Live Whole Health #253: No pain, more gain with Adaptive Tai Chi

Have you heard the phrase “No Pain, No Gain?” Growing up as an athlete, I certainly took that concept to heart. However, in more recent years—and after events including a knee surgery, and birth of a child—I have found how incredibly important it is to know my limits and to find balance between effort and ease.

In Tai Chi, it is often said “No Pain, More Gain,” and “Less is More.” One of the main goals in Tai Chi is to help calm and relax the nervous system. It has also been shown to support health and well-being in a variety of ways, including improved balance and reduced fall risk among others.

Tai Chi is a gentle mind-body movement practice combining slow-flowing intentional movements with breathing, awareness and visualization. Tai Chi can be done in a small space without any additional equipment, and movements could be done standing or from a chair. When done standing, you can use a chair or wall to help support your balance.

Follow along with Physical Therapist and Health and Wellness Coach Lori Enloe in this 14-minute Tai Chi basics video where she guides the practice while standing with chairs for support, though it could also be done from a chair.

Tai Chi is one of the complementary and integrative health (CIH) approaches within the VA Whole Health System of care covered under the Veteran’s medical benefits package. To learn more about CIH services available at your facility, connect with your local Whole Health Facility Contact.

For more information on staying physically active, visit the VHA National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention’s Be Physically Active page. Or check out Moving the Body, one of the Whole Health Components of Health and Well-Being.