Taiji (Tai Chi) and Acupuncture – Ageing Well 2026

Introductory sessions with Sam Ma in January 2026.

Taiji (Tai Chi) – Thursday 8th January – From 12.30pm in the Small Hall

What is Taiji? –  Taiji integrates gentle flowing movements with deep breathing and a mediative focus. This mind-body connection promotes a sense of peace and can help you feel more aware of your body.

Benefits of Taiji –

• Improves balance and Strength: Slow controlled movements enhance balance, flexibility, core and lower body strength. This can help prevent falls.
• Cardiovascular Health: Can help lower blood pressure and improve overall heart health.
• Pain relief: Research suggests that Taiji can be effective in managing chronic pain such as from arthritis.
• Reduces stress and anxiety: Combining slow measured movement, deep breathing and mindfulness can bring levels of stress and anxiety down and improve mood and mental wellbeing.
• Enhances mental focus and mind body-connection.

See what The British Heart Foundation, The Arthritis Foundation and Anxious Minds have to say about the benefits of Taiji (Tai Chi).

Book a place by emailing info@hornseyvale.org, calling 0208 348 4612, or coming into the office.

What is Acupuncture? – Derived from an Ancient Chinese practice, very fine needles are used at certain important body sites for therapeutic or preventative benefits.

Benefits of Acupuncture –

• Pain management: Acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
• Stress relief and emotional management: Using the traditional idea of Qi (the energy flow around the body), practitioners can help restore emotional balance and harmony.
• Digestive issues: Some research sows that Acupuncture can reduce inflammations, and provide relief from nausea, IBS, acid reflux and constipation.

Please note – acupuncture is not suitable for people with haemophilia or other clotting disorders, or those taking Warfarin and other anticoagulant medication. If you are not sure, please consult with your GP before attending.

Acupuncture is used by the NHS as complimentary or supporting therapy, you can see their information page here.

Book a place by emailing info@hornseyvale.org, calling 0208 348 4612, or coming into the office.

About Sam Ma

Sam is a Tai Chi and Qi Gong master, who also studied Acupuncture at the London College of Traditional Acupuncture, alongside Chinese massage and manipulation. Sam has been running weekend drop in Tai Chi classes at Hornsey Vale since 2022. He teaches Taiji (movement) and Qigong (deep breathing technique) to “reinvigorate and reengage your mind and body to improve mobility and sharpness of mind”. If you would like to find out more about Sam’s regular sessions, please see our timetable under ‘What’s On.’

You can see Sam in action on his YouTube channel, Sam Ma TCM