Beginner Tai Chi with Kristen Dolan-Murphy

You've asked & we listened! Starting June 7, 2023, JMMTA will have a new weekly tai chi class. Perfect for beginners, returning practionners, or anyone who wants to try tai chi in a low-stakes environment.

Kristen Dolan-Murphy MS Ed, MSTOM is a licensed acupuncturist and board certified herbalist. She has studied Chinese martial and healing arts for the past 27 years. For 15 years, she studied weekly with renowned Grandmaster Yu Cheng Hsiang until the master’s death in November 2010.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, tai chi is not only a wonderful meditative practice, but has health benefits as well:

"Tai chi is often described as "meditation in motion," but it might well be called "medication in motion." There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren't in top shape or the best of health.

In this low-impact, slow-motion exercise, you go without pausing through a series of motions named for animal actions — for example, "white crane spreads its wings" — or martial arts moves, such as "box both ears." As you move, you breathe deeply and naturally, focusing your attention — as in some kinds of meditation — on your bodily sensations. Tai chi differs from other types of exercise in several respects. The movements are usually circular and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched. Tai chi can be easily adapted for anyone, from the most fit to people confined to wheelchairs or recovering from surgery." (source)