Post Surgery TCC (With Tips On Seated Practice)

I had abdominal surgery in late May which left me with a six-inch incision across my lower abdomen. I am so grateful for T’ai Chi Chih during this time of healing my body, mind and spirit. Mental TCC practices helped me fall back asleep in the early mornings in the hospital. It helped decrease physical pain, enabling me to use less narcotics, and it helped decrease anxiety and accept the temporary loss of good health.

And as I started to walk through the hospital halls, I was so grateful for the effects TCC has on improving one’s balance. Despite weakness and persistent dizziness for 2-plus weeks, I was able to walk safely without falling. I watched other patients walking and wished they’d had the experience of TCC to help them with balance and confidence. As I improved, I started daily, seated TCC practices. (I was not aware seated TCC used so many abdominal muscles.) From this experience, I’ve made a few notes on seated TCC to help others.

• If the weight shift hurts, only shift a quarter inch or not at all. As your body heals, the weight shift will improve as well.

• TCC is an excellent exercise for someone after surgery, especially abdominal surgery. The slight weight shifts help gently stretch repairing muscles.

• Thank goodness TCC is a slow, moving meditation. There is no rush. You can move as slowly as you want.

• As your body improves, try a few moves standing. I found it easiest to do some standing moves in the middle of the practice after my muscles were more relaxed and my mind was at ease.

• You can feel just as much energy with a seated TCC practice as with standing.

I would encourage anyone who knows TCC to try seated practices while recovering from a serious injury or illness. The practices helped me stay positive despite the pain and a difficult emotional situation. They helped me keep a higher perspective on my healing, allowing the opportunity to be grateful for the experience.