The Kentucky Tai Chi and Qigong Center offers instruction
in the following Seated/Wheelchair programs:
Seated Tai Chi Chuan for the Office (4 postures) – A 5 minute self-care program designed to exercise and relax the body, reduce pain and stiffness of joints, improve body circulation, elevate mood, foster mental concentration and rejuvenate energy. Seated Tai Chi for the Office provides an effective and accessible method of relieving stress, enhancing physical and mental strength and balance while regaining focus and concentration.
Seated Tai Chi Chuan for Rehabilitation (4 postures) – This program teaches a structured routine of movements dynamically designed and symmetrically patterned which puts into play every part of the upper body from the smallest joint to the largest muscle group. This routine is an economical, low risk, convenient and effective self-care method especially suited to people with ambulatory disabilities due to a wide variety of medical conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes. Individuals with various physical and ambulatory disabilities that practiced Seated Tai Chi Chuan for Rehabilitation over a period of time showed significant results in pain reduction and a sense of psychological well-being, as well as having improvements in physical functions.
Seated Tai Chi Chuan for Neck and Shoulder Pain (4 postures) - This program specifically targets the neck and Rotator Cuff muscles to improve neck and shoulder strength, stability and mobility. Controlled fluid movements simultaneously provide stretching, strengthening, and co-ordination of movement as the joints are safely and naturally moved through their full range of motion. This program provides for early implementation of active therapy which minimizes muscle atrophy. It is easily learned and practiced in a small space without equipment
Seated Tai Chi Chuan for Back Pain (4 postures) - This program is designed to specifically target the back and abdominal muscles to strengthen and stabilize the lower back. The controlled fluid movements simultaneously provide stretching, strengthening, and co-ordination of movement as the joints are safely and naturally moved through their full range of motion. This program improves mind-body co-ordination, balance, and self-confidence and provides for early implementation of active therapy which minimizes muscle atrophy. It is easily learned and can be practice
d in a small space without equipment.
13 Posture Seated/Wheelchair Tai Chi Chuan - This program is an economical, low risk and convenient method of self-care for people with physical disabilities. Wheelchair Tai Chi practice offers many benefits to those with physical and ambulatory disabilities through a series of gentle circular movements that improve and stimulate the rotating range of the torso, waist, lower back, shoulders, arms and wrists. In addition, seated practice reduces the fear of falling, helps minimize muscle atrophy, builds self-confidence, promotes social involvement and encourages proactive self-care. It can effectively address stress, anxiety, depression and anger along with improving a person’s general feeling of helplessness.
One of the unique features of 13 Posture Seated/Wheelchair Tai Chi Chuan is that it can be practiced with two different methods.
- Stationary Method: Practitioner performs the form without moving the chair (or practitioner could be seated anywhere). This method not only allows greater flexibility for people to practice this form without being concerned with space and environment, but it is also is an ideal form of practicing wheelchair Tai Chi for beginners and individuals who experience upper body limitations due to illness or injury.
- Moving Method: In this method the rolling and turning of the wheelchair are integrated with the movements. Since there are more variations for the moving method, it provides practitioners with a more dynamic practicing experience. This method when practiced in a group, especially gives the participants and the spectators a very positive and uplifting energy.
Seated Course Descriptions
