Sun Arthritis Form

This form is very simple and easy to learn with practice. It is a great beginner form. It is also good for pain relief, and was created by Paul Lam, MD, specifically for arthritis and lower back pain relief. An article about the use of taiji for pain relief can be found here. Other studies on the benefits of Taijiquan for Arthritis are here, here, and here.

Thanks fo David Beals for the form video recorded at World Tai Chi and Qigong Day in Williamsburg, VA at Quarterpath Recreation Center in 2013..

You can find Dr. Lam’s videos and books at http://us.taichiproductions.com/. More information about taijiquan and qigong for arthritis is at http://www.americantaichi.net/TaiChiQigongForHealth.asp?subject=Arthritis

I sometimes refer to this as the “ambidextrous form” since you do each movement (except commencement and closing) in mirror image, so it is balanced left and right. You can start a section going left or right. You can do the sections out of order. You can vary the form and keep it interesting and challenging, and in doing so, continue to improve your form. In class we almost always start the second section going to the right to keep it consistent with starting right in the third. Start left or right. Create the form to be your own and adapt it to your body. As you progress, so will your form.

First find your posture and balance.

Verbal Cues for Taijiquan for Arthritis

Movements – List of movements in .PDF format

Part 1	Part 2	Part 3
1. Commencement form 2. Open and close 3. Single whip – right 4. Wave hands like clouds – three times to the right 5. Open and close 6. Single whip – left 7. Wave hands like clouds – three times to the left 8. Open and close	9. Brush knee – left 10. Play the lute 11. Parry and punch 12. Apparently closing 13. Push the mountain 14. Open and close 15. Brush knee – right 16. Play the lute 17. Parry and punch 18. Apparently closing 19. Push the mountain 20. Open and close	21. Brush knee – right 22. Leisurely tie coat 23. Open and close 24. Single whip – left 25. Punch under elbow 26. Repulse monkey – left 27. Repulse monkey – right 28. Brush knee – left 29. Leisurely tie coat 30. Open and close 31. Brush knee – left 32. Leisurely tie coat 33. Open and close 34. Single whip – right 35. Punch under elbow 36. Repulse monkey – right 37. Repulse monkey –left 38. Brush knee – right 39. Leisurely tie coat 40. Open and close 41. Closing

At World Taiji and Qigong Day 2013 at Quarterpath Recreation Center in Williamsburg, VA

Below is a free first lesson for Tai Chi for Arthritis by the creator of the form, Dr. Paul Lam. You can purchase his instructional videos at Tai Chi Productions.