Not quite what the doctor ordered
- Sep 2
- 2 min read
I was speaking to one of my senior students regarding Tai Chi for health. As Tai Chi becomes more mainstream. More GPs (General Practitioner in the UK or a primary care physician in other countries) are recommending their patients to do Tai Chi. On the surface, this is good for the Tai Chi community. However, I doubt many in the medical profession have done Tai Chi or understand what it is.
Please seek medical advice before trying Tai Chi. Yes, Tai Chi is suitable for all age groups and it is low impact, but it might not be what you think it is or what you need. I would advise not to simply jump on the bandwagon or feels pressured into take up any activity and Tai Chi is no different.
Here a few points to look consider.
Tai Chi has a long routine of moves and there is a lot of thinking and coordination involved.
Tai Chi might be low impact, but is doesn't mean it is low energy use.
Tai Chi means you will be standing up a lot, are you weightbearing?
From experience, many people join and then gave up, because they weren't prepared for what Tai Chi involves. What they would benefit from is Qigong. Qigong generally has less movements, easier to follow and learn. The health results are the same. However, Qigong is not well known, but it should be. The last 2 points in the last paragraph would also apply to Qigong.
Where there is an opportunity, there are opportunists. Not all instructors understand what they claim to instruct. I would encourage potential students to become more informed about what they are signing up for. I am often sceptical when I see Tai Chi, Qigong or any martial art being being promoted with no information on lineage or vague on content. I'm often asked about availability, but I rarely have any. My priorities aren't to attract new students (though they are welcome if spaces are available), but to work with existing students and helping then realise their potential. This takes time, but the public assume Tai Chi is easy.
If you are a GP or a health professional. I am happy to provide a free session, so you can become informed about what Tai Chi and Qigong is about and how it could help people.
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