Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program® is designed to improve the quality of life for people with arthritis using Sun style Tai Chi, one of the four major recognized styles of Tai Chi. This style includes agile steps and exercises that may improve mobility, breathing and relaxation. The movements don't require deep bending or squatting, which makes it easier and more comfortable to learn.
The program itself consists of 12 movements — 6 basic and 6 advanced — a warm up and a cool down. Once becoming familiar with the 12 movements, the program is designed to provide continual challenge by reversing the direction of the movements.
This program was derived and adapted from the Tai Chi for Arthritis program and includes copyrighted materials belonging to Dr. Paul Lam and Tai Chi Productions.
About Tai Chi and Arthritis:
Health and exercise experts agree that an exercise program for people with arthritis should incorporate components that can improve muscular strength, flexibility, and fitness.
Muscular strength is essential for supporting and protecting joints, which will reduce pain. Flexibility exercises also help to reduce pain and stiffness, thus improve mobility. Stamina or fitness is important for overall health and proper function of your heart, lungs, and muscles. Doing every day tasks, even as simple as climbing stairs or walking to the shops, will be easier with good stamina. Tai Chi for Arthritis can help people with arthritis to do this and more. Additional benefits include improve relaxation, balance, posture, and immunity.
Tai chi is designed to enhance Qi. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Qi is the life energy essential to good health and longevity. Tai Chi for Arthritis is especially effective for arthritis because of its powerful Qigong exercises to enhance healing.
Medical evidence is the best proof of what really works. There are now several well designed studies which have shown people with arthritis who practice this program were relieved of pain significantly. They discovered more ease and mobility to go about their daily tasks. Their balance was improved, with risk of falls reduced. The studies have also shown the program was safe and easy to learn. What's more, most people from the studies felt much better about themselves after having learned Tai Chi for Arthritis.
