In recent decades Tai Chi Chuan has become increasingly popular both as a basic exercise program and as a rehab alternative for the general population in the world. The recognition and fast growing popularity of wheelchair Tai Chi Chuan in China demonstrates that wheelchair Tai Chi Chuan is a practical and effective mind and body healing method for people with disability. Integrated with the principles of traditional healing methods, the therapeutic effect of Tai Chi movements and the characteristics of people with physical disability, the form of wheelchair Tai Chi Chuan not only would provide the practitioners with enormous healing effects, it would also build self-confidence and encourage proactive self-care practice.
Dr. Zibin Guo, a UCONN and Harvard trained medical anthropologist and highly regarded Tai Ji master, is developing and refining new specialized programs for people with limited mobility. These programs are already being applied with great success to many of the problems typically associated with physical rehabilitation, back and shoulder pain, stroke, heart attack, sedentary ailments, aging, diabetes, and arthritis. This video demonstrates Guo's program.
For more information read Wheelchair Tai Chi and Dancing in a Chair .
|