Hospice of the Valleys - Tai Chi Movement for Wellbeing

Tai Chi Movement for Wellbeing

Complementary therapy have recently completed another Tai Chi Movement for Wellbeing group with some excellent feedback from participants.

Tai Chi Movement for Wellbeing is a simple sequence of movements which promotes physical & emotional health & wellbeing. The gentle movement is linked to our breath and by following the easy flowing gestures, it promotes relaxation to both mind and body.

There were 4 weekly sessions where the patients and carers were introduced to the simple sequence. Each session lasted an hour in duration.

The participants were supported to practice at home by providing easy to follow information.

Here’s some of the direct feedback on what they had to say about the course:

“Made me very relaxed”

“Relaxing, helped to clear my mind”

“Less pain and walking a lot better”

“Relaxing”

Phil was shell shocked when diagnosed with Prostate Cancer three years ago, age 44. Not knowing where else to turn, Phil self-referred to the hospice, already aware of the service as his father- in- law had received support. “When I was diagnosed I was unsure where to turn. The hospice helped me understand my diagnosis and then explained the services they could provide to support me and my family” Shortly after Phil’s referral his specialist nurse saw he was suffering from a number of stress induced problems and suggested complementary therapy. “I was sceptical to begin with, but I could soon feel the benefits. My stress levels decreased and my sleep dramatically improved”. Phil received reflexology, massage and aromatherapy he also received these treatments when staying at Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan hospital. The treatments improved Phil’s physical and psychological symptoms, allowing him to open up, discussing his fears and anxieties in a safe and relaxed environment. “It was my oasis in life, it was me time and I didn’t get that anywhere else. I would highly recommend having complementary therapies to anyone who is unsure. They have helped me no end and I haven’t looked back since” Phil explained. During Phil’s journey he accessed a variety of the hospice’s services including family support, nursing and therapies. The clinical team worked together providing the support Phil needed. Phil was discharged from the hospice as his symptoms were controlled and stable. Although Phil was anxious about discharge, he worked with the team and knows that should anything change, the hospice is only ever a phone call away.