LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Health |
by Susan Hamadock |
For The Health of It
As readers might have noticed over the past many years, members of the baby boomer generation in the Rehoboth Beach and Lewes areas are re-defining what it means to be retired. We are a generation of innovators, creators, and agents of social change. LGBT rights, civil rights, women's rights, rock and roll, disco, bay and wildlife conservation, and the peace movement of the 60s and 70s are only a few landmark achievements of our unique group. Some local members of this generation find themselves re-defining retirement living and healthy aging by choosing age defying mind/body practices such as Tai Chi, Qi Gong and Meditation. With unflagging enthusiasm, some pioneers are exploring the depth of Tai Chi and Qi Gong in order to stay healthy, to maintain vitality, and to reverse some of the most common problems of aging. CAMP Rehoboth is supporting this new movement by offering classes in Tai Chi and Qi Gong as part of their commitment to LGBT health and wellness. While these Eastern Arts and Sciences have some common threads, they are distinct practices. For example, Tai Chi is considered to be an internal martial art, often referred to as shadow boxing because one rarely has a partner or opponent. Qi Gong refers to a variety of medical and non-medical practices and movements designed to cultivate and circulate qi or chi (pronounced "chee"). Chi is defined as the vital force that animates all of life. Tai Chi and Qi Gong are associated with slow, fluid movements that are coordinated with the breath. In all of these practices regulation of breath is essential. Each practice places high value on the relaxation response to help the body heal and renew itself. The movements and meditation practices of Tai Chi and Qi Gong are based on ancient Chinese philosophy purported to promote mental and physical health, vitality and overall well being. There have been many studies which show Tai Chi and Qi Gong as beneficial to Improve balance and reduce falls; relieve pain and stiffness; relieve stress and improve concentration; improve strength and balance; improve posture; improve heart and lung function; and integrate body and mind. Traditionally, Qi Gong and Tai Chi practice include four major components: 1) body posture and gentle movements; 2) meditation and relaxation; 3) breath regulation; and 4) stimulation of chi or vital force. Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong are ancient healing modalities that are suitable for, and are being revitalized for, the needs of the 21st century. Regarded by millions in China as both prevention and cure for disease, these practices are low cost, effective and enjoyable. With current health care costs being too high for many, these practices are proactive health prevention steps everyone can take. Our classes at CAMP are friendly, fun, safe, and stimulating. Please join us to give it a try. These practices are suitable for all body types, sizes, ages, and levels of fitness. Whatever class you try, be prepared to make a commitment to a minimum of eight weeks to allow yourself to really feel the benefits. The next 8-week series of Tai Chi will begin Wednesday, May 27, and run through June 15. Classes, offered at 10-11 a.m. and 6-7 p.m., are held at the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center, 37 Baltimore Avenue. The fee for the 8-week session is $64. Per session drop-in rate is $10. Susan Hamadock, LCSW-C, E-RYT 500, is Founder/Director of Silver Lotus Training Institute. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 19, No. 05 May 22, 2009 |