Tai Chi for Diabetes
Associate Director of Education
On Wednesday, July 19, 2006, the Leonard R. Strelitz Diabetes Institutes, Eastern Virginia Medical School , presented a free session, “Tai Chi for Diabetes” at the Virginia Beach Central Library. Tai Chi for Diabetes is a carefully designed exercise program based on Tai Chi principles and movements.
This program was designed by a physician, Dr Paul Lam to address many of the major problems associated with diabetes. It focuses on building strength, balance and flexibility through slow fluid movements combined with mental imagery and deep breathing.
What has Tai Chi got to do with diabetes? Studies have shown Tai Chi to have beneficial effects on cardio-respiratory fitness; muscular strength, balance, peripheral circulation, while reducing tension and anxiety. All these factors help minimize the complications of diabetes.
Phillip Szpiech, MA certified to teach Tai Chi for arthritis, diabetes and back pain, introduced this interactive session and ably demonstrated some of the techniques. Mr. Szpiech is a Tai Chi instructor at Bending Tree Tai Chi Kung, an organization established twelve years ago in Hampton Roads, and owned by Judith Forsyth, an exercise physiologist. Judith also interacted with the audience and answered some of the questions. According to Judith, the mission of Bending Tree is to provide guidance on the journey to wellness, harmony and balance, by combining the ancient culture of Tai Chi with today's modern culture and knowledge of medicine.
Philip and Judith explained that Tai Chi is not the only form of exercise for people with diabetes, nor is it a treatment by itself. A healthy eating plan, adhering to medication, stress control, as well as a safe exercise routine recommended by qualified health professionals are the cornerstones of diabetes self management.
Exercise has many benefits. It helps release the body's natural “happy hormones” (endorphins) that make you feel good. It also assists the tissue cells recognize and utilize the body's own insulin to lower blood sugar level. Walking with a buddy is a great social activity on the move. Instead of catching up on the gossip, discussing problems or airing grievances sitting on the couch, put on your comfortable well-fitting sneakers and padded socks and get rid of stress on the move. Exercise classes can be an excellent way of meeting others with the same problem, so why not try some gentle Tai Chi? Remember that before starting any exercise program you need to be checked out by your physician.
This presentation was the third in the Strelitz Diabetes Institutes' 2006 series of the
public lectures designed to provide up-to-date information on health issues in the local
community.
