Tai Chi for Diabetes Classes Health Program

Tai Chi for Diabetes Classes in Canberra and Queanbeyan

Tai Chi for Diabetes is a specialised program created by Dr Paul Lam and the Tai Chi for Health Institute.
Tunde is a certified Tai Chi for Diabetes instructor, trained to deliver this program safely and in line with the original methodology.

Why Tai Chi for Diabetes?

This program is especially suitable and effective for people with diabetes because it:
* Helps minimise the risk of hypoglycaemia
* Includes powerful Qigong exercises to improve relaxation
* Is designed to support glucose control through gentle, mindful movement

Tai Chi is created based on:
* The laws of nature as understood in ancient Chinese philosophy
* The balance of yin and yang
* Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Program Structure and Safety
The special feature of Tai Chi for Diabetes is that it is easy to learn and specifically designed to help prevent and improve the control of diabetes.

The program aims to help minimise the risk of diabetes-related complications by supporting:
* Heart and lung function
* Muscular strength and flexibility
* Balance and coordination
* Stress reduction

The program is based on Sun and Yang style Tai Chi and includes:

* A fundamental 11-movement Tai Chi set
* An advanced 9-movement set
* Warm-up 
* Integrated Qigong breathing practices

This program has received support from Diabetes Australia due to its safety and effectiveness.

Movements in order of Tai Chi for Diabetes Health Program:

  1. Commencement Form
  2. Open and Close Hands
  3. Waving Hands in the Cloud x 3 (Left yang)
  4. Open and Close Hands
  5. Fair Lady Working at the Shuttle (Left and following step
  6. Open and Close Hands
  7. Fair Lady Working at the Shuttle (right and right up) following step
  8. Open and Close Hands
  9. Toe Kicks Left (a set of gentle kicks)
  10. Open and Close Hands
  11. Toe Kicks Right (a set of gentle kicks)
  12. Open and Close Hands
  13. Waving Hands in the Cloud x3 (Right)
  14. Open and Close Hands

Extension

  1. Waving Hands in the Cloud x3 (Left yang)
  2. Open and Close Hands
  3. Stroking Bird’s Tail (left) yang)or call Grasp the Sparrow's Tail (揽雀尾, Lǎn Què Wěi) and it is also referred to as Grasp the Peacock's Tail
  4. Open and Close Hands
  5. Stroking Bird’s Tail (right)(yang)
  6. Open and Close Hands
  7. Waving Hands in the Cloud x3 right
  1. Open and Close Hands
  2. Closing Movement

Tai chi focuses on building strength, balance and flexibility through slow, fluid movements combined with mental imagery and deep breathing. Scientific studies have shown tai chi to have beneficial effects on cardio-respiratory fitness, muscular strength, balance, peripheral circulation, reduced tension, and anxiety.(reference 3,reference 4, reference 5, reference 6,reference 7,reference 8).

Many of you have asked what this movement symbolizes.
"Fair Lady Works the Shuttles" (玉女穿梭, Yù nǚ chuān suō) is a classic posture in Tai Chi Chuan (especially Yang style) simulating a mythological jade maiden weaving, representing swift, multi-directional movement. It signifies shifting energy, blocking, and striking in four directions, mimicking a weaver's shuttle motion while embodying balance and martial technique.

"Fair Lady Working at the Shuttle" (玉女穿梭, Yù nǚ chuān suō) in Sun-style Tai Chi refers to a signature technique mimicking a weaving maiden operating a loom, emphasizing silk-reeling, smooth, and circular movements. It involves lifting one arm while pushing with the other, blending defense and offense to redirect opponent force.

Key Interpretations:

Mythological Origin: It refers to a "Jade Lady" or "Weaving Maiden," a servant to Taoist Immortals or the daughter of the Jade Emperor, who weaves clouds or works a loom, often associated with the I Ching.
Martial Technique: The movement involves stepping to corners, turning the waist, and performing a high block and low strike, often used to deal with multiple opponents.
Symbolism: The four directions of the move correspond to the four seasons, four points of the compass, and, in some interpretations, the four legs of a tortoise.

Source

Information adapted from the Tai Chi for Health Institute – Tai Chi for Diabetes Program
https://taichiforhealthinstitute.org/programs/tai-chi-for-diabetes/

https://taichiforhealthinstitute.org/how-does-tai-chi-work-for-diabetes-2/#5

Important!

This program is a complementary wellbeing practice and does not replace medical care. Participants are encouraged to continue following medical advice from their healthcare professionals.