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Postural assessment can be done by looking at the TC requirements(see post) and proper movement(see post) see where stagnation may lie and then using touch to show the person where they are holding, people are often not aware of these things. Drills that also show problems are what my teacher calls the Push On drill (not push hands, although this reveals also) the person stands in a natural stance as another pushes and pulls first gently then with a little more energy on their body, head, neck, hips, arms, knees. The other revealing Drill is what is called Making Statues, where you position a person like a robot and they have to find comfort in that position. These drills can be useful for diagnosis for bodyworkers.
RE: Postural Assessment in TaiChi
Under Muscloskeletal Misalignment in the good book "AMMA Therapy" by Tina and Robert Sohn they mention one of the fundamental concepts of the practice of Tai Chi Chuan is the deliberate effort to maintain proper posture and detailed alignment of the limbs, down to the hands andfingers. Proper postural alignment allows energy to flow through the system, while misalignments result in Qi stagnation that bring a wide range of disease conditions.
RE: Postural Assessment in TaiChi
It would be interesting if someone would do a gait analysis of people performing Tai Chi, alot more muscles are at play as you do the form than in regular walking.
RE: Postural Assessment in TaiChi
Hi, I'm new to this forum and find the comments very interesting.
I've been enjoying Tai Chi for about 18 years now, and incorporate the principles of the Alexander Technique to the postures and transitions as I move through the form.
I have been assisting in classes for many years with this knowledge and last year became certified as a Tai Chi instructor.
It is true, that if a person is not aware of how they are holding themselves they are less apt to be able to make corrections to their posture/positions for optimum chi flow.
This weekend I am going to visit the BodyWorlds exhibition. It should be fascinating to look underneath the skin to see how the muscles wrap around - although the 'models' are in static positioning - our bodies are all about movement and change.
all for now, Jamee
RE: Postural Assessment in TaiChi
Very interesting post Jamee, enjoy the Body World exhibit its amazing.
RE: Postural Assessment in TaiChi
Jamee,I was interested in your applying the Alexander Technique to your
Tai Chi, would say some more about that.