everydaytaichi.org
  • Welcome
  • Lucy's BLOG
  • Lesson of the Day
  • TV Broadcast
  • Mission
  • About Me
    • lucy featured in Honolulu newspaper
    • lucy & Ken: top producer for Olelo
    • everydaytaichi background
    • everydaytaichi lucy's Tai Chi Journey
    • everydaytaichi teaching style
    • everydaytaichi lucy: producer for local television station
    • everydaytaichi lucy volunteer community service
    • everydaytaichi lucy "Rookie of the Year" Award
    • Lucy's Premier Show Private Party
  • The Art of Tai Chi
    • What is Tai Chi?
    • Ken's Tai Chi Journey
    • Ken Talks: Importance of Gravity
    • Ken Talks on Proprioception & Kinesthetic Awareness
    • Ten Essentials of Yang Chengfu
    • Yang Style 88 Long Form
    • Yang Style 24 Movements Short Form
    • Yang Style 10 Form
    • Yang Style 16 Form
    • Ken Talks on Martial Arts Intent
    • Food for Thought
    • everydaytaichi favorite bookmarks
  • everydaytaichi
    • What is everydaytaichi?
    • Where is everydaytaichi?
    • How did everydaytaichi begin?
    • How old is everydaytaichi.org? >
      • everydaytaichi.org celebrates our 5th anniversary
      • everydaytaichi.org celebrates our 4th anniversary
      • everydaytaichi.org celebrates our 3rd anniversary
    • What Are Some Opportunities for everydaytaichi students?
    • everydaytaichi Oldies but Goodies
    • everydaytaichi Gallery of Tai Chi Poses
    • everydaytaichi promotes everydaytaichi health
    • Lucy's Personal Project Apple Store in California
  • Tai Chi Aloha Around the World
    • Tai Chi During Global Pandemic
    • Tai Chi Aloha to Singapore >
      • Asian Civilization Museum
      • Aloha to Singapore Botanic Garden
      • Singapore Zoo & Aquarium & Museum
      • Aloha to Singapore River Walk
      • Lucy's Magical Tai Chi Ball
      • Gardens by the Bay
      • Farewell Singapore!
    • Lucy's Tai Chi Aloha to the Silk Road >
      • Come Take a Virtual Tour of the Silk Road
      • Lucy's Itinerary to the Silk Road
      • Lucy's Tai Chi on Silk Road
      • Come see the once in a life time experiences!
      • Taste the Food of the Silk Road
      • Ancient Treasures of Silk Road
      • Last Day: Beijing Walmart
    • Lucy's Tai Chi Aloha on Maui >
      • everydaytaichi family on Maui
    • everydaytaichi spreads tai chi aloha on Kauai >
      • everydaytaichi family on Kauai
    • everydaytaichi in Osaka + Kyoto, again
    • everydaytaichi in Hokkaido Japan
    • everydaytaichi at Osaka, Japan
    • everydaytaichi at Waikaloa & Volcano on Hawaii Island
    • everydaytaichi at Coconut Island, Kaneohe Hawaii
    • everydaytaichi on Baltic Cruise >
      • everydaytaichi in Sweden
      • everydaytaichi in Finland
      • everydaytaichi in Russia
      • everydaytaichi in Germany
      • everydaytaichi in Denmark
    • everydaytaich Ken Christmas Island
    • everydaytaichi Duets by Lucy & Ken
    • everydaytaichi lucy on Maui for 71st
    • everydaytaichi at Ko Olina Beach
    • everydaytaichi at Sequoia National Park
    • Gallery: Sequoia National Park
    • everydaytaichi in California: Irvine & San Mateio
    • Gallery: California- Irvine & San Mateio
    • everydaytaichi in Japan 2016 >
      • Japan Alps Gallery
      • Tai Chi Aloha in Japan
      • Tai Chi Poses In Japan
    • everydaytaichi visits New Zealand...a quick guide >
      • everydaytaichi in Auckland
      • everydaytaichi in Hamilton
      • everydaytaichi in Rotorua at a Farm
      • everydaytaichi sees sheep shearing at Argodome
      • Lake Taupo + Green & Blue Lakes, New Zealand
      • Wai-o-tapu Geothermal Spectacular Geyser
      • Waimalu, Geothermal Spectacular
      • everydaytaichi goes to Devonport, New Zealand
      • Redwood Forest, New Zealand
      • Huka Falls, New Zealand
      • Hobbiton, New Zealand
      • everydaytaichi ken cooking green mussels, grilling lamb...
      • everydaytaichi family having fun
    • everydaytaichi visits Alaska...quick guide >
      • everydaytaichi in Seattle, Washington
      • everydaytaichi on board ship
      • everydaytaichi visits Juneau, Alaska
      • everydaytaichi visits Skagway, Alaska
      • everydaytaichi visits Ketchikan, Alaska
      • everydaytaichi sails to Glacier Bay, Alaska
      • everydaytaichi activites on board ship
      • everydaytaichi goes to Victoria, British Columbia
      • everydaytaichi back in Seattle, Washington
      • everydaytaichi back home, Honolulu, Hawaii
    • everydaytaichi in China 2010 >
      • Beijing
      • Great Wall
      • Summer Palace >
        • Videos
      • Tiananmen Square & Forbidden City
      • Olympic Park Bird's Nest Stadium
      • Xian
      • Bund in Shanghai
      • Suchow and the Grand Canal
      • Yangtze River Cruise >
        • Videos
      • Chongqing
    • everydaytaichi does Luk Tung Kuen in Hong Kong >
      • Photos
      • Videos
    • everydaytaichi travels to Southeast Asia 2011 >
      • Vietnam >
        • Videos
      • Cambodia >
        • Tai Chi Videos
        • Videos
      • Thailand >
        • Videos
      • Taiwan >
        • Video
    • everydaytaichi in the US >
      • California >
        • Tai Chi at San Mateo >
          • Tai Chi Videos
          • Family Album >
            • Aa's Newest Kid on the Block Comic Strip
            • ET's Comic Strip Page
            • Aa & ET Boulder Project Replica
            • Operation Bear
          • everydaytaichi Granddaughter's Album
        • Tai Chi in Ryder Park
        • Tai Chi in Redwood City
        • Tai Chi at Half Moon Bay
        • Tai Chi at the Gardens, Central Park
        • Tai Chi in Roseville
      • Massachusetts >
        • Family Album
        • Tai Chi in Cambridge
        • Tai Chi at Harvard
        • Tai Chi in Boston Commons
        • Tai Chi at the Boston Public Garden
        • Tai Chi in Dover
        • everydaytaichi in Germany
        • Tai Chi in Wellesley
      • Maine >
        • Tai Chi Video
        • Family Album
    • everydaytaichi in Europe 2009 >
      • Prague, the Czech Republic
      • Vienna, Austria
      • Budapest, Hungary >
        • Videos
    • Zion National Park >
      • Tai Chi Videos
    • everydaytaichi in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii >
      • Makapuu Hike Ka Iwi Trail Jan. 2015
      • Makapuu Hike Ka Iwi Park >
        • Makapuu Beach
        • Videos
        • Makapuu Lighthouse everydaytaichi family
      • Sandy Beach >
        • Videos
      • Queen's Beach
      • Bellows Air Force Base >
        • Video
      • Kuliouou Beach Park >
        • Videos
      • Hawaii Kai Marina >
        • Videos
      • China Wall Koko Head East Honolulu >
        • Video
      • everydaytaichi at Ala Moana Magic Island Yacht Harbor, Waikiki Beach Sunset
      • Kuhio Beach, Waikiki >
        • everydaytaichi lucy in Waikiki Hawaiian Village Beach Walk
        • Diamond Head from Kapiolani Park >
          • Video
        • Kapiolani Bandstand, Waikiki
        • everydaytaichi lucy at Waikiki Beach
      • Kualoa Park, on Windward, Oahu, Hawaii >
        • Laniloa Point, Laie, on Windward, Oahu, Hawaii
      • Waikahalulu Gardens in Downtown Oahu, Hawaii
      • Nuuanu Pali Lookout Oahu, Hawaii
      • Lanikai Beach Park Oahu, Hawaii
    • everydaytaichi in Maui >
      • everydaytaichi takes the road to Hana, Maui, Hawaii
      • Tai Chi at Iao Valley
      • Tai Chi at Kula Upcountry
      • Maalaea Harbor
      • Tai Chi at Wailea
      • Family Album >
        • Video
    • 24 Movements Around the World >
      • Video
      • Commencing Form, Parting the Horse's Mane
      • White Crane Spreads its Wings
      • Brush Knee
      • Playing the Lute
      • Repulsing the Monkey
      • Grasping the Bird's Tail
      • Single Whip, Cloud Hands
      • Kick Out, Double Punch
      • Serpent in the Grass
      • Maiden Working Her Shuttles
      • Needle at the Bottom of the Sea
      • Flash Arms like a Fan, Turn, Deflect, Parry and Punch
      • Apparent Closing, Cross Hands, Closing Form
    • everydaytaichi friends & students spread their everydaytaichi aloha around the world >
      • the Chuns' Niu Valley Boulder Removal Project 9-2011
  • Special Events
    • everydaytaichi celebrates >
      • everydaytaichi.org is 10 Years Old!
      • World Tai Chi Day 2020
      • World Tai Chi Day 2019
      • World Tai Chi Day 2018
      • World Tai Chi Day 2017
      • everydaytaichi lucy hosts Prof. Li Deyin at Kilauea Park
      • everydaytaichi.org is 8YO, Lucy's Mother's 101
      • everydaytaichi lucy & ken celebrate Brennan's Kalani Graduation 2016
      • everydaytaichi lucy celebrates 3rd annual World Tai Chi Day at Kahala Mall
      • lucy Family Reunion to celebrate 70th
      • everydaytaichi lucy celebrates her 70th
      • everydaytaichi lucy celebrates 2nd annual World Tai Chi Day at Kahala Mall
      • everydaytaichi lucy & ken celebrate Justine's Iolani Graduation 2015
      • everydaytaichi lucy featured at the Mayor's Summit on Living Age Friendly
      • everydaytaichi lucy: Guest Speaker for Her Sorority
      • Lucy's Premier Show Private Party
      • Happy New Year Tai Chi at Kapiolani Park, Waikiki, Hawaii
      • December 30, A Day of Multiple Celebrations
      • Merry Christmas from the Chun Family
      • Merry Christmas from Luk Tung Kuen Kahala Mall
      • Merry Christmas to Our Tai Chi Friends
      • Happy Birthday Sophia Lucille Chun!
      • everydaytaichi lucy "Rookie of the Year" Award
      • everydaytaichi.org celebrates our 4th anniversary
      • everydaytaichi.org celebrates from 10-07-10
      • everydaytaichi lucy hosts Yomeiji Taikyokuken Shikoku Chuo Tai Chi Club
      • everydaytaichi lucy celebrates World Tai Chi Day 2014 Kahala Mall
      • everydaytaichi by lucy celebrates family >
        • Thanksgiving 2014
        • Mother's Day 2014
        • Thanksgiving 2013
        • everydaytaichi by ken celebrates Gungie's Day
        • everydaytaichi by ken celebrates Father's Day
        • everydaytaichi by lucy celebrates Mother's Day
        • Double Celebration: Birthday + Easter
        • Christmas Gift 2012 >
          • Merry Christmas from Tai Tai
          • Happy Holidays from everydaytaichi students
          • Christmas Gift 2011
        • Thanksgiving 2012 >
          • Thanksgiving
          • Family Album
          • everydaytaichi Mother's Day in L.A., California
          • Black Friday
          • 10-10-10 October 10, 2010
      • Lucy, a life long learner >
        • Visitors from Japan Play Tai Chi at Kilauea Park
        • Makapuu Hike Ka Iwi Trail Jan. 2015
        • everydaytaichi Black Friday Special
        • everydaytaichi students at Mayor Country & Craft Fair
        • everydaytaichi student Dr. Joseph Young is the Mayor of Chinatown
        • everydaytaichi lucy \\"Rookie of the Year\\" Award
        • everydaytaichi lucy & ken welcome the Polynesian ship, the Hokulea at Maunaloa Bay in Hawaii Kai
        • everydaytaichi lucy speaks on Luk Tung Kuen and Tai Chi Hawaii COPD Seminar
        • Labor Day Monday at Aina Koa Park NON Instructional Tai Chi
        • everydaytaichi by lucy presentation:Lion's Club Hawaii District 50
        • Hawaii Celebrates World Tai Chi-Chi Kung Day
        • everydaytaichi by lucy on KITV News
        • Going Green
        • Fourth of July
        • Another day...another year
        • Pussywillows in Hawaii
        • Lucy's Personal Project >
          • Tai Chi at Hillsdale Mall
        • Teaching Tai Chi at Central Park >
          • Gallery
        • Niu Valley Boulder Project >
          • Breaking News
          • Gallery
          • Videos
        • Aloha, Genie
      • Luk Tung Kuen Around the World >
        • Luk Tung Kuen 2014 Easter at Kahala Mall
        • Luk Tung Kuen 2013 Christmas at Kahala Mall
        • Luk Tung Kuen Kahala Mall after Thanksgiving
        • Luk Tung Kuen Evelyn at Kahala Mall
        • Luk Tung Kuen Celebrates Irene's 100th Birthday
        • Luk Tung Kuen at Christmas Kahala Mall
        • Luk Tung Kuen Hawaii Kahala Mall with Our Centenarian
        • Luk Tung Kuen in Hong Kong
        • Luk Tung Kuen in San Mateo
        • Luk Tung Kuen at Christmas Kahala Mall 2012
        • Lucy & Evelyn do LTK Kahala Mall Xmas
        • Lucy does LTK at San Mateo, California
        • Luk Tung Kuen Hawaii Christmas 2011 Special
      • Ken's Retirement >
        • everydaytaichi ken celebrates his big 7-0
        • Narcissus Bulb Cutlture everydaytaichi ken >
          • Ken's Narcissus Culturing for Chinese New Year
          • Narcissus Bulb Crab Claw Culture
          • Narcissus Bulb Cutlture Long Stem Traditional Style
          • Narcissus Bulb Culture 2013
          • Narcissus for Chinese New Year
        • Fishing Tales
        • Tako Tales
        • Tako and Fishing Tales
        • Mixed Plate, a Potpourri of Carpentry, Landscaping, Gardening + More >
          • Reconnecting with a Friend
        • Family Album >
          • Kwock Family Reunion Picnic at Bellows AFB
  • everydaytaichi4U
    • Everydaytaichi Home Style Practice
    • Tai Chi Basics
    • Lucy's Home Studio Lessons
    • Kilauea Park Classes >
      • Yang 10 Form Tuesday 10AM
      • Yang 16 Thursdays 9AM
      • Yang 24 Thursday 1015AM
      • Yang Style: 10, 16 & 24 Forms
      • Yang 88
    • Proper Alignment & Key Words >
      • Tai Chi Walk
      • Commencing Form, Part Horse's Mane
      • White Crane Spreads its Wings
      • Brush Knee
      • Playing the Lute
      • Repulsing the Monkey
      • Grasping the Bird's Tail
      • Single Whip
      • Cloud Hands
      • High Pat on the Horse, Kick Out Right
      • Double Punch
      • Kick out Left
      • Serpent in the Grass, Golden Cockerel
      • Maiden Works her Shuttles
      • Needle at the Bottom of the Sea
      • Flash Arms like a Fan
      • Turn, Deflect, Parry and Punch
      • Apparent Closing
      • Cross Hands
      • Closing Form
    • Refinement: Coordinating Body Movements + Breathing >
      • Lesson #1: Tai Chi Walk, Movements thru Single Whip
      • Lesson #2: Single Whip thru Closing Form
      • Lesson #3: Shift, Rotate, Spiral
      • Lesson #4: Complete Elements in Movement at Same Time
      • Lesson #5: Coordinate, Shift, Rotate, Spiral, Synchronize Elements
      • Lesson #6: Repulse Monkey, Grasp Bird's Tail, Cloud Hands
      • Lesson #7: Cloud Hands, Maiden works Shuttles, Turn Deflect
      • Lesson #8: High Pat on Horse thru Serpent, Golden Cockerel
      • Lesson #9: Needle at Bottom of Sea, Flash Arms, Turn Deflect...Closing Form
      • Lesson #10: Turn Deflect Parry Punch, Apparent Closing...
      • Lesson #11: Turn Deflect..., Apparent Closing, Cross Hands, Closing Form
      • Lesson #12: more refinement of Turn Deflect & Repulsing the Monkey
    • YouTube channels: everydaytaichi4u + MORE
    • YouTube Playlist for 24 Movements
    • YouTube Playlist for Yang 10 Form
    • Yang Style Tai Chi 24 Movements Called Out
    • Warm Up Exercise
    • Tai Chi Posture, Tai Chi Walk
    • Yang Style Tai Chi Back View >
      • Grasping the Bird's Tail thru Cloud Hands, Single Whip Back View
      • Single Whip High Pat on Horse, Kick Outs, Double Punch Front Back View
      • Serpent in Grass, Golden Cockerel Front & Back View
      • Serpent, Golden Cockerel, Maiden, Needle, Flash Arms thru Closing
    • 24 Movements Slideshow >
      • Commencing Form, Parting the Horse's Mane
      • White Crane Spreads its Wings
      • Brush Knee
      • Playing the Lute
      • Repulsing the Monkey
      • Grasping the Bird's Tail
      • Single Whip, Cloud Hands
      • High Pat on the Horse, Kick Out, Double Punch
      • Serpent in the Grass, Golden Cockerel
      • Maiden Working the Shuttles
      • Needle at the Bottom of the Sea
      • Flash Arms Like a Fan, Turn, Deflect, Parry, Punch
      • Apparent Closing, Cross Hands, Closing Form
      • everydaytaichi students travel and keep tai chi alive!
    • Chi Kung & Tai Chi Music
    • everydaytaichi DVDs & CDs by lucy chun
  • Testimony
    • everydaytaichi students' personal opinions
    • everydaytaichi students expression of gratitude
    • everydaytaichi students' insights
    • everydaytaichi is appreciative for...
    • everydaytaichi friends around the world
  • Classes
    • NEW Tai Chi Classes Kilauea District Park
    • Locations >
      • Where is Kilauea District Park?
      • What Bus Do I Catch?
    • Types of everydaytaichi classes by lucy chun >
      • Levels of Classes/ Registration Info
      • NEW Tai Chi Classes Kilauea District Park
      • Spring 2016 Add On Classes
      • ADD On REFINEMENT Classes: Kilauea Park Between Regular Sessions
      • Tai Chi Aina Koa Non-Instructional Session
      • Tai Chi Kilauea Park Non-Instructional Session
      • Tai Chi Kahala Park Non Instructional Session
      • Tai Chi NVMS Non Instructional Session
      • Private Lesson 1 on 1 Lesson
    • Luk Tung Kuen >
      • Luk Tung Kuen Slideshow
      • Luk Tung Kuen 2014 Easter at Kahala Mall
      • Luk Tung Kuen Christmas at Kahala Mall
      • Luk Tung Kuen Kahala Mall after Thanksgiving
      • Luk Tung Kuen Hawaii Kai Welcomes the Hokulea
      • Luk Tung Kuen Evelyn at Kahala Mall
      • Health Benefits of LTK 36 Movements
      • Luk Tung Kuen at Kilauea District Park, Honolulu, Hawaii
      • Luk Tung Kuen Celebrates Irene's 100th Birthday
      • Luk Tung Kuen at Christmas Kahala Mall
      • Luk Tung Kuen Instructions for Exercise
      • Luk Tung Kuen Led by Students Kahala Mall Honolulu, Hawaii
      • everydaytaichi students also do LTK
  • Contact
  • New Page

Picnic dinner out by the pikake and okra bush is different!

4/30/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Grandkids still have FUN
​in spite of the inconvenience of finding something else to do while at Popo's.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
As you can see, way out at sea, there is a freighter
heading to Honolulu Harbor,,,
keeping us well stocked with all our necessary supplies
while Hawaii is still sheltering in place.
Tomorrow marks lucy's 49 day of stay at home ...
as Friday, March 13 was our last ta chi class held at Kilauea District park.
Picture
0 Comments

and here I thought I was busy in the kitchen... BUT take a look at this clip!

4/30/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
This is a great example of great beautiful cook in China
with a great photgrapher
and someone great in editing skills!
​All the greatness I wouldn't mind having!!
0 Comments

Da bes' time of the day is lunch time for me! A private celebration bc Oahu had NO new COVID-19 cases today!

4/30/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
3 different "dishes" folded into 1 in order to capitalize on the combined flavors including the homemade dill vinaigrette. ALL vegan with a trace of fat or oil.
Our NEW norm is not so bad after all!
Why is lunch time the most enjoyable time for me?
bc, I have accomplished the most by this time:
1. Pau with walk in neighborhood (45 minutes)
2. Pau with tai chi with ken (45 minutes)
3. Pau with kitchen cooking and washing vegetable harvest for the day (3-4 hours)
Now at mid day I have these other activities that round out my day: 
4. I can now catch up with COVID-19 news & email 
5. Edit and keep up to date
with my submission dead line for Olelo television projects 
6. Learn something new online such as Zhang Zhuang meditation
7. Do some light exercise such as tai chi warm ups
as well as Luk Tung Kuen in the early evening
8. Have a light dinner
9. and MAYBE our grandchildren will come visit us and talk story
& have after dinner snacks with Popo & Gungie, curbside!


0 Comments

Sheltering in place + no tai chi classes to teach give me more time in the kitchen = FUN

4/30/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Black bean pumpkin or dau see kabocha
​topped with oyster sauce green beans and okra
Picture
A Lei of Aloha
Sticky brown rice
with Hokkaido red beans, black eye peas and mung beans
flavored with turmeric ginger garlic,
five spice, hoisin and char siu sauce
with a halo of garden greens
0 Comments

10 Essentials of Tai Chi explained by Master Yang Jun

4/29/2020

3 Comments

 
Picture
3 Comments

Playing tai chi during physical distancing can be healthy

4/29/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture

https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/reasons-tai-chi/?fbclid=IwAR3YQhsRt4Uf_NjhXk8Uo6JNyGVC7pesrxU5chKvDS2rYS5RiXMY5kbFsQQ

Reasons You Should Be Doing Tai Chi while Social DistancingApril 26, 2020
The Tai Chi movements can be loosely described as shadow boxing or ‘shadow kung fu’ in slow motion. Regular practice can increase flexibility and strength, and improve cardiovascular fitness. The emphasis on correct posture means that Tai Chi can instil a greater awareness of the body and how it moves through space. Tai Chi is also prized as a form of meditation (which we recommend while social distancing at home too!). By focusing exclusively on performing the body movements with grace and poise, the mind achieves a calm, empty clarity. It is also amazing to note that no equipment is needed for Tai Chi and it can be practiced anywhere, especially outside in nature or while social distancing at home due to COVID!
Here are ways Tai Chi is good for your health:
  • Anxiety: because Tai Chi is essentially meditation in motion, it promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements. Not only will the physical exercise boost your happy hormones endorphins, but the calming motions and deep breaths greatly reduce anxiety.
  • Arthritis: The movements of Tai Chi keep the body fresh and allow the person to find a freer range of motion in the joints, greater flexibility, better balance- all of which help with the symptoms of arthritis.
  • Balance and coordination: Tai Chi involves exercises that focus on postural orientation (positioning the trunk and head in alignment to each other as well as to the ground and to the visual field) and postural equilibrium (coordinating movement strategies to center and stabilize the body) both of which have been proven to improve balance and coordination.
  • Fatigue: Tai Chi focuses on controlled motion and breath, which puts your mind and body into a relaxed but energized state. After a session of Tai Chi, people feel energized and relaxed.
  • Joint stiffness: The gentle and flowing motions stretch muscles, ligaments, and promote the bodies natural lubrication for joint health.
  • Muscle tension: Because Tai Chi is both strengthening and stretching, people who practice rarely feel very sore. There will be mild soreness, which is normal- but those who practice usually feel limber and relaxed.
  • Poor posture: A large portion of tai chi focuses on slow and controlled movement that are meant to be perfected. Tai Chi is about correct form, even in the transitions. Because of this, many people note an improvement in posture after a few sessions.
  • Stress: Tai Chi encourages one to look within and harness energy. It is a constant ebb and flow of both motion and controlled breathing, which calms participants. It is nearly impossible to be stressed after a session of Tai Chi!

Tai Chi can be safely practiced in the safety of your home during the COVID pandemicTai chi for medical conditions (Information from Harvard School of Public Health)When combined with standard treatment, Tai Chi appears to be helpful for several medical conditions. For example:
Arthritis. In a 40-person study at Tufts University, presented in October 2008 at a meeting of the American College of Rheumatology, an hour of TaiChi twice a week for 12 weeks reduced pain and improved mood and physical functioning more than standard stretching exercises in people with severe knee osteoarthritis. According to a Korean study published in December 2008 in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, eight weeks of Tai Chi classes followed by eight weeks of home practice significantly improved flexibility and slowed the disease process in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, a painful and debilitating inflammatory form of arthritis that affects the spine.
Low bone density. A review of six controlled studies by Dr. Wayne and other Harvard researchers indicates that Tai Chi may be a safe and effective way to maintain bone density in postmenopausal women. A controlled study of Tai Chi in women with osteopenia (diminished bone density not as severe as osteoporosis) is underway at the Osher Research Center and Boston’s Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Breast cancer. Tai Chi has shown potential for improving quality of life and functional capacity (the physical ability to carry out normal daily activities, such as work or exercise) in women suffering from breast cancer or the side effects of breast cancer treatment. For example, a 2008 study at the University of Rochester, published in Medicine and Sport Science, found that quality of life and functional capacity (including aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and flexibility) improved in women with breast cancer who did 12 weeks of TaiChi, while declining in a control group that received only supportive therapy.
Heart disease. A 53-person study at National Taiwan University found that a year of Tai Chi significantly boosted exercise capacity, lowered blood pressure, and improved levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin, and C-reactive protein in people at high risk for heart disease. The study, which was published in the September 2008 Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, found no improvement in a control group that did not practice Tai Chi.
Heart failure. In a 30-person pilot study at Harvard Medical School, 12 weeks of practice improved participants’ ability to walk and quality of life. It also reduced blood levels of B-type natriuretic protein, an indicator of heart failure. A 150 patient-controlled trial is underway.
Hypertension. In a review of 26 studies in English or Chinese published in Preventive Cardiology (Spring 2008), Dr. Yeh reported that in 85% of trials, Tai Chi lowered blood pressure — with improvements ranging from 3 to 32 mm Hg in systolic pressure and from 2 to 18 mm Hg in diastolic pressure.
Parkinson’s disease. A 33-person pilot study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, published in Gait and Posture (October 2008), found that people with mild to moderately severe Parkinson’s disease showed improved balance, walking ability, and overall well-being after 20 sessions.
Sleep problems. In a University of California, Los Angeles study of 112 healthy older adults with moderate sleep complaints, 16 weeks of Tai Chi improved the quality and duration of sleep significantly more than standard sleep education. The study was published in the July 2008 issue of the journal Sleep.
Stroke. In 136 patients who’d had a stroke at least six months earlier, 12 weeks of Tai Chi improved standing balance more than a general exercise program that entailed breathing, stretching, and mobilizing muscles and joints involved in sitting and walking. Findings were published in the January 2009 issue of Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair.
0 Comments

Lucy's Favorite Bookmark: Health & Healing Benefits of Tai Chi

4/28/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Asia’s centuries-old healing technique
​
It’s early morning in Hong Kong. As the roar of traffic and rush of the commute begin, the city moves to its usual pulsing rhythm. But in the heart of one of the most hectic urban jungles on Earth is an unlikely garden of calm and healing – a little oasis where the pace is decidedly slower.
Located in Hong Kong Park, a lush green space in the centre of the city, is a dedicated tai chi garden. Designed with a courtyard for practicing, and decorated with bonsai trees, it has a serene quality that comes as a pleasant surprise in an area otherwise dominated by skyscrapers and the rush of city life. The garden is used frequently, if not daily, as locals gather in parks like this across the city, mostly in the morning, to practice the centuries-old martial art.

Hong Kong Park is a lush green space in the centre of the city (Credit: SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images)It’s here under the early morning light that a group of tai chi students, led by their teacher, Master Chow, are using the garden as their classroom. They run through what’s known in tai chi as a “form” – a sequence of fluid moves.
To an observer, the movements appear effortless. The students glide and flow seamlessly from one move to the next, exuding a calmness that’s far removed from the bustling streets nearby. Passers-by stop and watch, momentarily soothed by the movements that, although gentle, cut a powerful presence.
“People think that tai chi is just soft. But it’s all things – gentle, explosive, delicate, calm and full of wisdom,” said Chow. “There are 1,000 words to define it, but there are no words to fully describe it.”
Tai chi is a type of ancient Chinese martial art that is widely believed to have originated more than 400 years ago during the Ming dynasty. Chen Wangting (1600-1680), a local military commander from the Chenjiagou village in Henan Province, has historically been recognised as the first person to create and practice tai chi. After retiring from the army, Wangting created tai chi as a fighting art to protect his family against thieves and bandits. He integrated the skills of different martial art styles with elements of the Taoist yin-yang philosophy – the idea that everything consists of two opposing forces that harmonise with each other to create a whole – as well as theories drawn from Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Hong Kong Park has a dedicated tai chi garden for practicing the centuries-old martial art (Credit: Matthew Keegan)Nowadays, tai chi is mainly practiced as a low-to moderate-intensity exercise combined with meditation, body awareness, imagery and controlled breathing. Its main objective is to achieve longevity through mind and body conditioning.
Tai chi maintains cardiorespiratory function, muscular fitness and joint flexibility The ancient practice is immensely popular throughout China, but it is particularly beloved in Hong Kong for its ability to relieve stress and improve health. With famously small living spaces in Hong Kong, going to the city’s parks or tai chi gardens is a good way to be out in the open while getting some exercise. Hong Kong also has a rapidly ageing population – about one third of its population will be aged 65 or above by 2038 – and the city’s elderly citizens are encouraged by the government to attend classes in the morning, which are often followed by tea and dim sum with their teacher and classmates. Not only do tai chi classes promote healthy movement, but they provide the elderly with a social community and combat isolation.
Some experts point to the health benefits of tai chi as a reason lifespan has increased in Hong Kong over the last 50 years. Hong Kong has the highest life expectancy in the world. Women in the city live, on average, to 87.6 years of age and men to 81.9, beating such places as Japan and Italy, which are renowned for their longevity. “Prior study has indicated that this longevity increase is associated with the more active lifestyle of the elderly today,” said Aileen Chan, professor at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, whose research expertise is tai chi. “Tai chi maintains cardiorespiratory function, muscular fitness and joint flexibility. To promote a longer life, it is recommended to practice tai chi regularly for at least 30 minutes a day and at least five times a week, preferably every day.”
Chow is the founder of the Chen Style Tai Chi Institute in Hong Kong where he has taught more than 3,000 local and international students over a period of 19 years. Born into a martial arts family, Chow was inspired by his father, a kung fu master, who he describes as a humble man with great power and strength but who never showed off.

Hong Kong’s elderly citizens are encouraged by the government to attend morning tai chi classes (Credit: Marc Bruxelle/Alamy)“When I was 16 years old, I knew the power of tai chi from books and I was amazed by its philosophy,” said Chow. “So, I decided to take classes, and this is how I started my tai chi journey.”
Chow was fortunate to learn the Chen-style of tai chi – the original form of tai chi – at its birthplace in Henan province, in mainland China. (There are four other traditional styles: Yang, Wu, Wu Hao and Sun; each have different movements and can look very different from one another.) After a few years of observation and training, the Chen family accepted him to be an inheritor, meaning that he could officially teach as a master of Chen-style in Hong Kong.
Mentally, it has taught me how to think and how to control my emotions Chow enjoys tai chi for both its physical and mental benefits. “Mentally, tai chi is an ancient Chinese method which is a natural and unique way to help relieve stress and soothe our soul,” he said. “Physically, it helps build joint movement in the knees and back, improves balance and fall prevention, adds muscle strength and flexibility and training coordination.” That’s because the movements are usually circular and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched. Chow says he has experienced the health benefits himself.
“When I was a child, I always used to have a fever and coughing,” he said. “But as I grew up and started to practice tai chi, year by year, my health changed, and it has made me very strong now. Mentally, also, it has taught me how to think and how to control my emotions.”

Tai chi is particularly beloved in Hong Kong for its ability to relieve stress and improve health (Credit: TwilightShow/Getty Images)Chow firmly believes that tai chi can be self-healing. “It can help people a lot, especially in a busy city like Hong Kong,” he said. “It can bring peace of mind and soothe the soul. This is very important.”
And as Chow wraps up leading his students through a series of movements in the Tai Chi Garden – among them signature movements like “Buddha pestle” (a punching movement) and “white goose spreading wings” (an advance-and-retreat movement, just like a goose when it opens its wings and jumps very fast suddenly) – it’s certainly soothing to observe. But there’s more to it than one might first assume.
Our coverage during coronavirus
While travelling is on hold due to the coronavirus outbreak, BBC Travel will continue to inform and inspire our readers who want to learn about the world as much as they want to travel there, offering stories that celebrate the people, places and cultures that make this world so wonderfully diverse and amazing.
For travel information and stories specifically related to coronavirus, please read the latest updates from our colleagues at BBC News.
The learning process for Chen-style tai chi is split into 15 levels. Level one involves learning 74 movements as a sequence, which is called a “form”. “When you finish level one, we use the same form (74 movements) in the other 14 levels, but you go deeper and you learn the internal power in the other levels,” said Chow.
You may also be interested in:
• Asia's 'anti-ageing red diamond'
• Is this Japan's miracle drink?
• Hong Kong's secret night meal

Going deeper involves more than just correctly learning the movements, but ensuring that both the external movements and the internal part, the Qi (energy), are moving together as yin and yang. By stimulating the internal energy (Qi) flow it helps to recharge the body and helps to detoxify.
“Tai chi exercise involves the recognition, development, and use of Qi, which refers to the energy in the body,” explained Professor Chan. “Based on theoretical principles that are inherent to traditional Chinese medicine, Qi is the fundamental energy that sustains life and flows in the body along channels called meridians and collaterals, which enhance the integration of all organ systems and tissues, and promote good health and longevity.”

Linda Fung practices tai chi every morning to achieve a balance in her life (Credit: Matthew Keegan)Chow explains how he uses Qi in his own practice. “At the end of each movement in tai chi, we hold the posture until the Qi energy goes down and back to the earth. We call this state ‘Yin’,” said Chow. “Then you can start the next movement and take the Qi from the earth again with breathing to guide the energy to rotate and circulate inside your body. We call this state ‘Yang’. So, the entire sequence of 74 movements contains rhythm and changing of the speed. Alternately yin and yang. This is the meaning of tai chi.”
The meaning of tai chi is something that fellow Hong Kong-based tai chi teacher, Linda Fung, wishes more people better understood.
“We often misunderstand tai chi,” said Fung. “When we say tai chi, people tend to think it’s just moving your arms and legs and doing some movement exercise, but tai chi moves are part of a subset of tai chi philosophy.”
Fung, who practices and teaches the Li-style of tai chi, says that tai chi is more than just the physical movements, it’s a way of life. It encompasses arts, music, lifestyle, she said, and you have to understand the yin and yang that is the core of tai chi.
“In tai chi it’s the interconnection between the yin, which is the body, and yang, which is our mind,” said Fung. “So it’s always the mind and body moving and working together."

The main objective of practicing tai chi is to achieve longevity through mind and body conditioning (Credit: Matthew Keegan)At an 11th-floor yoga studio – a sanctuary of calm overlooking Hong Kong’s dizzying central business district – Fung guides her students through a beginners’ class. Trained as a ballet dancer at the Royal Ballet School in London and later at the Julliard School in New York, she exudes a natural grace that embodies all her movements.
In addition to teaching classes, Fung practices tai chi herself every morning, often outdoors, and says it helps her to achieve a balance in her life.
“In tai chi you slow down your movement, but yet you’re still breathing in certain patterns and so it is movement meditation,” said Fung. “With that level of focus, time just disappears, it’s like there is no time. It’s a great feeling.”
The ability to be able to slow down and to have clarity and awareness even when things are in crisis, is, for Fung, one of the best health benefits of tai chi. “With tai chi practice, even when situations are out of hand, you can still retain a calmness like an eye of the storm. That is the core of tai chi: it’s about harmony.”
And Fung believes that tai chi is a treasure trove of good stuff that has never been more needed in the world. “We have to share it with everyone, particularly now, in the 21st Century, where there are so many ways that we are distracted with problems and even illnesses. Tai chi is really very important for people, to give us a chance for happiness, wisdom and health.”
BBC Travel’s Well World is a global take on wellness that explores different ways that cultures the world over strive for a healthy lifestyle.
Join more than three million BBC Travel fans by liking us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
If you liked this story, sign up for the weekly bbc.com features newsletter called "The Essential List". A handpicked selection of stories from BBC Future, Culture, Worklife and Travel, delivered to your inbox every Friday.
0 Comments

Mustard cabbage seaweed long rice soup

4/28/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
0 Comments

A Mix Plate of Family Activities During Physical Distancing

4/28/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
What a topsy turvy existence!!
0 Comments

A bouquet of garden greens...

4/28/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Eating plant base gives rich vibrant colors to our lunch.
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Weekend family activities during Hawaii's sheltering in place

4/27/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Ken, the gardener prunes his trees, BUT today he trims...

4/27/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Lucy is so grateful to ken who styled her hair after 7 weeks
 during our sheltering in place  that grew into a wild bush!

Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Fishing for ken is semi restricted in Hawaii beaches but that doesn't stop him from cooking FISH!

4/26/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Mahalo to our personal shoppers, we can dress up our vegetarian meals!
0 Comments

Our weekend treat to "play" from afar with our youngest grandchild

4/26/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Getting use to not touching and keeping physical distancing, a necessary MUST...
Picture
0 Comments

I think we'll survive ?

4/26/2020

0 Comments

 
Picture
Ken continues to think of how he can improve his garden,
since we've done so well not going out to grocery shop...
​but he does need to get garden supplies such as potting soil!
I stand corrected! 
Ken does NOT use potting soil!
He needs horticultural oil, manure, vermiculite, sponge rock, and more pots!!
BTW Ken doesn't know all the things I BLOG about!
Picture
Homemade Greek yogurt every 2 weeks is a must!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Lucy's BLOG

    Picture
    Picture
    Picture

    Archives

    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    May 2012
    April 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012

    Copyright 2009 vmnproduction

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.