Traditional Chinese Approach to Arthritis

Chinese physicians diagnose illness by evaluating the invisible imbalance of Chi (life force) in the body, in addition to physical symptoms. Chinese medicine teaches that before physical illness occurs, Chi becomes unbalanced. If this Chi imbalance is not corrected, the physical body can be damaged and the physical symptoms of sickness will appear. "Correct" Tai Chi or Chi Kung exercises stimulate energy and increases its circulation, which removes stagnation and blockages and allows the body’s natural healing mechanism to operate in the best way possible.

How does Tai Chi and Chi Kung work?
Tai Chi and Chi Kung integrate mental and physical exercises to achieve a more complete, in-depth solution to the problems facing sufferers of arthritis and knee Osteoarthritis. Gentle stretching and strengthening movements, exercises to increase the joints’ range-of motion, and cardiovascular work, in conjunction with mental exercises, massage and nurture the whole body, which according to Eastern philosophy is made up of five components, or building blocks—body, breathing, mind, energy, and spirit. Deep breathing and visualization exercises help evoke healing energy and spirituality to reduce inflammation and stress resulting in a whole-body approach to health.

These mind-body exercises for arthritis can be modified and performed on a chair until the practitioner is able to do them standing and moving slowly. In order to achieve the full benefits of Tai Chi and Chi Kung, the exercises must be performed on a mental, physical, and spiritual level; all three components of the self must be addressed.

Tai Chi and Chi Kung seeks:
1. To teach Eastern energy theories & methods
(for example, acupuncture is also based on the same Eastern energetic system)
2. To expand linear movement by rotating and pulsing muscles, tendons, and ligaments
3. A balance between the strength and length of muscles
4. Correct alignment of the bones (while still and in motion)
5. To isolate trouble areas
6. To achieve deep, long, soft breathing in order to saturate the body with oxygen
7. To massage and improve the functioning and strength of internal organs
8. To tap into the power of the mind and spirit and activate our internal healing mechanisms