Vignette this Month: Tai Chi for Health–Dr. Paul Lam
A new Utah discovery! Snow hits early. The white flakes fell on September 27 and 28, dusting the mountain tops. Thankfully, it fell only at the higher elevations. I was especially happy that the roads were not covered as I had a 45 minute drive to the Salt Lake City airport to take a flight back to Holland, Ohio for a Tai Chi for Health (TCH) in-depth conference headed by Dr. Paul Lam, founder and developer of the form.
Dr. Lam, a physician from Australia and tai chi gold medal winner, has made it his mission to "spread the gospel" for the health benefits of tai chi, especially TCH. This tai chi form, the only one approved by the National Arthritis Association, has helped thousands improve their lives. Medical research continues to support its health benefits including reduction in falls and greater flexibility. He related a story about a wheelchair bound seventy year old woman who had a variety of serious health issues. At the insistence of a friend she started TCH. She is now eighty+ and is no longer wheelchair bound. This amazing individual now teaches over twenty classes a week. Others have seen significant decrease in high-blood pressure and stress. Serious students also begin to view life differently, realizing our interconnectiveness. Another added benefit is the collegiality and social bonds that develop within the class.
Participants in TCH classes come in all shapes and sizes including the heavy set and the very thin. I have had ninety-three year olds as well as teenagers in class. You do not need to feel that you will be embarrassed. Each person progresses at his or her own rate. There is no finger pointing.
If any of the above appeals to you, I encourage you to visit Dr. Lam's site to find an instructor near you. You can also contact me if you have questions.
Recommendations:
Koreana Sushi Bar & Lounge on 1423 Bernath Pkwy., Toledo, OH (419) 867-8080: While attending Dr. Lam's tai chi conference in Holland, OH (a suburb of Toledo), upon local recommendation a group of us decided to eat at Koreana. What a delightful surprise! We feasted on the Korea Na Special Appetizer that easily fed seven of us. For the entree I had the Dolsot Bibim Bap which was delicious. Our server, Nicole, was friendly and extremely efficient while helping us novice Korean gourmets determine what to have for dinner. I recommend this restaurant without hesitation. Up until that time none of us were familiar with Korean food. In fact six of the seven were uncertain they even wanted to eat there. When finished, all raved about our evening of feasting and fun. (Pictured below is the group.)
Continuing up the road, about five miles later
|
|
Aspens headed toward Guardsman Pass
|
|
Above and below: Scenes along the earlier described mountain road |
|
I never tire of looking at the different faces of the mountains.
|
|
Another shot along that isolated trail |
|
Taken in Park City |
|
Bob Casey
Poetical Journeys
P.O. Box 319
Midway, UT 84049
bob@poeticaljourneys.com
If you are reading this and have not signed up for your free subscription to the Poetical Journal, please click here.
|
 |
| Click on the icon if you entered this site from another and wish to go to my home page. |
|
