As of May, I began a new series of qigong classes with an introduction to classical taijiquan at Anahid Sofian's beautiful, spacious studio just a block away from Union Square. This is an extension of classes begun at Inwood Movement uptown this January.
The class is open to all. It is great for improving overall health, balance, suppleness, core strength and relaxation. An interesting article on fall prevention in the NYTimes sites that Taiji is beneficial for older adults in fall prevention: "Tai chi, the Chinese martial art, appears to be an effective way to improve balance. It involves very slow, purposeful movements in coordination with breathing and muscle activity. A study published last year found that among adults over 70 who practiced tai chi twice a week for an hour, the incidence of falls was reduced by 58 percent. Dr. Eckstrom, one of the study’s authors, said the participants in the study did tai chi twice a week for an hour over a six-month period. 'When you fall, your body has not figured out how to stay posturally stable, and tai chi helps with that,' Dr. Eckstrom said. 'With a lot of the classic tai chi moves, you make a fairly large step out, or to the side. Or you lean forward, with your trunk. You’re putting yourself in a position of almost falling.' All of this, she added, trains the body to remain stable when put in an off-kilter position. The CDC maintains a compendium of recommended exercises that includes tai chi."
0 Comments
|
Alicia Foxhas studied qigong and taiji with Sat Chuen Hon, a Taoist and native of China for several years. Mr. Hon has asked her to carry on this Taoist healing tradition to help benefit others. Ms. Fox received her MFA in painting from Yale University in 1997. Her studio practice, writing as well as her study of dance and movement have been woven together over many years into a rich exploration and inner search. She is a published poet and has recently helped prepare and edit Sat Hon's writings on Qigong and Taoist stories for publication. Archives
June 2019
Categories |