Dr. Richard Trautman leads a tai chi class at the Belton Senior Activity Center. He’s been practicing the ancient Chinese martial art more than 20 years. 50
OCTOBER 2016 | TEX APPEAL
firsthand. She reflected on a time about four years ago when she had two serious falls in less than a year. She later began practicing a specific set of tai chi movements regularly and has not fallen since. “I think I’m much more aware,” Kathleen Trautman said. “When I stand, I make sure I’m steady before I take my first step.” Research shows the balance and stability that come along with tai chi can also benefit those with Parkinson’s disease, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Additional research suggests tai chi may reduce knee osteoarthritis pain, help people with fibromyalgia and back pain and improve quality of life in people with heart failure or cancer, the NCCIH said. As a psychiatrist, Trautman can speak
“Doing this kind of repetition in a mindful way, it just settles things down.” Dr. Richard Trautman to the mental or psychological benefits associated with tai chi. The meditative quality of tai chi can help quiet the mind, he said. He has recommended some patients give it a try for that reason and wishes more doctors in general would recommend it to their patients. Tai chi can also help people struggling with anxiety, depression and sleep problems. “Doing this kind of repetition in a mindful way, it just settles things down,” Trautman said.