Taiji [Qigong Shibashi] may help prevent falls in the over 60’s.

I am taking a little liberty here as my focus is on Taiji Qigong but the three shibashi sets we teach are are essentially ‘health Taiji’. Recent research into exercise has found that the over 60’s can cut the risk of falls by a fifth by practicing Tai Chi and other exercise programmes.

A study involving Oxford University found that elderly people enrolled in fitness classes to improve their strength were far less likely to end up suffering potentially deadly injuries.

The research, which examined 108 trials, with 23,407 participants, found that classes which aim to improve balance and functional exercise cut the risk of falls by 23 per cent. The average age of those in the study was 76 years old, with three quarters of participants female.

The trials involved pensioners living independently at home as well as those in retirement villages, or in sheltered accommodation.

The review found that exercise programmes carried out in group classes or done at home prescribed by a physiotherapist were effective. Exercises were mostly done while standing as this better enhances balance and the ability to do daily activities such as standing up from a low chair or climbing stairs.

On average, those taking part in all exercise programmes had 23 per cent fewer falls than those who did not, while Tai Chi was found to reduce the rate of falls by 19 per cent. Experts said it was less clear whether exercises like dancing and walking, which do not focus on balance, could cut the risk of falls.

The Cochrane Review was carried out by Oxford University and Sydney University. Author, Professor Cathie Sherrington from The University of Sydney, Institute for Musculoskeletal Health said: “This evidence helps build an even stronger picture that exercise can help prevent older people having falls. It also illustrates which types of exercise can be beneficial. It is well known that keeping active promotes good health but this review pinpoints which types of exercise are more likely to be effective for preventing falls’. (Source; Daily Telegraph)

The full research is available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30703272

Beginners course in Ealing

We are looking for a suitable venue in Ealing to run a beginners workshop.

Taiji Qigong Shibashi is a beautiful, gentle, and flowing exercise system that is suitable for all. It is a delight to practice, relaxing and extremely beneficial to your health and wellbeing.

Shibashi Qigong is a moving meditation that has been shown to have many health benefits. The exercises are a great daily practice for wellbeing and preventative healthcare, strengthening the muscles and bones, promoting good circulation and health in all the major organs. Shibashi Qigong encourages a state of mindful awareness of our body and breath and during classes we will be working on breathing, posture, relaxation, and coordination.

Besides the obvious benefits like balancing Yin and Yang, increasing overall levels of Qi, clearing blockages in the Meridians and so on, practicing Taiji Shibashi Qigong also has the benefits of aerobic exercise.

We teach 3 separate but complementary sets each of which builds upon the previous one taking you to a different level of practice and understanding of how Ki moves in the body.

Course Dates: TBA

We also run a full program of one day workshops in Salisbury and a regular Friday evening class* at Bodywise Pilates Studio. For full details click here

*Course run by Dave Hopwood.