Tai Chi from the Arthritis Foundation

Tai Chi from the Arthritis Foundation (TCAF) is an exercise program based on the fundamentals of Sun Style Tai Chi Chuan.   In 1997, Dr. Paul Lam, a family physician and Tai Chi master, led a team of Tai Chi and medical specialists to create this unique program.  The special features of this program are that it is easy and fun to learn while safely and quickly bringing many health benefits.  Medical studies have found this program to be effective and safe in relieving pain and improving the quality of life for people with (or without) arthritis.  For this reason, the Arthritis Foundations around the world have given their support.

Types of Arthritis

Arthritis means, “joint inflammation.”  The term actually refers to more than 100 rheumatic diseases.  Rheumatic diseases are conditions characterized by inflammation or degeneration of the connective tissue structures of the body, especially the joints and related structures. Including muscles, bursae, tendons, and fibrous tissue.  People with rheumatic diseases experience pain, stiffness and/or limitation of motion of these parts.  

The two most commonly known types of arthritis are Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.  However, Osteoporosis and Fibromyalgia are also common.  Some other rheumatic diseases are:          
        Ankylosis spondylitis, Bursitis/Tendinitis, Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), Gout, Infectious Arthritis, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Polymyositis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Raynaud’s Phenomenon, Rheumatic Fever, Scleroderma and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Exercise and Arthritis

There is indisputable evidence that exercise is beneficial for most aspects of health as well as arthritis.  Pain and stiff joints tend to discourage people from exercising, however, without exercise, joints become even stiffer and often painful.  Exercise keeps bones, muscles, and joints healthy.

Exercise for arthritis can be divided into three categories: Range of Motion (ROM) – to improve flexibility; Strengthening – to improve muscular strength; Condition/Endurance – to improve cardiovascular fitness & stamina.

Tai Chi addresses all the categories of exercise for arthritis:

• Range of Motion (ROM) – involves gently moving all joints, muscles and tendons thus significantly increasing flexibility or range of motion.
• Strengthening – contains both isometric and isotonic movements and can be effective in strengthening muscles by 15% to 20%.
• Condition/Endurance – increases blood circulation, fluid and oxygen that makes lungs more efficient and enables a person to have more stamina to work longer without tiring as quickly.

How Tai Chi Can Help Arthritis

Of the 5 major family styles of Tai Chi (Chen, Yang, Wu, Hao & Sun), Sun Style is best suited for people with arthritis because of its characteristic agile steps and higher stances. It also contains powerful QiGong (a life energy that governs all functions of the body and is essential for health and vitality) that is especially effective for healing and relaxation.

Tai Chi exercises the entire body, is easy to learn and is suitable for almost anyone. Additional attributes that make Tai Chi an attractive exercise alternative are:

• The Power of the Mind
  It is well known that a positive mind aids in healing the body. The mental training in Tai Chi enhances clarity of the mind, improves relaxation, uplifts mood and is effective in relieving stress. It teaches students to be conscious of the intrinsic energy that derives a greater sense of self-control and empowerment.
  
• The Power of Qi
  According to Chinese medicine, arthritis is caused by weak and sluggish flow of Qi. Tai Chi’s gentle and slow movements open up one’s energy channels (meridians) and keep them strong and supple. The rhythmic movements of the muscles, spine and joints pump energy throughout the entire body making Tai Chi one of the most effective exercises for Qi circulation.
  
• QiGong
  QiGong is a breathing exercise that requires regular practice and is especially beneficial for health and mental relaxation. It is an integral part of Tai Chi. This program contains a simple QiGong exercise for mental relaxation.
  
• Whole Body Movement
  Tai Chi exercises all muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments. Whenever one part of the body moves, the rest of the body also moves in a gentle, curve-like fashion thus benefiting the entire body.
  
• Integrating Body and Mind
  All movements are directed by the mind thereby improving mental concentration through integration of the mind and body experience.
  
• Imparting Tranquility
  Tai Chi teaches stillness in movement and motion in stillness. Frequent rehearsal of the gentle, flowing movements helps people become more patient and relaxed.

Benefits of Tai Chi

Studies have shown that a Tai Chi program for people with arthritis is safe and beneficial resulting in positive outcomes such as reduced pain, stiffness and fatigue with improved physical function, muscle strength, flexibility/mobility and balance.

Tai Chi from the Arthritis Foundation Program

The Arthritis Foundations around the world have adapted Dr. Lam’s program as a standard exercise program for people with arthritis. It is a standardized program that means that if you participated in a program in one state, it will be the same program in any other state or country.

The Arthritis Foundation conducts training by Dr. Lam’s certified master trainers for people who are interested in learning the program, becoming certified leaders and sharing this program with community members in their area.

Program Objectives

• Provide a safe and interesting program that is easy to learn for people of almost any physical condition or age without prior knowledge of Tai Chi;
• Deliver maximum relief form the main problems experienced by people with arthritis – namely pain and stiffness;
• Benefit health in general;
• Improve relaxation.

Target Audience

People of all different socio-economical levels and ages with or without arthritis, rheumatic diseases, or related musculoskeletal conditions primarily characterized by diffuse muscle pain, decreased muscle strength and fatigue.

QiSsage Body Systems, LLC and NJ Chapter Arthritis Foundation

QBS, LLC has become an authorized agent for the New Jersey Chapter Arthritis Foundation. We have Tai Chi practitioners who have been certified by the Arthritis Foundation to conduct this program. We service the southern part of New Jersey (Mercer, Burlington, Ocean & Camden Counties).

We can conduct a program for your organization, church, school, group, business or corporation for:

The program consists of 12 movements (6 basic & 6 advanced), a warm-up, a cool-down and Qigong exercise. Once participants become familiar with the 12 movements, the program provides continual challenge by reversing the direction of the movements.

Programs are usually conducted two times a week for about one-hour, however, exceptions are considered.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please e-mail QBS and we will be happy to respond.