health Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Conditions

A Systematic Review

Chenchen Wang, MD, MSc; Jean Paul Collet, MD, PhD; Joseph Lau, MD

Arch Intern Med. 2004;164:493-501.

Objective To conduct a systematic review of reports on the physical and psychological effects of Tai Chi on various chronic medical conditions.

Data Sources Search of 11 computerized English and Chinese databases.

Study Selection Randomized controlled trials, nonrandomized controlled studies, and observational studies published in English or Chinese.

Data Extraction Data were extracted for the study objective, population characteristics, study setting, type of Tai Chi intervention, study design, outcome assessment, duration of follow-up, and key results.

Data Synthesis There were 9 randomized controlled trials, 23 nonrandomized controlled studies, and 15 observational studies in this review. Benefits were reported in balance and strength, cardiovascular and respiratory function, flexibility, immune system, symptoms of arthritis, muscular strength, and psychological effects.

Conclusions Tai Chi appears to have physiological and psychosocial benefits and also appears to be safe and effective in promoting balance control, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness in older patients with chronic conditions. However, limitations or biases exist in most studies, and it is difficult to draw firm conclusions about the benefits reported. Most indications in which Tai Chi was applied lack a theoretical foundation concerning the mechanism of benefit. Well-designed studies are needed.

From the Center for Clinical Evidence Synthesis, Division of Clinical Care Research, Tufts-New England Medical Center, Boston, Mass (Drs Wang and Lau); and Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Community Studies, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec (Dr Collet). The authors have no relevant financial interest in this article.

via Arch Intern Med — Abstract: The Effect of Tai Chi on Health Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Review, March 8, 2004, Wang et al. 164 (5): 493.

Tai chi effective therapy for balance, dizziness disorders, new study finds

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:18:23 +0000

Tai chi effective therapy for balance, dizziness disorders, new study findsby Cassie WierengaOct 06, 2009Tai chi, a slow-moving form of Chinese martial arts, may be an effective treatment option for patients suffering from dizziness and balance disorders, according to a study presented this week at the American Academy of Otolaryngology annual meeting in San Diego.“Patients overall showed significant improvements in both the frequency and severity of their dizziness and vertigo. In addition, they reported a greater confidence at performing daily tasks, and decreased fear of falling,” said Dr. Paul Lee of the New York Eye and Ear Institute in his study of 21 patients.

via Tai chi effective therapy for balance, dizziness disorders, new study finds.

Treating vertigo and dizziness with Tai Chi? – Wellness – TIME.com

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:13:31 +0000

WellnessA healthy balance of the mind, body and spirit.Wellness Feed Daily E-mail Updates « PreviousCan air pollution cause appendicitis?Next »In Egypt, a move to outlaw the “artificial virginity hymen”Treating vertigo and dizziness with Tai Chi?Posted by Tiffany Sharples Monday, October 5, 2009 at 2:32 pmSubmit a Comment • Trackback 0 • Related Topics: Alternative Medicine, balance, dizziness, tai chi, vertigo, Vestibular disorders © Peter Frank/CorbisTai Chi, the ancient Chinese art that combines slow, controlled stretching with meditation, has long been praised by advocates of alternative medicine for its broad range of health benefits, including improved muscle tone and balance, as well as pain reduction. The National Institutes of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has funded studies analyzing the benefits of Tai Chi for everyone from cancer survivors and patients battling fibromyalgia to people with chronic heart failure and depression.And research presented this past weekend in San Diego at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, suggests that Tai Chi may benefit another group too. For patients battling vestibular disorders—a range of inner ear balance disorders that can cause vertigo, dizziness, nausea and other problems with overall balance—who haven’t had luck with more conventional treatment strategies, Tai Chi may provide some relief. The preliminary findings from a small analysis of 21 patients who had struggled with main stream therapies for their vestibular disorders, found that, after practicing Tai Chi for just two months, the participants reported experiencing a marked decrease in symptoms like vertigo and nausea, and an improvement in their balance.Though as of yet it’s unclear how Tai Chi may combat the symptoms of vestibular disorders—the researchers theorize that it is a combination of improved balance, cardiovascular function and stabilized gait—the research may offer some hope to patients unable to find relief using more conventional treatments.

via Treating vertigo and dizziness with Tai Chi? – Wellness – TIME.com.

Tai Chi Can Help You — chicagotribune.com

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:09:00 +0000

Tai chi is often described as “meditation in motion,” but it might well be called “medication in motion.” There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren't in top shape or the best of health.

via Tai Chi Can Help You — chicagotribune.com.

The Health Benefits of Tai Chi – Harvard Health Publications

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:38:23 +0000

Parkinson's disease. A 33-person pilot study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, published in Gait and Posture (October 2008), found that people with mild to moderately severe Parkinson's disease showed improved balance, walking ability, and overall well-being after 20 tai chi sessions.

via The Health Benefits of Tai Chi – Harvard Health Publications.

The Health Benefits of Tai Chi – Harvard Health Publications

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:37:34 +0000

Breast cancer. Tai chi has shown potential for improving quality of life and functional capacity (the physical ability to carry out normal daily activities, such as work or exercise) in women suffering from breast cancer or the side effects of breast cancer treatment. For example, a 2008 study at the University of Rochester, published in Medicine and Sport Science, found that quality of life and functional capacity (including aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and flexibility) improved in women with breast cancer who did 12 weeks of tai chi, while declining in a control group that received only supportive therapy.

via The Health Benefits of Tai Chi – Harvard Health Publications.

Five Animals Frolics Qigong 2 DVD Set: Save $37.47 on this Qigong Classic Combo

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 21:04:04 +0000

” Secret ? Movements Removed from this1800 Year Old Traditional Qigong!See Them, Learn Themand Save a Bunch of Money!”You Can Now Quickly And Easily Master an Ancient Classic Health Routine, Endorsed by the Chinese Government, after Massive Traditional Chinese Medicine, Modern Medicine, Psychology, Athletic Science and other related disciplines Scientific and Medical Research ! This 2 Part Professional DVD Set, produced the by the man who established the industry standard for tai chi and qigong video instruction, makes learning easy and fun!

via Tai Chi, Bagua, Xing Yi and Qigong… » Five Animals Frolics Qigong 2 DVD Set: Save $37.47 on this Qigong Classic Combo.

Tai Chi — shang lee . com

admin — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:45:44 +0000

The main point is to learn these mistakes, SLOWLY.

When we normally set out a goal to learn something, there is always an expectation to learn it within a certain period, and to gain a certain level of proficiency. In the case of Tai Chi, you probably set out your goal as learning all the steps, and be able to do it in (say) 3 months time.

What I would like to propose is to set a regular goal, rather than a fixed-and-be-done-with goal. If it’s something that you really want to learn e.g. piano, your slow goal should be “practise piano for 30 minutes a day” instead of “reach Grade 8 in 3 years time”. If you want to learn a new language, one of your slow goals should be “read Japanese newspapers everyday for 30 minutes” or “speak to a Japanese native speaker for 10 minutes a day”, and not “pass the Level 1 proficiency test in 3 months”. Say you like to learn chi running (a method of running in a low impact way), your slow goal would be “run with this method for 30 minutes everyday” instead of “be able to run a marathon in 3 hours” or “lose 10kg in 5 weeks”.

During these training sessions, put your full focus into doing and listening. You work hard, and you listen to how your body react to the work, and then you adjust accordingly. Setting such a slow goal will help you:

1. focus on doing it the right way

2. enjoy the activity and (sometimes) getting lost in the moment

3. do not injure yourself during your work, whether mentally or physically

I think all these points are very worthwhile when learning something, as oppose to becoming only a performer at the end of 3 months. Being a performer has its bad share of habits, but if you truly want to learn something, the only audience to your performance is yourself. The rest of us are only there to enjoy your moment.

So use slow goals. It’ll get you there faster than you think.

via Tai Chi — shang lee . com.

Tai Chi and Parkinson’s Disease

admin — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 15:15:16 +0000

A search of the NIH website for articles, studies, and or references to Tai Chi and Parkinson’s yielded 336 results. This short list of article links shows why tai chi has a promise of relief for person’s with the disease symptoms.

My own limited experience with tai chi and parkinson’s is that those who gave an earnest effort gained almost immediate relief from tremor. (two one-time interventions with Parkinson’s support groups, and one long term patient practice). Additionally I most note that one wife learned “wei qigong” technique from me, and was gratified to be able to relieve her husband’s tremor for brief periods daily, for several years.

Study of Tai Chi Exercise and Balance in Persons With Parkinson’s …

… Related Studies, Study of Tai Chi Exercise and Balance in Persons With Parkinson’s
Disease. This study is not yet open for participant recruitment. …
clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00611481 – 31k – Cached

Effect of Exercise on Gait and Balance in Peripheral Neuropathy …

… Functional Balance Training and Tai Chi, the two exercise interventions tested in …
eg diagnosis of hemiparesis, cerebellar dysfunction, Parkinson’s disease as …
clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00270842 – 34k – Cached

Chinese Exercise Modalities in Parkinson’s Disease – Full Text …

… with Parkinson’s Disease not exercising regularly more than 2x per week. Willing
to be randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 exercise modalities: Tai Chi, Qi Gong …
clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00029809 – 27k – Cached

NCCAM-Funded Research for FY 2007

… R21 AT002161-03, Tai Chi for Knee Osteoarthritis, Wang, Chenchen, New England Medical …
R21 AT003002-02, NIR-LED Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease, Whelan, Harry T …
nccam.nih.gov/research/extramural/awards/2007/ – 101k – Cached

Living with Parkinson’s: A Jekyll and Hyde Existence: National …

… However, as David Heydrick, MD, a neurologist and a Parkinson’s patient, explained,
“Through use … Dr. Heydrick runs daily, practices tai chi, and lifts weights. …
www.ninds.nih.gov/news_and_events/news_articles/news_article_living_with_pd.htm – 18k – Cached

NIHSeniorHealth: Parkinson’s Disease – Treatment and Research … … Other complementary therapies include massage therapy, yoga, tai chi, hypnosis,
acupuncture, and … these therapies, but they do not slow Parkinson’s disease and …
nihseniorhealth.gov/parkinsonsdisease/surgicaltreatmentsandothertherapies/10.html – 14k – 09-22-2008 – Cached