Exploring Tai Chi in the Occupational Therapy field
Today, we are spotlighting a group of brilliant occupational therapists who have helped to bring a moment of calm and balance to our service users' lives.
Tucked away in a private area of Moseley Hall Hospital's outpatients' facility, colleagues Gary Phelps, George Linton and Jim Davis deliver regular Tai Chi sessions to our service users. Tai Chi is a series of slow movements that coordinate the hands, feet, body, mind, and breath. It originated in China as a martial art and today is practiced all over the world, even here in Birmingham!
At its core, occupational therapy focuses on enabling individuals to participate in meaningful activities and occupations despite physical, cognitive or mental limitations. Tai Chi has become increasingly popular in this field on account of it promoting gentle exercise. The physical benefits of Tai Chi include improve balance and reduced fall risk, enhanced flexibility, a better range of motion and gradually strengthening the muscles.
Not only does Tai Chi help our service users physically, but it also helps them mentally. Sessions have helped to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and confidence as well as enhance cognitive function.
