Tai Chi for Wellbeing

T'ai Chi Movemens for Wellbeing and the 18 posture Shibashi sequence are simple yet effective ways of discovering the benefits to mind, body and spirit of T'ai Chi. These flowing movements are safe and suitable for people of all ages - offering gentle mobilisation to joints, strengthening  of muscles, easing of the breath and relaxation to the mind and body.

Tai Chi Movement for Wellbeing

T'ai Chi Movements for Wellbeing (TMW) are a series of simple seated or standing postures designed by Richard Farmer (TMW Training) as a safe and highly effective way of introducing and maintaining movement and mobility in our lives and supporting changes in the way we approach life.

The mind/body connection is well established - most of us are familiar with the idea that the way we move or hold ourselves is a mirror of our emotional wellbeing. For example. if we are tense we hunch up and begin to feel tightness in the shoulders and  experience restricted breathing. TMW has been designed to ease out the tension held in our bodies, enable a greater range of movement and by so doing, increase our sense of wellbeing and ease in our lives.

This combination of  gentle stretches, joint mobilisations and movements combined with bringing attention to the breath has proven to be effective  in enabling a greater range of movement and flexibility thereby improving balance, easing arthritis and preventing falls. T'ai Chi can help improve the circulation of energy (Qi) around the body, but can also offer relaxation and increased presence and poise to those willing to engage in short periods of practice in a spirit of kindness to the self!

These movements come from the traditions of T'ai Chi and Chi Kung and have been created out of Richard Farmer's 35 years of exprience in learning and teaching of T'ai Chi. The 16 posture sequence is designed to be accessible to those who are engaging with such movements for the first time. They are easy and quick to learn and remember. The T'ai Chi Movements for Wellbeing sequence consists of 4 sections which include warm ups, gentle stretches and mobilisations co-ordinated with the breath to increase the circulation of energy around the body and develope a sense of poise and  presence which we can learn to take back into our daily lives.

Success with an NHS Brain Injury Unit has resulted in this programme being rolled out across a range of departments in that NHS Trust, with staff being trained to deliver TMW on site. As other NHS Trusts and organisations begin to recognise the value of this work in supporting both physical health and emotional wellbeing. T'ai Chi Movements for Wellbeing will become  more widely available.

Shibashi

The 18 posture Shibashi sequence was created in 1982 and offers a bridge between the static postures of Chi Kung and the moving forms of T'ai Chi Chuan. It can be the next step on the path of learning T'ai Ch for those that wish to extend their experience. The postures are easy to learn, safe for anyone and the benefits can be quickly experienced. The exercises incorporate warm ups, stretches, postural alignment, breath cleansing and joint mobilisation aimed at relaxing and settling mind and body.

Research shows that T'ai Chi excercises can have a positive impact on easing arthritis, preventing falls (by improving balance and strengthening leg muscles) and have a beneficial effect on health and wellbeing.

Tai Chi Classes in Chew Magna, Paulton, Midsomer Norton and Keynsham

Daytime beginners classes are currently being held in Chew Magna and Midsomer Norton (for Age UK) with a further Age UK class planned for February 2012 in Keynsham (call Age UK 01225 466135). There is also a weekly class at Paulton Village Hall on Wednesday evenings during term time (call 01275 331182).