Health problems relieved by practice

July 26, 2001

Justin Stone
Ed Altman
Hope Spangler

The summer of 2001 has been a true milestone in my life, thanks to T’ai Chi Chih. I am a 52-year-old wife, mother, grandmother, and full-time first grade teacher who has suffered with migraine headaches for 20 years. Ten years ago, I was also diagnosed with undifferentiated connective tissue disease, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. I am including my various diagnoses only to substantiate the fact that I live with constant, and frequently severe, pain.

Needless to say, there were many years when the pain ruled my life. I was literally at the mercy of my body. I would be afraid to pick my granddaughter up for fear I would be in severe pain for days. Writing and computer work at school had to be spread out so I didn’t irritate my hands too much at one time. The list of my fears and subsequent adaptations goes on and on. In addition, the amount of pain I was experiencing made me short-tempered, impatient, and irritable. I was tired all the time and overwhelmed by even the smallest stressors.

About two years ago, my rheumatologist at Johns Hopkins suggested I try acupuncture. I was fortunate to get into an excellent facility, Mind/Body Health, here in York[, PA] which is linked to our hospital system. I definitely found some relief from the more severe pain each week after I went to my appointment. I was feeling the healing life force in various parts of my body. My acupuncturists were thrilled that I was so sensitive to the treatments. I felt that if I could stimulate this force during the week, I could lengthen the relief I got after my acupuncture appointment. When I saw a brochure at Mind/Body Health on T’ai Chi Chih, my husband and I decided to see if it would help.

I was immediately drawn to the low-key approach of T’ai Chi Chih. Our instructor, Hope Spangler, shared her own personal victory over pain and stress. She invited us to see if T’ai Chi Chih could help us. And help me it did. Each week as we learned one to three new movements, I could feel the life force increase its movement throughout my entire body. Not only did the movements diminish my pain for the entire day, but also my energy level has increased greatly. My mornings are now a time I look forward to. Instead of thinking about how sore and stiff I am and if I can get through the day, I get up and begin what has become a daily personal ritual for my husband and me. It is such a peaceful yet joyful way to celebrate the beginning of a brand new day and a brand new way of life for me.

I have experienced some very stressful things this summer including having to help nurse my mother through a severe injury. I was able to handle the doctors, insurance people, my father and my own fears so well that I could hardly believe it was me. In addition, I am finding it easier to deal with the pain I still have. I find I have more patience and am definitely more cheerful and optimistic. I will always have pain. But Tai Chi Chih has given me a simple, fun way to control the severity of the pain. It has given me additional energy to enjoy my life, my family and my friends. And it has given me a joyful, peaceful way to begin each new day.

I am truly grateful for Tai Chi Chih and Hope Spangler!

Sincerely,

– Jane Piepmeier
[Student of Hope Spangler]