What would it feel like to touch the clouds and then gather its energy in your hands?

Tai Chi is a mindful movement that pairs breathwork with a meditative movement that can be relaxing, restoring and energizing. The Tai Chi cloud hands movement form is a common postural exercise that uses dynamic movement to develop the back muscles, relax the neck and shoulders, and increase blood flow and the movement of “qi” (energy) within the body.

By imagining that we are touching the clouds, we deepen our ability to relax into Tai Chi forms. These movements help us remember certain aspects of the practice, like the graceful movement of the hands as if we were dipping into and moving the clouds with our hands.

This video is appropriate for beginners who have limited experience with Tai Chi as well as those who have practiced before. The practice begins one arm at a time, then two, performed in a chair to start, and finally standing to build the skill and allow for different experience and ability levels.

Follow along with Roger Currier, a recreation therapist and certified applied Tai Chi instructor from the James A. Haley VA Medical Center in Tampa, Florida, as he instructs participants in an 18-minute video practice of “Cloud Hands Tai Chi.”

If you want more Tai Chi, click here for Roger’s introduction and warm-up videos: https://news.va.gov/99438/live-whole-health-107-tai-chi-warmup/.

Tai Chi and qigong are very safe exercises, though some people may experience minor muscle aches and pains from using muscles that haven’t been exercised in a while. Therefore, it is important to listen to and care for your body when doing these movements. If you feel Tai Chi or qigong will help you achieve your health care goals, set aside time to practice. As with any activity, regular practice is what allows for better health.

Tai Chi is one of the evidence-based complementary and integrative health (CIH) approaches within the VHA Whole Health System of care included in the Veteran’s medical benefits package when considered clinically necessary. Ask your local Whole Health team about whether classes are available at your local VA medical center.

Are you interested in learning more about Tai Chi? Read more here: IntroTaiChiQigong__Final508_07-25-2019.pdf (va.gov).

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6 Comments

  1. Edward Cruthird March 17, 2022 at 16:28

    Just started… Thanks, did my very first Live Whole Health #114: Tai Chi seated cloud hands session with you.
    I will continue this and more videos to better my health. Had some difficulty with the breathing part.

    • Ebony gerlynn keith March 29, 2022 at 22:39

      Pretty cool and helpful Thanks

  2. Jim March 17, 2022 at 15:09

    Great introduction to the form and concept of Tai Chi!!

    • Clifford Majors March 24, 2022 at 11:27

      I want to learn. And please text, email or call me so that I can explain my situation.

  3. Frances Friedman March 16, 2022 at 18:03

    Sounds interestin

  4. Jeffrey Bishop March 14, 2022 at 19:29

    Thank you for posting these Tai Chi videos !

Comments are closed.

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