Running head: INTERVIEW OF A TAI CHI PROVIDER 1

Interview of a Tai Chi Provider

Anne Gonzalez

University of Arizona

Interview of a Tai Chi Provider

Nursing is moving forward to a new holistic way to healing patients in every healthcare

setting. Integrative nursing is becoming widely accepted by healthcare providers, physicians and

the community. The description of integrative nursing is presented as caring for the patients and

their overall wellbeing including mind, body and spirit (Koithan, 2014). Patients and healthcare

providers are starting to incorporate holistic methods of self-care into daily practice. Redirecting

the patients and healthcare providers focus to caring for mind body and soul is the belief

supporting integrative nursing. Using complementary alternative healing methods is the act of

using modern medical advances conjoined with holistic healing (Quinn, 2014).

Summary of Tai Chi

 Tai chi is a form of defensive martial art that is from the origin of from ancient China

(Sun et al., 2015). The art of Tai Chi has transformed into complementary medicine to increase

overall wellness with slow movements, deep breathing and meditative movement (Robert-

McComb, Chyle, Tacon, & Norman, 2015). Tai Chi is the fluid like motion of meditative

movement to improve physical, mental and spiritual health (Kim, Kim, & Lee, 2015). There are

key elements that the participant will integrate into their practice of Tai Chi to develop a

successful relationship with this modality. The participant of Tai Chi will focus on inner

emotions, not on thought to form awareness of inside self (Robert-McComb et al., 2015). The

action of awareness will start the recovery process of mental and spiritual healing (Robert-

McComb et al., 2015). The physical aspect of Tai Chi will improve posture to promote balance

and strength (Sun et al., 2015). Tai Chi can also increase the heart rate becoming a form of low

impact aerobic exercise. Breathing is extremely important while preforming tai chi. Students of

Tai Chi are taught to breath in through the nose and to fill the abdomen first with air. Breathing

increase the parasympathetic response by activating the fight or flight reaction. The body will use

this natural energy from the body to improve endurance.

There are many studies preformed on tai chi participants to validate the authenticity of

effects of Tai Chi. In China a study was preformed on the elderly population to determine if Tai

Chi is useful to enhance cognitive and physical capabilities (Sun et al., 2015). The results

produced by the study supported the researchers hypothesis (Sun et al., 2015). There was an

increase in cognitive function improving memory, ability to concentrate and improved motor

function (Sun et al., 2015). A second study was conducted to measure the effect of Tai Chi on

participants that are experiencing anxiety and the ability to cope with the stress (Robert-

McComb et al., 2015). The results from the study were positive in supporting the researchers
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theory on stress and anxiety (Robert-McComb et al., 2015). Tai Chi was found to be a form of

exercise that helps young male college students, to decrease the amount of anxiety experienced

and cope with stress in a healthier manner (Robert-McComb et al., 2015). Both studies are

randomized control trials ranking a level 1 on the scientific evidence level, supporting validity of

each study.

Why Kerry J. Costello?

Working closely with fellow nurse Kerry J. Costello who is an active instructor for Tai

Chi sparked an interest in myself to learn more and experience Tai Chi. He tries to use a holistic

approach with all of his patients in the Heart Center. The relationship he is able to develop with

patients is amazing to witness. Patients trust him completely to make the right decisions for their

care and he is able to communicate effectively to all patients. Kerry will teach patients how to

manage pain with deep breathing and Tai Chi poses that can performed in bed, while adhering to

the bed rest order.

Summary of Key Information

Kerry became a nurse 20 years ago and has traveled around the world practicing nursing.

While in China he took a special interest in Tai Chi and change religions to become a Buddhist.

He spent seven years studying Tai Chi in China before returning to home to Canada. Kerry

continued to study Tai Chi while in Canada and recently moved to Arizona four years ago. He

now teaches Tai Chi at the local park during the cool weather season and gym during the summer

time. Kerry currently works fulltime at the Heart Center as prep and recovery nurse, sharing his

knowledge and experience with staff and patients (K. Costello, personal communication, October

10, 2015).
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The methods that Kerry uses to establish a holistic relationship with clients is greeting

everyone with a smile and introducing him self with a hug. He takes the time to meet and greet

all new students and returning students. Remembering a students name helps create a healthy

trusting relationship, letting all students that the instructor cares. At the beginning of each class

Kerry will ask all the students of any injuries that he should be aware of. The acknowledgement

of each students limitations will help nurture a trusting relationship between teacher and student

(K. Costello, personal communication, October 10, 2015).

Teaching and performing Tai Chi is best completed outside to make a connection with

nature. Tai Chi should be completed barefoot and touching at least one element such as earth.

Touching earth during a class will develop a connection to transfer chi energy to self. Classes

are held first hour of sunlight or the last hour of sunlight to support mind, body and soul (K.

Costello, personal communication, October 10, 2015). Kerry believes that Tai Chi will help

anyone at any age become healthier mentally and physically. Movement meditation helps

students increase strength, flexibility and improved posture, as well as inner focus on feelings

and not on thoughts (K, Costello, personal communication, October 10, 2015). Other important

information that I have learned about Kerry is that he gives away all his personal belongings. He

believes that holding on the material possessions effects his chi. Letting go of personal objects

allows him to be at peace and free. This act allows him to deepen his connection with Tai Chi. It

is not just personal practice it is a lifestyle he believes in (K. Costello, personal communication,

October 10, 2015).

Summary of Wisdom

Tai Chi is an art/exercise that would help me connect with nature and experience a new

modality. I have learned that Tai Chi is a complex art that has many moves and will take many
INTERVIEW OF A TAI CHI PROVIDER 5

years to master perfection. Tai Chi is similar to yoga but has a more fluid like movement. If I am

able to perform Tai Chi correctly to moves correctly than the body will feel weightless and

develop mind body relaxation. I will start going to Tai Chi once a week with my youngest

daughter to strengthen our relationship with each other and nature.

In the clinical setting I would like to encourage my patients and coworkers to use the

breathing techniques. Breathing will help redirect attention from anger, sadness or stress. Patients

and nurses can become very frustrated with the process of the organization. Breathing and simple

movements of Tai Chi will help patients and staff with health mentally recovery and spiritual

channeling for prayer.

Integrative care when added to the healthcare setting has a positive effect on patients and

staff. I have seen first hand that applying concepts of Tai Chi to practice, helps create an optimal

healing environment. Patients and other members of the team will gravitate toward the positive

energy and maximize healing potential. This interview with Kerry J. Costello was insightful and

encourage for myself and to the other nurses who listened to our conversation.
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References

K. Costello (personal communication, October 10, 2015)

Kim, H., Kim, Y., & Lee, S. (2015). Effects of therapeutic Tai Chi on balance, gait, and quality of

life in chronic stroke patients. International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 38(2),

156-161. http://dx.doi.org/097/MRR.0000000000000103

Koithan, M. (2014). Concepts and principles of integrative nursing. In M. Kreitzer, & M.

Koithan (Eds.), Integrative nursing (pp. 3-16). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Quinn, J. F. (2014). The integrated nurse: Way of the healer. In M. Kreitzer, & M. Koithan

(Eds.), Integrative nursing (pp. 33-46). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Robert-McComb, J. J., Chyle, M., Tacon, A., & Norman, R. (2015). The effects of tai chi on

measures of stress and coping style. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies,

20(2), 89-96. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/fct.12179

Sun, J., Kanagawa, K., Sasaki, J., Ooki, S., Xu, H., & Wang, L. (2015). Tai chi improves

cognitive and physical function in the elderly: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of

Physical Therapy Science, 27(5), 1467-1471.

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Appendix

1. What is your background and experience practicing with Tai Chi?

2. How do you establish a holistic relationship with your students of Tai Chi?

3. What strategies do you utilize when creating a healing environment?

4. What is your philosophy and beliefs about health and wellness?

5. Is there anything else you can tell me about Tai Chi that has helped you personally?