Tai Chi for Heart Health

This program focuses on improving cardiovascular strength, circulation, and overall heart resilience. Participants will learn tai chi practices that have shown to:

• Lower resting blood pressure and improve cardiovascular risk biomarkers
• Enhance aerobic conditioning
• Reduce stress and autonomic nervous system imbalance
• Improve healthy lifestyle behaviors

Tai Chi can be an excellent complementary exercise for heart patients and provides cardiovascular conditioning equal to or greater than many conventional low-intensity exercises.

In-person introductory workshop - A welcoming and fundamentals session that introduces the science behind Tai Chi, program goals, safety considerations, and ways movements can be adapted for individual needs.

• 10-week live virtual Tai Chi series (live group, instructor-led online sessions.)
• In-person closing workshop (review of materials, group reconnections and reflections; guidance on continuing learning and deepening personal practices).
• Copy of The Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi by Peter Wayne, PhD.
• Access to online tai chi videos for continued learning.

Each 12-week series follows an experiential model:

Session 1 – In-Person Science & Foundations Workshop (3 hours)

• Discussion of the science behind Tai Chi and your program focus (heart health) with Dr. Wayne and Dr. Yeh
• Introductory Tai Chi practice with Dr. Wayne

Weeks 2–12 – Virtual Tai Chi (10 weeks) - 75 Minutes sessions

• Weekly live group-based online sessions
• Gentle, progressive instruction
• Access to recorded sessions for home practice

Final Session – In-Person Review & Reflection (2 hours)

• Reconnect with your initial Science and Foundations Workshop group
• Review progress and refine technique
• Plan next steps for continuing your Tai Chi journey

Peter Wayne, PhD, is Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and Director of the Osher Center for Integrative Health (jointly based HMS and Brigham and Women’s Hospital). His academic research focuses on evaluating how Tai Chi and related mind-body therapies clinically impact chronic health conditions including balance disorders, chronic cardio-pulmonary conditions, and musculoskeletal pain. He has served as a principal or co-investigator on more than 35 NIH-funded studies. Dr. Wayne also has 45 years of training experience in Tai Chi and Qigong and is an internationally recognized teacher of these practices. He is author of the award-winning book, Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi.

Gloria Yeh, MD, MPH is Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and is Director of the HMS Research Fellowship in Integrative Medicine. Dr. Yeh’s primary research focus is efficacy and mechanism of mind-body exercise in complex chronic illness. She is an internationally recognized leader in the field of mind-body research, including mindful movement and meditation. Dr. Yeh will discuss the science behind Tai Chi for cardiovascular health and stress management.

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Host or Publisher Osher Clinical Center