Health and Wellness, East to West

Dr. Matthew Vo is a busy anesthesiologist at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach. He has been practicing medicine for more than 24 years and is currently the chair of the Anesthesiology Department. Vo is also a dedicated advocate for physicians and patients and is involved with various community organizations, including the Long Beach Medical Reserve Corps and the Disaster Healthcare Volunteers.

In addition to his practice in Western medicine, Dr. Vo is a practitioner of Eastern medicine using tai Chi exercises to assist participants with health and wellness. Vo has extensive martial arts training, including black belts in Taekwondo and several other martial arts.

Thirty-eight years ago, Vo decided to specialize in Tai Chi. Sifu (Tai Chi master) Vo had the unique opportunity to learn from Eastern grandmasters, including descendant of monks from the Shaolin Temple in China. Understanding the potential benefits for body and mind health lead Vo to start teaching Tai Chi, founding the Health Arts Institute, to assist more people in achieving better health.

Vo believes a combination of Western medicine and Eastern medicine is ideal in bringing about the best possible health, with Western medicine treating acute problems, as in surgeries, and Eastern medicine assisting in the treatment of chronic problems, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease. Mental health issues may benefit from Eastern medicine practices, since Tai Chi can help to improve both body and mind health

Vo’s days would appear to be quite stress-inducing. And yet, Dr. Vo, while quite intense, is a model of patience. When asked how he maintains his aura of calm, he attributed it to his experience and excellent training in Tai Chi: “It’s crucial to learn from authentic masters of the Eastern health arts, as there are quite a few teachers/ practitioners with much less training and experience. And the students will best benefit from the authentic masters!”

“One great thing about Tai Chi is that it is adaptable to all levels, from gentle to rigorous, “ said Vo, “students of all ages and abilities are able to benefit. For example, a regular Tai Chi practice can help an older student to prevent falls by improving balance. For students with demanding lifestyles, Tai Chi can help with stress relief.”

Dr. Vo noted that it is important to understand that Eastern medical practices, including tai Chi, are a process towards lasting relief, rather than a fast solution. “Western medicine overall helps people to live longer, but not always healthier. Eastern practices can help with quality of life, understanding that techniques such as Tai Chi require a certain level of commitment. For example, practicing proper breathing techniques in a mindful manner are not as “quick” as taking a pill, but have longer lasting benefits and less side effects.”  

On most weekends, Vo, often accompanied by family members, can be found at the Bluff Park / Bixby Park Annex, creating a positive zone in the ocean air with Tai Chi instruction. For details about attending a Tai Chi class, Vo may be contacted at (562) 278-0843 or at www.HealthArtsInstitute.com (www.napleswellnessandspa.org).