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Issue
32 May 05 -
Seniors News
T'ai
Chi :Deflect
Negative Forces
After meeting for more than a year with the support of the Seniors Community Project we have now created our own club, The Meridians T'ai Chi Club in Whitehawk. The classes are open to all adults and we have secured funding from eb4U's Community Chest Project to carry some of the cost.
What
is T'ai Chi? T'ai-chi (or T'ai-chi Ch'uan by
its full name) is traditionally a martial art, the practice of which helps
the players to develop t'ai-chi forces. These can then be applied first
for healing oneself then to deflect negative forces or an opponent.
In our classes we first learn to loosen the body, open all the joints called the energy gates so that all the energy systems of the body and emotions can be balanced. In the ancient text the Tao Te Ching it is written "The stiff and unbending is the disciple of death while the gentle and yielding is the disciple of life."
In order to do this we practice a variety of slow moving exercises while breathing gently but fully. This brings deep relaxation and releases a lot of pain. Everyone can learn and practice t'ai-chi even if you have not done any exercise for years. The exercises can also be practiced sitting down if standing is difficult.
Scientific research shows that the regular practice of t'ai-chi helps with improving breathing, getting better digestion, back pain relief through awareness of body posture and relaxation of the muscles, lowering of blood pressure, reduction in arthritis pain, better balance and a reduction in falls for older people.
This is what people in the class say of their experience:
Patricia (age 52) "It makes you feel good."
Jean (age 64) "Thoroughly recommend it. GREAT!"
David Leonard "Lived in Whitehawk off and on for about 50 plus years. It is marvellous we can do Tai Chi here. Very gentle, excellent exercise for all but especially us oldies."
Carole Page "You can practice anywhere, bus stop, car, nobody knows you are relaxing and breathing properly!"
We will be meeting up every THURSDAY 10.30am to 12 noon in the hall at WALTER MAY HOUSE, which is in Whitehawk Road, just across from the library, starting from 14th April 2005. Phone Ghislaine on 679 514 or come and try a class and find out for yourself!
Read
Also: T'ai Chi :Your Way to Better Health
Seniors
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