Tai chi group study will resume in winter 2011.  Thank you.

Please call to reserve your space: 781-780-3733 and leave your info.

GROUP STUDY-You do not have to appear at all six sessions if life/schedule does not permit~learning is ongoing process.

Time and day may vary at times (occasional week night). Advance notice will be posted.

All abilities and levels welcome!

RSVP FOR WEEKLY GROUP STUDY -PLEASE WRITE ME AT susan@nahantmassage.com or call 781-780-3733 and leave your question/rsvp. For immediate contact: please call 617-240-4252

           Tai Chi~A Martial Art for Health and Wellness 

 Susan Cadigan, LMT, CNMT/MM, NCTMB 

 Ramel Rones, Tai Chi Master-teacher, Scientific Consultant at Dana Farber      Cancer Institute, Harvard and Tufts Medical School

Tai Chi is an ancient philosophy which is practiced through a specific form of exercise that was first developed thousands of years ago in China as a way to achieve both health and as a martial art for self defense. It is now used daily throughout the world as a preventive measure and remedy for various health goals and specific disease including; increasing stability and preventing falls, reducing stress and lowering blood pressure, reducing the pain in arthritis, cancer and many more.  There are many schools and forms of Tai Chi that vary with intensities.  One of the most common styles recommended for health, healing and wellness for general population is the softer and low impact style of Yang school. Tai Chi consists of movements and postures that form a sequence.  The sequences are gradually learned and linked together to form the final whole sequence.  Many movements in Tai Chi are given descriptive names from nature. Grasp the sparrow's tail, White crane spreads it's wings, picking up needle from the bottom of sea, golden rooster stands on one leg are a few to name. The description reflects the spirit of each individual movement which when put together creates a sequence.  Changing stance, gentle weight shifts in balance and flowing movements helps to condition and strengthen the body with low impact resistance.  Tendons and ligaments of the joints are gently taken through their range of motion. Deep, controlled breathing is incorporated into the movements. This helps to massage organs from the inside out. The moving and breathing pattern of movements releases and redirects the vital life force within our bodies that is call qi (CHI).  The freeing up of qi increases vitality reduces anxiety and stress as well as strengthens the body and will. It is a wonderful feeling to have power within to tap into when needed.  Being able to harness ones energy and use it in an organized manner helps to maintain storage of energy and increases stamina.  We begin to learn how to make and preserve mental and physical energy and strength.  We can then tap into this source/reserve when we need it most- for fighting/self defense, healing, combating illness, aging and maintaining wellness.

     Tai Chi is found to be safe for all ages and abilities. It is still important to speak with your doctor about starting any new exercise routine.  He or she may remind you of your limitations and alert you to where modifications may need to be made.  It is very important to learn from a qualified and experienced teacher. A knowledgeable tai chi instructor will give you personal guidance and correct any errors to your practice before they become detrimental to you.  Your instructor will also show you and teach you how to modify the Tai Chi to your particular needs. Chronic conditions like arthritis, injuries, illness, and balance and coordination problems can be helped with tai chi, but should be approached with the assistance of your instructor so you may develop gradually without antagonism to your situation. There is a saying: "It will take you 20 years to master Tai Chi, but it can take even longer to find the right Tai Chi Master". 

     Chinese society has benefited for thousands of years from the power of tai chi without needing to scientifically document results. They live, breathe and practice Tai Chi and pass on the tradition from generation to generation.  Our western society is young and does not have the ancestors and living proof to believe or support the benefits. Hence there are many studies to prove the actual benefits of tai chi.  NIH- National Institute of Health, NCCAM - National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine are a couple of institutions that have organized past and present studies to scientifically document some of the actual benefits. Some of the proven benefits of Tai Chi are improved energy level, lower blood pressure, improved circulation, flexibility and strength, less pain with arthritis and chronic conditions, better immune function. A very important aspect of Tai Chi for the aging population is that tai chi helps prevent muscle loss with aging (sarcopenia) and helps to build bone density and better balance.   Over all Tai chi can slow down the aging process by helping to prevent some of the age onset difficulties.  Please go www.nih.gov, or www.nccam.nih.gov, or www.mayoclinic.com, and put tai chi in the search box and you will find some legitimate, documented proof and research.

     A non medical proof of the power of Tai Chi is my own experience.  During my debilitating battles with acute leukemia, I was able to tap into some of the tai chi exercises that I learned through my studies in Eastern approach to health and wellness.  I experienced the ability to keep myself from being distracted from healing by letting the stillness and positive energy take over the negative and allow for the healing to take place.   I felt the alignment of energy and concentration of stillness allowed the cells and healing to complete their tasks.  When I was unable to do much else but stand, I was able to strengthen myself and redeem some power and hope during the most trying times with the simple tai chi movements.  When I was finished with all the treatments and trying to regain a normal function again, I turned to tai chi.  I remember the abundant joy I felt when I was able to function for three days at an almost normal capacity.  It took a while, but it was a wonderful "jump start" to healing and recovery.  I truly believe that Tai Chi has healing properties and can help our bodies for life and the challenges we may face.

 All abilities are welcome.

  Susan Cadigan is licensed and nationally certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork. She holds an Advanced Massage Therapy Diploma with many hours of  experience and ongoing training/certifications. She is the proprietor of Nahant Therapeutic Massage, 41 Valley Road, At the Nahant Community Center. For more information please visit www.nahantmassage.com or call 617-240-4252 for appointment.