Ai Chi
Ai Chi is a type of aquatic therapy used for recreation, relaxation, physical exercise, and physical rehabilitation. In essence, Ai Chi uses breathing techniques and progressive resistance training for rehabilitation in the water environment.
Overview
Ai Chi is a total body strengthening and relaxation progression commonly used for aquatic therapy.[1] This aquatic exercise technique, created by Jun Konno in 1993, combines qigong, tai chi chuan, shiatsu, and Watsu techniques in the water environment, and is characterized by slow broad movements and stretches coordinated with deep breathing.[2][3]
Technique
Typically Ai Chi is practiced in groups or in one-on-one therapy sessions in shoulder-depth water. Initially Ai Chi focuses on deep breathing patterns. Simple breathing techniques progress full to involvement of the upper extremity, trunk, lower extremity, and finally the full torso. Movement is slow and continuous, with attention to body alignment, and accompanied with deep diaphragmatic breathing and a calm meditative state of mind. Mental focus is on flowing movement of the limbs and breath control, and can also involve attention to philosophical or aesthetic concepts.[1][2][3]
References
- ^ a b Dutton, M. 2011. Orthopaedics for the physical therapist assistant. Jones & Bartlett Learning. p 187, Ai Chi. ISBN 978-0763797553.
- ^ a b Lambeck, J and Bommer, A. 2011. Ai Chi: applications in clinical practice. In: Becker, BE and Cole, AJ and (eds). 2011. Comprehensive aquatic therapy, 3rd edition. Washington State University Press. ISBN 978-0615365671.
- ^ a b Sova, R. 2009. Ai Chi. pp 101-116. In: Brody, LT and Geigle, PR (eds). Aquatic exercise for rehabilitation and training. Human Kinetics. ISBN 978-0736071307.