Just a Reminder

Hello All,   This is just a friendly reminder that the Tai Chi classes in Pine Grove will be at 6:00pm Monday and Wednesday starting January 2, 2012.  :)  I hope to see you all there!

A Small Glossery of Commonly used Chinese terms for Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Chinese Martial Arts

I added a page with a list of commonly used Chinese terms for Tai Chi Chuan, Qi Gong, and Chinese Martial Arts.  This isn't something that I require my students to learn, but i wanted to make these terms available to anyone interested in learning them.  :)  A link to this new page is listed in the "pages" section on the left side of this blog.  You can also Click Here to view it.  Check it out.  :)

New Evening Tai Chi and Qi Gong Classes Starting in January 2012

I just wanted to let everyone know that starting in January 2012 at the KSW Karate Dojo in Pine Grove, CA evening classes in Tai Chi and Qi Gong will be made available. The classes will be held on Monday and Wednesday evenings starting at 6:00. If you have further questions please feel free to contact the KSW Karate Dojo at (209) 296-4200 or Contact Me.

Can Tai Chi Benefit People with Fibromyalgia?

The following is a short article from the National Center of Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM); I think it is awesome and I think you all will enjoy it too: 

Tai Chi May Benefit Patients With Fibromyalgia

People with fibromyalgia may benefit from practicing tai chi, according to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by muscle pain, fatigue, and other symptoms. People with fibromyalgia have chronic widespread pain, as well as "tender points" on areas of the body, which hurt when slight pressure is applied. Although exercise appears to be an important part of fibromyalgia treatment, many people with fibromyalgia need medication to control symptoms and are unable to maintain muscle strength, flexibility, and overall fitness.

Researchers, funded in part by NCCAM, evaluated the physical and psychological benefits of tai chi (which combines meditation, slow movements, deep breathing, and relaxation) in 66 people with fibromyalgia. The participants were assigned to one of two groups: an attention control group that received wellness education and practiced stretching exercises, or a tai chi group that received instruction in tai chi principles and techniques and practiced 10 forms of Yang‑style tai chi. Both groups met in 1‑hour sessions twice a week for 12 weeks and also practiced daily at home. Tai chi participants used an instructional DVD to continue practice for 12 more weeks.
Compared with the attention control group, the tai chi group had a significantly greater decrease in total score on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire at 12 weeks. In addition, the tai chi group demonstrated greater improvement in sleep quality, mood, and quality of life. Improvements were still present at 24 weeks. No adverse events were reported.
The researchers concluded that these findings support previous research indicating benefits of tai chi for musculoskeletal pain, depression, and quality of life. The underlying mechanisms are unknown, and the researchers noted that larger, longer term studies are needed to evaluate the potential benefits of tai chi for patients with fibromyalgia.

References

• Wang C, Schmid CH, Rones R, et al. A randomized trial of tai chi for fibromyalgia. New England Journal of Medicine. 2010;363(8):743–754.
• Yeh GY, Kaptchuk TJ, Shmerling RH. Prescribing tai chi for fibromyalgia—are we there yet? New England Journal of Medicine. 2010;363(8):783–784.

Additional Resources

• Tai Chi
• Fibromyalgia and CAM: At a Glance
• Fibromyalgia (NIAMS)

Journal Publication Date: August 19, 2010
http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/081810.htm


If you're interested in learning Tai Chi in Amador County visit our Class Schedules and Locations page to find out what classes will work best for you.  :)