Using concepts from Tai Chi and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Functional Neurology, Physical Therapy and Myofascial Tensegrity, this course aims at improving function, movement quality; reduce tension, pain and discomfort.
Each lesson focuses on specific area and can be taken separately, where elements of specific topic is incorporated in every class.
- 1st week – joint mobility, sequencing and flexibility
Joint sequencing is based on the conscious direction of slow, novel, and coordinated movement. Focusing largely on the trunk, pelvis, spine, jaw, and cranium provides us with the opportunity to directly stimulate the cerebellum via one of the constants – spindle afferentation. The concept is incredibly simple and equally effective. You will simply be directed to pay close attention to movement in a specific sequence. Primary focus of this class is exploration of joint mobility and coordination with cues that might help in increasing flexibility and subsequently range of motion.
- 2nd week – movement awareness (proprioception)
Build on previous session, this class we’ll explore different techniques that will help build up more awareness in the body. This will include skin stimulation via touch and vibration, balance drills and introduction to specific eye positions while moving. Aim of the class is to directly influence increased sense of proprioception.
- 3rd week – eye movement,
Visuospatial skills allow us to visually perceive objects and the spatial relationships among objects. This allows us to recognise shapes, retrace our steps literally and in our minds as we have complex visual maps of our environments. They allow us to appreciate depth, size and space. Fast eye movements known as saccades and continuous tracking of a target across the visual field, termed pursuits, covered in this class will further enhance our movement ability.
- 4th week – body fluid dynamics (lymph in particular)
This class is looking at the ways we can improve body fluid dynamics especially lymph via movement and self stimulation of specific sites around the body. The content of the class credited largely to Dr. Perry Nickelston from “Stop Chasing Pain”.
- 5th week – breathing techniques
Looking at overview of breathing physiology and neurology we’ll explore the role of accessory muscles of breathing. Together with activation techniques of diaphragm and breathing methods used in Tai Chi and Yoga, will help develop greater lung capacity and oxygenation of the body.
Course start date: Monday 26th April at 11 am – 12.15 pm
Classes are recorded and can be viewed by participants at any stage after course is finished. Each class requires some preps easily found around the house for particular drills. Advice what’s needed will be given before the class.
Enrollment price for the whole course is 110 Euros, single class cost is 25 Euros. Course is open to everyone and no prior experience in Tai Chi is required to participate.
