Ai Chi and the therapeutic application (Clinical Ai Chi) are active relaxation methods in water, that have proven beneficial effects on e.g. postural balance and decrease the risk to fall.
Clinical Ai Chi is already fairly well known in Spain, it is taught annually at the courses ‘Specialist in aquatic therapy” at UCLM Toledo and URJC Madrid. Separate courses have been taught at various places like Langreo, Palma de Mallorca, Valencia. Till now probably 150 health care professionals have attended courses. Professor F Maraver, Medical Hydrology
School, Complutense University Of Madrid is supporting CAC in Spanish balnearios. An example is Thalassia in San Pedro del Pinatar, where CAC is a part of the weekly programming. Spanish research about CAC that has been published internationally is going on at the universities of Almeria and Murcia.
Ai Chi has proven to be effective for persons with various diseases, like e.g. multiple sclerosis, Parkinson, stroke or fibromyalgia. Recent research has shown (very) positive effects on fatigue, balance, muscle strength, pain, stiffness, and autonomy. What is (Clinical) Ai Chi and why is this method look so effective?
School, Complutense University Of Madrid is supporting CAC in Spanish balnearios. An example is Thalassia in San Pedro del Pinatar, where CAC is a part of the weekly programming. Spanish research about CAC that has been published internationally is going on at the universities of Almeria and Murcia.
Ai Chi has proven to be effective for persons with various diseases, like e.g. multiple sclerosis, Parkinson, stroke or fibromyalgia. Recent research has shown (very) positive effects on fatigue, balance, muscle strength, pain, stiffness, and autonomy. What is (Clinical) Ai Chi and why is this method look so effective?
Ai Chi has been developed by Jun Konno, owner of an aquatic fitness institute in Yokohama, Japan. Jun Konno is also Watsu lecturer and developed Ai Chi as an introduction to Watsu, but around 2000 quickly became popular because of it’s simplicity and effects.
Ai Chi is active and includes 20 continuous slow and broad movements, accomplished without force. Ai Chi focuses on breathing, upper limb movement, trunk (mobile) stability, lower limb movement, balance and coordinated total body movements.
The basis of support is gradual narrowing and movements are combined with deep breathing at breath rate: about 14 to 16 times per minute.
The 20 movements form a sequence with gradual increasing difficulty. There is no need to perform all movements. Different protocols exist, consisting of a choice of the 20 movements and/or a different amount of repetitions, see e.g. at www.clinicalaichi.org Ai Chi has elements of both Qi Gong and Tai Chi Chuan. It is an active relaxation technique in which postural control and breathing are important. Persons stand in shoulder deep water, preferably in the Tai Chi positions with knees slightly flexed. The water (and air) temperature should be not too cool in order to support active relaxation. Mostly, music is used to guide the rhythm of movements and breathing. Rhythm functions as an external stimulus to continue smooth movements and is highly valued by persons with multiple sclerosis.
Movement initiation is also supported by the relative instability because of buoyancy. Breathing changes the buoyancy effect constantly, which means that a person in fact always moves a little bit: basis for the start of an intentional movement.
Ai Chi also includes important elements, necessary for balance (and fall prevention): continuous weight transfer, not using arms to support en also narrow supporting surfaces.
Ai Chi is active and includes 20 continuous slow and broad movements, accomplished without force. Ai Chi focuses on breathing, upper limb movement, trunk (mobile) stability, lower limb movement, balance and coordinated total body movements.
The basis of support is gradual narrowing and movements are combined with deep breathing at breath rate: about 14 to 16 times per minute.
The 20 movements form a sequence with gradual increasing difficulty. There is no need to perform all movements. Different protocols exist, consisting of a choice of the 20 movements and/or a different amount of repetitions, see e.g. at www.clinicalaichi.org Ai Chi has elements of both Qi Gong and Tai Chi Chuan. It is an active relaxation technique in which postural control and breathing are important. Persons stand in shoulder deep water, preferably in the Tai Chi positions with knees slightly flexed. The water (and air) temperature should be not too cool in order to support active relaxation. Mostly, music is used to guide the rhythm of movements and breathing. Rhythm functions as an external stimulus to continue smooth movements and is highly valued by persons with multiple sclerosis.
Movement initiation is also supported by the relative instability because of buoyancy. Breathing changes the buoyancy effect constantly, which means that a person in fact always moves a little bit: basis for the start of an intentional movement.
Ai Chi also includes important elements, necessary for balance (and fall prevention): continuous weight transfer, not using arms to support en also narrow supporting surfaces.