Amazon published Xiaobo LaPresta's new 30-min video, with Master Lin, the creator of Tai Chi 18 Steps
Click on this link to watch the free trailer, to rent or to buy:
Three on-line Zoom Tai Chi classes!
Wednesday and Saturday classes, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., are $8.00 each session. You can pay for each class individually, or pay for 4 classes, at $32, or $64 for 8 classes at a time.
Please pay for the class beforehand.
The Wednesday on-line classes, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm, will be free only for YMCA members. (If you are not a YMCA member, you will need to pay $8.00 for each Wednesday class.)
You are welcome to sign up for both the Wednesday and the Saturday on-line classes!
You can pay by Venmo, PayPal, credit card or check. For more info, please email: xiaobo1957@gmail.com .
In addition to teaching on Zoom on Wednesdays & Saturdays,
I am teaching an on-line Zoom class for CCAC North on Monday evenings
7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
To register, go to:
https://shopcommunityed.ccac.edu/Courses/Fitness_Health_Sports_Recrea/Tai_Chi_Chuan_Beginning.aspx
2-Minute Stress Relief Exercise video with Xiaobo & Jay (May 5, 2020)
Foot Massage Stick & Stretch Exercise with Xiaobo & Jay 4-minute instructional video (April 26, 2020)
Harvard Health Publications:
Healthbeat
A sharper mind: tai chi can improve cognitive function
There are lots of jokes about forgetting where you put your keys, but as you get older, changes in your mental function are no laughing matter. Changes in your brain that start around age 50 can affect your memory, as well as other cognitive functions such as your ability to juggle multiple tasks, process information rapidly, and focus on details. By age 70, one in six people has mild cognitive impairment (which can progress to Alzheimer's disease).
Up until about two decades ago, it was believed that your brain only produced new cells early in life. But research has shown that the brain has the ability to change throughout your entire life span, growing new cells, making new connections, and even increasing in size. These changes can improve cognitive function—and various forms of exercise, including tai chi, can help.
In a meta-analysis of 20 studies on tai chi and cognition, tai chi appears to improve executive function—the ability to multitask, manage time, and make decisions—in people without any cognitive decline. In those with mild cognitive impairment, tai chi slowed the progression to dementia more than other types of exercise and improved their cognitive function in a comparable fashion to other types of exercise or cognitive training.
In one study, researchers had nearly 400 Chinese men and women with some cognitive impairment perform either tai chi or a stretching and toning program three times a week. After a year, the tai chi group showed greater improvements, and only 2% of that group progressed to dementia, while 11% from the traditional exercise group did.
In another study, tai chi outperformed walking. Following 40 weeks of either tai chi, walking, social interaction, or no intervention, researchers compared MRI images and discovered that brain volume increased the most in the tai chi group. In addition, that group also performed better on cognitive tests.
To learn more about tai chi, its health benefits, and how to learn its movements, check out Introduction to Tai Chi from Harvard Medical School.
Image: © kali9 | Gettyimages
Tai Chi 18 Steps "Shibashi" 7-minute trailer video with Master Hou Sheng Lin & Xiaobo
Master Hou Sheng Lin invented the Tai Chi Shibashi 18 Steps. Master Lin is internationally well known, and has conducted classes of thousands of people at a time! Xiaobo studied with him since 1985. Xiaobo and Master Lin made a Tai Chi film together in Shanghai in 2010.
CCAC Tai Chi class
Tai Chi 18 Steps
Today's News (April 8, 2020)
FYI: This is from my friend who is an Acupuncture Doctor at UPMC:
Dear Valued Patients of Acupuncture Health Network,
I apologize for the delay but we have been reorganizing and restructuring while switching to a secure telehealth platform to serve you better. Hopefully you are all safe, healthy and managing ok despite our new quarantined circumstances. We are working diligently to provide you with smart, specially curated, self-care content that will be available free on our updated website (www.acuteh.com). Please make sure to check in periodically for updates. If you are on facebook please click and like our page https://www.facebook.com/acupuncturehealthnetwork/ or follow on instagram https://www.instagram.com/singledad_cookery/
Our mission continues to be one of providing quality information to empower you to make informed decisions about your health and to maximize your functional wellness. We want to address the underlying causes of disease, using a systems-oriented approach and engage both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic relationship.
If you would like to make an appointment for a telehealth consultation to explore different treatment options, we are still available to take your calls. During this difficult time, I am offering a complimentary 15 minute consultation. If you think you would like to take us up on the offer please call the office at 724-658-6917. Someone will be available to take your call Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 9am-3pm. We value your continued support and look forward to serving your healthcare needs.
In closing, here is self care tip #1.
Try meditation. I know what you're thinking. BUT KK, I can't meditate, I CAN'T CLEAR MY MIND. Well, actually no one can. Besides, your brain was designed to think, constantly. Meditation is ANY singular focus. It can be a phrase, sound, activity, image, secular, religious - it doesn't matter. So long as it is your sole focus. Commuting, golfing, knitting, sweeping, gardening, vacuuming, hiking, cleaning dishes, sitting quietly in nature with your eyes closed, mindful eating, repeating OM, Amen, or Shalom, Hail Maryś are all considered types of meditations. Side note, notice how all the words for peace in different languages start with a vowel and end in M. This is not a coincidence. The sound or vibration of those words brings peace to the mind, body, and spirit. What you focus on becomes your reality. So if you focus on peace then you become peace. Focus on anger, resentment, frustration, or rage you become that. Now, it's not to say we don't or can't experience those emotions. We should and do, those are all NATURAL responses and sometimes they can be motivators for change but we must let them arise and pass otherwise they can destroy our mental and physical health. Meditation, however, can and should be a place where you allow these emotions to arise but then watch them pass like clouds not allowing them to stick with you and become part of you. Get the picture? Meditation can actually change your genes for the better. It can turn on the genes that help you and turn off the genes that harm you. So, your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to download the app Insight Timer and choose a guided meditation from their thousands of free meditations. (Three of my favorites are by LouAnn McBride, Sarah Blondin, and Willa Blythe Miller) OR you can pick an activity and be completely aware, engaged and focused on that particular activity. Make a deal with yourself to do it for 7 days straight and see how you feel. Ready? Set? Meditate.
Be Safe and Be Well,
KK Teh, LAc, MAc and Staff
Harvard Health Letter March 2020
Tai Chi Health Benefits? What the Research Says (Article published February 14, 2020)
(Click on the link in the photo below.)
Tai Chi class at the Wexford Community Presbyterian Church - February 22, 2020
Little Apple Warm-Up Streamer Exercise
3 Minutes of Warm-Up Exercises with Xiaobo
Tai Chi 24 Steps
Tai Chi 24 Steps - 3 Demos, practice it at your comfort zone.
1) with English instructions
(Click on the link in the photo below.)
https://youtu.be/YdFtOzwMwAY
2) Tai Chi 24 Form Demonstration, Back View by Master Amin Wu
吳阿敏背向示範楊式24式太極拳
Please click the link on Youtube below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4VIw41R-PU
(It lists the names of the postures in English and Chinese )
3) Tai Chi 24 Form (Back View with narration)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1RAdWov7kU&t=19s
Workshops
Tai Chi for Stress Relief - Positive Thinking
Wellness Program/Workshop for Organizations
Speaker: Xiaobo LaPresta, Certified Tai Chi Instructor
President, Pittsburgh Chinese Waist Drum Dance Group
To Schedule a workshop, go to:
website: taichiwithxiaobo.com , xiaobo1957@gmail.com , (330) 503-4070,
The topics include: Experience Basic Tai Chi Movements
What is and Why Tai Chi?
Tai Chi exercise originated in ancient China. It is one of the most effective methods of exercising for improving health. It involves a series of graceful movements performed in a slow, focused manner, with deep breathing. It is designed to improve balance, posture and fall prevention, increase flexibility, decrease sleep disorders, reduce stress, rejuvenate our body, and promote healing. It is also recognized by the Arthritis Foundation for improving muscular strength.
Referenced articles:
1) Harvard University
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-health-benefits-of-tai-chi
2) Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/tai-chi/art-20045184
3) Tai Chi for Health, Dr Paul Lam, Australia
https://taichiforhealthinstitute.org/what-is-tai-chi/
Tai Chi for Stress Relief - Positive Thinking
Wellness Program/Workshop for Organizations
Speaker: Xiaobo LaPresta, Certified Tai Chi Instructor
President, Pittsburgh Chinese Waist Drum Dance Group
To Schedule a workshop, go to:
website: taichiwithxiaobo.com , xiaobo1957@gmail.com , (330) 503-4070,
The topics include: Experience Basic Tai Chi Movements
What is and Why Tai Chi?
Tai Chi exercise originated in ancient China. It is one of the most effective methods of exercising for improving health. It involves a series of graceful movements performed in a slow, focused manner, with deep breathing. It is designed to improve balance, posture and fall prevention, increase flexibility, decrease sleep disorders, reduce stress, rejuvenate our body, and promote healing. It is also recognized by the Arthritis Foundation for improving muscular strength.
Referenced articles:
1) Harvard University
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-health-benefits-of-tai-chi
2) Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/tai-chi/art-20045184
3) Tai Chi for Health, Dr Paul Lam, Australia
https://taichiforhealthinstitute.org/what-is-tai-chi/
Tai Chi Class Locations 2020 (before the pandemic)
1. New Location: Wexford Community Presbyterian Church
10645 Perry Highway, Rt. 19, Wexford, Pa 15090
Saturdays at 12:00 to 1:00 pm, $8.00 each. Walk-ins are welcome.
Note: As of March 7, 2020, classes at the Church are temporarily suspended, due to concerns regarding the Corona virus. We'll miss seeing everyone! Stay tuned for updates.
2. Location: CCAC - North Campus
8701 Perry Hwy., Wexford, PA 15237
Mondays, 7:30 pm, on-line
Register at:
https://shopcommunityed.ccac.edu/Courses/Fitness_Health_Sports_Recrea/Tai_Chi_Chuan_Beginning.aspx
or call (412) 369-4100
3. Location: YMCA Cranberry Rose Schneider
2001 Ehrman Rd, Cranberry, PA 16066
Wednesday 11:30 am, on-line
(Silver Sneakers are free!)
Register at: http://rose.bcfymca.org or call (724) 452-9122
New
One-minute Tai Chi video from the Mayo Clinic:
Why Tai Chi is Amazing for the Health and Happiness of Older Women
by Kate Gregorevic
October 2, 2019
Click the link below to read:
https://sixtyandme.com/why-tai-chi-is-amazing-for-the-health-and-happiness-of-older-women/
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Read this article on the Health Benefits of Tai Chi from the Harvard Medical School
Copy & paste this link into your browser: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-health-benefits-of-tai-chi
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Xiaobo's Mom, doing Tai Chi at age 97, in Shanghai, China
2nd Tai Chi for Stress Relief seminar at Osteo Strong in Shadyside November 13th, 2019
Orchard Hill Church
CCAC
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Tai Chi class at the Orchard Hill Church in Wexford
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In addition to teaching Tai Chi exercise, Xiaobo LaPresta, President of Pittsburgh Xiaobo Waist Drum Dance Group, teaches Chinese folk dance and waist drum dance:
Pittsburgh Chinese Festival - Mellon Park - October 16th, 2021
Xiaobo's Chinese Waist Drum Dance Group performance at the Cranberry Community Day - July 10th, 2021
Edgewood Country Club - December 7, 2019 Pittsburgh Analytical Chemistry Conference
Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Festival September 14, 2019
Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival - October 5, 2019
Cranfest - Cranberry Township International Festival April 6, 2019
Heinz History Center - February 2, 2019
Chinese New Year Program North Allegheny High School January 18, 2020
