Dancing in the chair - Dr. Zibin Guo's Wheelchair Tai Chi Chuan

Applied Taiji is the name for the modern application of the ancient principles of Tai Chi. Dr. Zibin Guo developed this seated Tai Chi form for people who use wheelchairs or who cannot stand for the duration of the form for any reason.  Think of it as a way to continue to gain the benefits of practice during illness or injury (as I learned so well over the past year after I broke my left ankle).

Wheelchair Tai Ji was demonstrated at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. Here are photos from the Applied Taiji website.

Here's a video of the 13 posture Applied Taiji form.

Now you don't have to imagine how the ancient principles may be available to all, whether seated or standing.

If you want to study further, this page  includes information on using Tai Chi to reduce pain. It has a chart that describes the muscles involved in back and neck pain compared to the muscles used in several Tai Chi forms. You'll see how and why the relaxation of Tai Chi can work to rehabilitate these muscles.