Adaptive Tai CHI - by Zibin Guo (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A simple and inclusive Tai Chi program, completely modifiable with helpful illustrations, that empowers people of all physical abilities to experience the transformative qualities of this art.

Includes sequences for standing/moving, stationary standing, seated, and wheelchair.

​In Tai Chi Chuan, the traditional Chinese martial and healing art, we learn to overcome challenges by empowering the mind and transforming the body. Adaptive Tai Chi offers an innovative approach that speaks to this powerful idea and makes Tai Chi accessible and beneficial to people with a range of physical conditions or ambulatory impairment.

The slow, circular, flowing, and graceful movements of Tai Chi require little space and no equipment, making it an ideal practice for people with different physical abilities (it's been included in the Paralympics since 2008). Adaptive Tai Chi introduces readers to the culture, philosophy, and physiology of Tai Chi--and gives readers four completely illustrated practices, each modified for different physical abilities, including conventional standing/moving, stationary standing, seated, and wheelchair sequences.

Along with the complete illustrated adaptive Tai Chi sequences, Guo includes notes and philosophical insights into each practice. The complete program offered in Adaptive Tai Chi allows everyone to access the profound benefits of Tai Chi practice.

Review Quotes

"Zibin Guo brings the benefits of Tai Chi to everyone through demonstrating forms for seated practice and other adaptations. Ultimately, Tai Chi's benefits are not from physical exercise alone. They come primarily from feeling and flowing life energy in a relaxed state of moving meditation. That's why physical disability is not a barrier to developing Chi."
--Master Waysun Liao, author of T'ai Chi Classics

"This is a beautifully rendered exploration of the power of Tai Chi to transform mind and body in people of all physical conditions. Dr. Guo deftly presents the philosophical and historical foundation of Tai Chi, along with a description of his methodical and thoughtful development of an Adaptive Tai Chi protocol, which has the underlying aim to transform disability and vulnerability into a source of power. The practice is clearly and poetically described with the use of poignant metaphors, personal stories, informative text inserts, and illustrations to describe transformative concepts. For example, Dr. Guo offers Adaptive Tai Chi as a mechanism to strengthen the body through empowering the mind and to maintain equilibrium in the midst of challenges and change. Personal and universal, this book is inspiring and evokes a sense of hope."
--Madeline Uddo, PhD, trauma researcher and therapist

"Whether for general health care or rehabilitation, Dr. Zibin Guo's system is a practical and empowering version of Tai Chi for a variety of physical and mental abilities. I celebrate this resource as both a health care provider and a teacher of Tai Chi and Qi Gong! It facilitates the art of Tai Chi throughout life's changes and challenges."
--Sally Chang, teacher and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine

"A unique, well-illustrated, and easy-to-read Tai Chi program for people with different mobility levels and health conditions."
--Weibin Yang, MD, MS, MBA, Chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Service, VA North Texas Health Care System

"Western medical research now supports what has been known for centuries in the East: Tai Chi is one of the most effective tools for restoring and maintaining health across the lifespan. Drawing on decades of training in Tai Chi and frontline healthcare research, Dr. Zibin Guo beautifully transmits the essential therapeutic principles of Tai Chi that integrate mind, body, and spirit. This is an inspiring and practical resource for new and seasoned practitioners of Tai Chi at all stages of health, as well as for teachers of all movement-based mind-body practices."
--Peter M. Wayne, PhD, author of The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi

"Empowering the spirit is as essential to well-being as is movement. Dr. Guo has created a powerful combination of movement and meditation that gives people with mobility limitations access to 'flow' as part of everyday life. I highly recommend this book to any professional working with people with mobility issues and to people who use mobility assists."
--Mary Gannotti, PT, PhD, Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

About the Author

​​ZIBIN GUO is a professor of medical anthropology at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga and a Tai Chi Chuan Master. He specializes in Applied Medical Anthropology with a focus on applying traditional healing knowledge to serve vulnerable populations. Prior to joining the University of Tennessee Chattanooga, the author served as a lecturer in the Department of Social Medicine of Harvard Medical School and the Director of Clinical Studies at New England School of Acupuncture. Funded by U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and partnering with VA healthcare communities across the country, he has, since 2016, conducted instructional training for hundreds of health care providers from participating VA medical centers.