Click, Click, Click…

I chose to learn T’ai Chi Chih (TCC) because a few friends had started to lose mobility and needed canes. Keeping my ability to balance was my goal. However, I received an unexpected and serendipitous benefit.

Dancing and rhythmic exercise are not easy for me. My teacher is very good at explaining movements and how they are done. My fellow classmates are kind, helpful, and not inclined to snicker. So, after the first session I decided to return.

I received an unexpected benefit during the second class. My fingers are arthritic, especially the last joints. Through diet I have stopped the progressive joint deterioration, but the damage remains. If massaged vigorously the fingers can be forced almost closed. I never expected any improvement. To my surprise near the end of my second class, the last joints of my right fingers went click, click, click, click. It felt and sounded like a chiropractic adjustment. I was able to close my right hand with no pain.

It felt and looked like a normal fist and continues to be that way months later. I am able to open jars and easily grab doorknobs. The left hand is slowly gaining flexibility too. Amazing. I am so glad I started TCC.