This leaflet provides information to patients who might benefit from tai chi lessons. It describes what to expect in and from your lessons.

There is also a list of related websites and support groups.

About tai chi

Tai chi is a series of gentle flowing movements, which balance and strengthen the body helping to improve energy levels and increasing comfortable range of motion. It is a martial art; however, the vast majority of practitioners use it for maintaining health and in rehabilitation.

Our tai chi is an adaptation of traditional tai chi, specifically for people with chronic pain.

Is tai chi suitable for everyone?

In practice, tai chi is about becoming aware of your limits and working within them. Its benefits come about through deep relaxation of the nervous system and release of energy blockages, rather than through any kind of force.

Consequently, it is much safer and gentler than other more forceful methods and so can be taken up by almost anyone.

What will happen in lessons?

Our classes are relaxed and friendly. We put a strong emphasis on not doing anything to the point of straining yourself physical, energetically, emotionally or mentally. This is also one of the hardest things to learn as it goes against the “no pain, no gain” – “if you don’t push yourself to the limits you are a bad person” – mentality that dominates our culture. Our basic approach is “no pain, no pain”.

We take regular breaks throughout the classes as this:

• Helps reduce the tendency to strain when learning something new
• Allows your system to absorb the information it has just been given
• Allows you to have time to chat and get to know your class mates. It is a great way to make friends.

What to wear

Loose comfortable clothing and flat shoes.

Unable to attend

Tai Chi lessons are a valuable resource in the NHS. Lessons require a big commitment on both parts. You will be expected to attend for up to 20 weekly lessons over a six-month period. Continuity of lessons is important.

Practicing tai chi

It is quite common for people not to practice because they feel that they will get it wrong. This is one of the largest barriers to improvement. Practice whatever you can remember, even if you know that you are not doing it quite right; as long as your knees are not hurting, whatever you do will benefit you.

Remember, you do not have to do these movements perfectly to get a great deal of benefit.

What happens when you finish your course?

When you have finished your course of lessons, we recommend that you continue to practice tai chi movements. You may continue to attend the tai chi class for a small fee (at a subsidised rate).

Reading about tai chi and related topics is a very useful supplement to lessons. For more information visit the Tai chi website and Tai chi union website.

Where to look for a teach

Tai chi union for Great Britain (TCUGB)

We recommend choosing a teacher who is a member of the TCUGB. This, however, is no guarantee that they will have any experience of teaching people with chronic pain.

Daoist Internal Arts

Information on teachers who specialise in chronic pain relief.

What to look for in a tai chi teacher

• Experience in teaching tai chi for chronic pain, ideally 10 years of teaching experience in tai chi
• Continued training under a recognised master
• A calm, relaxed and stable disposition
• A teacher who encourages you to stop and rest when you need to.

Avoid:

• Tai chi teachers who focus on the martial aspects of the art
• Non-TCUGB members.