The Kentucky Tai Chi and Qigong Center offers instruction
in the following Specialized Courses:
Tai Chi for Arthritis - Tai Chi for Arthritis is based on Sun style Tai Chi. It is easy to learn, effective and safe, and provides many health benefits in a relatively short period of time. Medical studies have shown that practicing this program can significantly reduce the pain of arthritis, help prevent falls for the elderly, and improve many aspects of health to include muscular strength, flexibility, and stamina. The Arthritis Foundation of America promotes this program throughout the USA as the Arthritis Foundation Tai Chi Program.
Although especially effective for arthritis, this program is also suitable for any beginner for health improvement and effective for reducing the risk of falls. This program can be done either standing or while seated.
Tai Chi and Qigong for Seniors – This exercise program was developed specifically for seniors. It is based on the principles of Tai Chi movements and designed to promote better balance, functional mobility and reduced fear of falling. This program teaches individual balance exercises along with a ten posture Tai Chi form.
Tai Chi and Qigong for Diabetics – Diabetes is a serious and costly disease in Kentucky….yet it is controllable. Physical activity for a diabetic is a key factor in leading a healthy lifestyle and reducing the impact of diabetes on their health. This course has been developed in partnership with Central Baptist Hospital Diabetic Program professionals for the diabetic community. It is suitable for people with no prior knowledge of Tai Chi or Qigong. A seated version is also available for diabetics with limited mobility.
Tai Chi and Qigong for Cancer Survivors and Caregivers - The lifestyle changes and health threat associated with cancer often seem overwhelming and can have a direct impact on both physiological and psychological health of both the patient and the caregiver. Qigong and Tai Chi are wellness-promoting systems that have been shown to offer a variety of "quality of life" benefits and serve as an excellent therapy for both cancer patients and caregivers in many ways.
A Self-Care Program for Combating Stress in the Workplace - This course presents a “Mind/Body Integration” perspective on self-care strategies that promote good health and general well-being, especially for people in high stress professions. Students learn methods to replenish oneself in physical, emotional, and mental ways in order to overcome the damaging effects of stress. The health-oriented techniques taught in this course can be applied at anytime throughout a person’s busy day.
For people with physical limitations or problems that restrict or prevent doing regular exercise while standing, seated Tai Chi and Qigong can be a perfect alternative. Whether seated or standing, Qigong or Tai Chi practice offers many benefits 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, Qigong or Tai Chi practice also helps rejuvenate energy, minimize muscle atrophy, builds self-confidence, promotes social involvement and encourages proactive self-care.
Specialized Course Descriptions
