East meets West head on at the highest level of Western scientific medical establishment whenHarvard Medical School's official publication (May 2009) gave Tai Chi it's most powerful affirmation as part of modern healthcare. Harvard wrote: " Tai chi is often described as "meditation in motion," but it might well be called"medication in motion." Harvard goes on to write, "There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice ... has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren't in top shape or the best of health."
"This is outstanding news for the healthcare system in America", states Shawn Tucker, P.T., owner of the Brentwood Center of Health (BCOH). Tai Chi has been recognized for centuries by the Chinese people to be an outstanding system of exercise, especially by for seniors, and rehabilitation, but awaited scientific approval in the West to validate what most people in the area of rehabilitation have known for the last decade or so." Shawn Tucker's 17 plus years of experience are extensive and include being a senior staff member with the University of Chicago Hospitals and Barnes Jewish Christian Healthcare Systems, as well as serving as physical therapist to the U.S. Olympic Sailing Team from 1994-96. He includes Taiji and Qigong in his treatment options and studies HunYuan Taiji from local Taiji (Tai Chi) Master Sifu J. Justin Meehan.
Hun Yuan Taiji is a recent system which combines Chen style Taiji with Chinese Yoga known as Qi Gong (Chi Gong). Recent studies, especially by Dr. Yang Yang, PHd. have shown Tai Chi to effectively increas balance and reduce falls in seniors, thereby reducing near fatal injuries and catastrophic health care costs to seniors, their families and the health care system. Tucker believes that the proper practice of Tai Chi is a cost effective method to reduce stress and hypertension; to provide effective and easy to learn exercise for young and old alike, but especially for seniors and others who might be less able engage in a more vigorous exercise program due to illness or age related difficulties. He includes the practice of Taiji and Qigong in his physical therapy classes at the BCOH and lectures on the subject at the Washington University School of Medicine, Physical Therapy Dept.
His teacher, Sifu Justin Meehan a practitioner of Taiji for over 40 years and who has written on the subject in over 30 published articles will be giving a lecture at the Vanderbilt University July 5 - 10 at The International Tai Chi Chuan Symposium on Health, Education and Cultural Exchange consisting of the world's most renowned masters and health care professionals where the focus will be onTraditional Tai Chi Chuan: A View Through the Lens of Science. "This Harvard endorsement could not have come a a better time, even though it seems a long time in coming", states Sifu Justin Meehan, who is also a St. Louis attorney.
"I predict that Taiji will be as American as apple pie in the next 5 years particularly as the Baby Boom generation ages and social security and other government medical programs dry up. Taiji is one of the few activities that get better with age and its success in assisting patients to actively participate in their own self healing is something patients wish there were more of." ":We are entering a new age of mind-body healing and awareness. In St. Louis alone, besides Shawn Tucker, we find other St. Louis health care professionals practicing Tai Chi and using it in their healing practices, like Dr. Dale Anderson, MD, a well respected psychiatrist and Dr. Paul Lee a chiropractic doctor and sports doctor. The only problem now will be how to identify those who are qualified teachers from all those with little experience who are likely to try a jump on the band wagon" "As a healthcare modality, Taiji is here to stay."
For further info go to www.WorldTaiChiDay.com , www.StLtTaiji.com, www.chentaiji.com, and www.taichisymposium.com for additional information on Taiji and most recent studies and symposiums on Taiji for health and www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters for the most recent May 2009 article on Tai Chi and Health |
