1) Carolyn's Comments: World Tai Chi Day THIS Sat. April 29th!
2) Featured Article: Tai Chi for Rheumatic Diseases, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis
3) Mother's Day Special 25% off Pregnancy Videos/DVDs!
4) Closing Thought

Mark your calendar! Please don't miss your local World Tai Chi and Qigong Day-Saturday, April 29th. This is the 9th year of this exciting global event! In parks and recreation centers all over the world beginning at 10 am in the earliest time zone, people will meet together to practice Tai Chi and Qigong. This day is officially recognized by the United Nations, World Health Organization, and governors and mayors in all 50 states. Support your local Tai Chi community for this annual health and healing event which is held in 60 nations.

To find out about YOUR community's event go to: www.worldtaichiday.org

I will be celebrating in St. George, Utah: Sat. April 29th at 10 am Vernon-Worthen Park - 300 So. 400 E. Free Tai Chi/Qigong class

Featured Article: Tai Chi for Rheumatic Diseases, Fibromyalgia, and MS

Because Tai Chi improves flexibility and builds muscle strength gradually, doctors and physical therapists recommend it for people with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

The fluid as silk movements of this gentle Chinese practice are tailor-made for easing sore joints and muscles.

"There's no doubt that Tai Chi, done properly, can be a beneficial exercise for people with arthritis," says Paul Lam, MD, a Sydney-based family practitioner and tai chi master who designed the Australian arthritis program. "Tai Chi is an exercise almost anyone who can walk can do safely," says Dr. Lam, who began doing tai chi nearly 30 years ago for his own osteoarthritis. "Tai Chi takes the joints gently through their range of motion while the emphasis on breathing and inner stillness relieves stress and anxiety."

Peter Stein, MD, a Greenbrae, Calif., rheumatologist, says he finds Tai Chi especially good for people with fibromyalgia and those with a high level of muscle pain. 'People in pain often can't even do yoga," he says. 'They need something milder and more soothing, and Tai Chi is very good for relieving pain.'

A 10-week study from 1991 that evaluated Tai Chi's safety for rheumatoid arthritis patients concluded that the weight-bearing aspects of this exercise have the potential to stimulate bone growth and strengthen connective tissue.

A 1999 study that looked at people with multiple sclerosis who practiced Tai Chi found that it contributed to an overall improvement in quality of life for people with chronic, disabling conditions.

Given its low impact and evidence that it tends to increase muscle strength and balance and give general pain relief, it's a great option for those who experience symptoms of arthritis, fibromyalgia, and MS.

If you missed an article in this series visit the email archive:
http://www.taichiflow.com/news.htm

Mother's Day Special!

From now until May 14th you can save 25% off the price of Tai Chi Flow for Pregnancy DVDs and Videos!

What a great gift for a sister, daughter, friend, or even yourself! (If you're pregnant or plan to be, of course!) The exercises on this video follow the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines and are safe for all trimesters of pregnancy, and even those post-pregnancy months.

Go to www.taichiflow.com/products.htm to order your copy for only $15.00 for a limited time!

Closing Thought:

'As a progressive and evolving being, man is where he is that he may learn that he may grow;
and as he learns the spiritual lesson which any circumstance contains for him,
it passes away and gives place to other circumstances.'
~James Allen from his book "As A Man Thinketh"

Create a great day, Carolyn