Resources

T’ai Chi links and resources: books, newspaper and magazine articles, and other resources that are useful to the student of T’ai Chi.

Numerous studies have shown that people who practice Tai Chi receive many medical benefits from the Form, including help with osteoarthritis, shingles, blood sugar levels, blood pressure, stress, and balance and strength.

Articles & Online

Bodies In Motion
Article on the Lu T’ai Chi Players
Allen American
June 23, 2002

Course Of Action
Article on the Lu T’ai Chi Players
Dallas Morning News
December 6, 2000

Knee Osteoarthritis
August 2010
According to study from Tufts University School of Medicine, those who practiced an hour of tai chi twice a week for three months reduced pain by 75 percent among patients with severe knee osteoarthritis.

Yahoo! Health: Tea Boosts Bone Health
Researchers at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center studied 150 middle-aged women with low bone mass to evaluate the effects of green tea flavanols, Tai Chi exercise or a combination of two improved bone health and muscle strength in study participants. At the end of the six-month clinical trial, the scientists found that 500 mg. of green tea extract (equivalent to 4-6 cups of green tea daily), alone or in combination with Tai Chi, was linked to improved markers for bone formation, reductions in markers of inflammation and increased muscle strength in study participants. “Our work suggests that green tea and weight bearing exercise like Tai Chi may be an effective way to help improve muscular strength, reduce inflammation and improve bone biomarkers, which may help reduce the risk for osteoporosis and fractures among older Americans,” said Chwan-Li Shen, PhD, lead researcher at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, TX. And here’s yet another reason to enjoy a refreshing cup of tea today: “The many bioactive compounds in tea appear to impact virtually every cell in the body to help improve health outcomes, which is why the consensus emerging from this symposium is that drinking at least a cup of green, black, white or oolong tea a day can contribute significantly to the promotion of public health,” said symposium chair and Director Antioxidants Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Blumberg, PhD, and Jean Mayer of the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, Boston

Tai Chi Can Boost Physical Function In Osteoarthritis Sufferers
Food & Fitness Advisor
January 2002

Perfect Your Balancing Act
Harvard Medical School
Women’s Health Watch
November 2002

Tai Chi – Fitness Secret of China
Food & Fitness Advisor
September 2001

Tai Chi: Meditative Movement For Health
Harvard Medical School
Women’s Health Watch Newsletter
December 2000

Tame Tension With Tai Chi
Healthy Eating

Can Tai Chi Keep Shingles At Bay?
Time magaine, September 29, 2003

T’ai Chi Magazine

Wikipedia on T’ai Chi

Books

T’ai Chi Classics
With commentary and practical instruction by Waysun Liao

T’ai Chi For Body, Mind & Spirit
A Step-By-Step Guide To Achieving Physical and Mental Balance
by Eric Chaline

The Complete T’ai Chi:
The Definitive Guide to Physical and Emotional Self Improvement
by Teacher Alfred Huang

Secrets of Self Healing
Dr. Maoshing Ni
Regarding diabetes: Studies in China have found that practicing tai chi for 30 minutes, at least 4 times a week for three months, have a positive effect on balancing blood sugar levels. Cardiovascular exercises have similar benefits when done consistently for at least 4 times a week.

Tai Chi as a Path of Wisdom,
by Linda Myoki Lehrhaupt

The Dao De Jing

CD & DVD

Tai Chi On DVD
6 Forms, 6 Easy Lessons

This video by Dr. Paul Lam has good points for everyone. The form in the video is the 24 move form. While it is not the same as the Lu 64 move, the moves are close enough to recognize. It is worthwhile for all students to see his posture and use of the cylinder, as well as the shifting of his weight. Dr. Lam also demonstrates some Chi Kung exercises.