As part of the VA Mission Act of 2018, CCN(Community Care Network) has expanded coverage for additional services to veterans to include tai chi as a treatment modality.  As a VA CCN provider, Debra Gunn and TaijiFit™ are committed to serving Veterans by providing them with exceptional assistance and support. 

 

 

The Taiji Fit™ method of teaching focuses on instilling the practice of Tai Chi through the experience of "flow". Focusing purely on the experience of flow, participants engage in a moving meditation while also exercising the body. There is no responsibility to learn, memorize or have any prior knowledge of tai chi. There are no critiques, corrections, or criticism, so the veteran can focus on their treatment and gain its benefits. Tai Chi's slow continuous movements are appropriate for all ages and fitness levels, and thanks to the Taiji Fit™ method are easily accessible to all.  Tai Chi can be done standing or seated. 

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Benefits include but are not limited to:

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• Improved Mental Health

• Reduced Chronic Pain 

• Improved balance and fall reduction

• Lower Blood Pressure

• Stress and Anxiety Reduction

• Increased Flexibility and Strength

• PTSD Symptoms reduced

• Improvement with TMI 

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STEPS FOR BEGINNING YOUR TAI CHI JOURNEY....

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1. Request an appointment with your VA Primary Care Physician, you can request a face-to-face, video, or telephone appointment with PCP via https://www.myhealth.va.gov/mhv-portal-web/home
    

2. Request a Tai Chi Community Consult.  Give them the following information: Debra Gunn, Holden, Maine, NPI #1639784531, phone #207-745-0013. Sessions are offered virtually, so veterans may attend sessions from wherever they live.

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  3. PCP initiates consult if justified as a treatment for the veteran’s condition which                    includes but are not limited to Joint/Chronic Pain, Exercise/Weight Loss, Mental                  Health/Cognitive Function, Cancer Survivorship, Arthritis/Mobility, Cardio-Pulmonary            Health, Diabetes, PTSD, and TMI.  

 

  4. Office of Community Care activates, processes, and finalizes consult by:

      -Confirming provider has been identified for veteran services 

      -Provides veteran's packet to the provider 

      -Initial packet is without an appointment date 

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  5. Tai Chi provider and veteran schedule appointments. 

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* A Veteran Owned and Operated, fitness and training organization, TaijiFit molds traditional Tai Chi into a modern experience that immediately delivers Tai Chi’s benefits.  TaijiFit is the exclusive OPTUM contracted provider and stands ready to deliver the full ask of the Mission Act’s Tai Chi services through TaijiFit’s Tai Chi for Veterans.

Debra Gunn is a certified instructor for TC4V, Tai Chi for Veterans, and Tai Chi for Health, Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention. 

 

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