Benefits I’ve Received

I am a quadriplegic with severe chronic pain and many health problems. I started to come to class four years ago because my spinal cord injury doctor invited me for her research. I started to notice some benefits soon after I started attending the class.

The practice of seated T’ai Chi Chih almost always reduces my chronic pain, stress and tension and gives me more energy, clarity and calmness. I like mini-sets because the movements are simple and relaxing whereas most TCC movements are a little more complex and tend to give me more energy. I like them both equally. My favorite is Seijaku (advanced TCC) because it involves breathing and gives me energy and clarity of mind the most. Through them all, I have learned to focus and pay more attention to how my body parts feel and want to move. My posture, balance and breathing have gradually improved.

When I feel restless or nervous, I practice Rocking Motion to calm myself down. Before I go to sleep, I often visualize a couple of movements (Bird Flaps Its Wings … Around the Platter) in bed to relax and go to sleep faster. Recently, I started to practice Six Healing Sounds when I don’t feel well, and it seems to make me feel better. I’d like to practice more movements by myself, but I’ve not been able to because of my laziness.

I still learn a lot from the teacher and other students every time. Classes are relaxing and fun, and when I practice with others, I feel more energy, am able to focus more, and listen to my body better than when I practice alone at home. It always raises my mood and I feel good afterward. Seated TCC is a great way to improve overall health and wellness, especially for people with limited mobility, and I look forward to attending classes as long as possible.