Health Recovery Program
The Health Recovery Program is a residential health program which is offered at the International Taoist Tai Chi Centre.The Health Recovery Program provides an opportunity for those with significant health problems to improve their health through the intensive practice of Taoist Tai Chi† internal arts and methods, in the supportive, calm and healthy environment of a Taoist training centre. The program is the first of its kind in Canada. It reflects our vision, as established by our founder, Master Moy Lin-shin, of providing the health improvement benefits of these teachings to all.
Who can benefit from this program?
The practice of Taoist Tai Chi† internal arts and methods can help alleviate a broad range of medical conditions – such as those resulting from injury, stress, chronic or degenerative illnesses and many specific ailments. The Health Recovery Program is available to all those who wish to improve their health through the practice of these arts. At the end of the week’s program, participants will leave the Centre with an individual plan of training that can be continued at home.
A number of professionals and institutions providing health care services have referred their clients to the Health Recovery Program. This includes those involved in establishing rehabilitation programs as well as insurance companies.
Health Recovery Program services
Taoist Tai Chi† internal arts and methods are the sole disciplines employed in the Health Recovery Program. A senior instructor designs a program for each participant based on their specific health requirements. Assistance is then provided by volunteer instructors accredited by the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada or by member associations of the International Taoist Tai Chi Society.
Over the course of their stay, participants grow more confident in their ability to incorporate these activities into their daily routine. A written summary of all activities is given to each person at the end of the session. When available, the option of additional support at an affiliated branch of the International Taoist Tai Chi Society is offered. The volunteer contribution of the instructors and helpers makes it possible to offer this program at fees that are affordable for all.
Training and research
Another goal of the Health Recovery Program is to provide, under appropriate supervision, valuable learning opportunities for volunteer instructors to gain experience in teaching Taoist Tai Chi† internal arts and methods to those with health problems. The Health Recovery Program also serves as a resource for gathering data to further evaluate the health recovery benefits of Taoist Tai Chi† internal arts and methods. Research on the physical and psycho-social changes brought about by the practice of these arts helps to bridge the gap between Western and Eastern perspectives on health and well-being.
Health Recovery Program administration
Dr Bruce McFarlane, M.D. CCFP, FCFP
Medical Advisor to the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada
Dr McFarlane has worked in rural family practice and emergency medicine for thirty five years. He has been a volunteer instructor in the Health Recovery Program since it opened and also teaches a health recovery class in Collingwood, Ontario.
Ms Mary Biddulph R.N.
Health Recovery Program Coordinator
Mary Biddulph is a registered nurse whose main focus of practice has been community and mental health nursing. She has been a volunteer with the Health Recovery Program since it opened, assisting with the intake and assessment of participants. She is currently working full time at the Centre.
The Health Recovery Program is offered by the Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism, with the advice and assistance of the Taoist Tai Chi Society of Canada, a registered charitable organization (#11925 8655 RR0001).
Enquiries about the Program
For enquiries about the Health Recovery Program, please click here.