It Made A Believer Out Of Me!

BY HOPE HADLEY, BEAVERTON, OR

When I decided to learn T’ai Chi Chih, I knew from my reading that one benefit was a possible improvement in health. While that seemed nice, I wasn’t convinced I would see a difference in various physical problems I’d learned to live with over the years. I never expected to experience a change as profound as the one I had recently.

Friday morning started too early, at 4 a.m., with a blinding headache. I knew from experience that no painkillers, over-the-counter drugs, or prescriptions, would stop the pain without side effects that would make me feel worse. I got comfortable until my chiropractor’s office opened at 7:30 a.m. and I could beg for any available appointment. (I’d learned years ago that a spinal adjustment would eventually help the headache go away in 24 hours.)

When I arrived at the office, I was put in a private waiting room. My doctor is busy, so it can take up to 30 minutes before he’s able to see a patient. While I waited, exhausted and in barely-tolerable pain, I decided to do just one movement: Rocking Motion. Closing my eyes and breathing deeply, I began. From Rocking Motion I moved very slowly into Bird Flaps its Wings, and then gently into the next movement, and the next, feeling myself relax despite the pain.

As I was finishing one of the movements, I suddenly felt my neck shift and heard crack, crack, crack as it adjusted itself back into its correct position. My eyes widened in amazement as the intense pain in the right side of my head drained away completely. I stood still and waited, continuing to breathe deeply. But the pain did not return. The relief was such a blessing that I’d felt I’d experienced a miracle.

When the doctor arrived a few minutes later, he asked, “Where does it hurt?” and I smiled when I said, “I came in with a debilitating headache, but it’s gone now.” (He knows I’ve been learning TCC and understood.) Usually when the chiropractor tries to adjust my back, the muscles are so tense that it’s difficult. This time, however, my muscles were relaxed and warm; and as a result, I had the best and easiest chiropractic adjustment ever. I left the office feeling energized and pain free.

This one experience – after weeks of practicing TCC – convinced me it will provide long-term benefits, as long as I practice, practice, practice.

They Should Bottle This!

BY MYRA GOLDBERG, NJ

When I began the practice of T’ai Chi Chih in September 2003 at the Caldwell Community Center with my teacher Linda Sercarz, I had fibromyalgia with chronic pain and fatigue. When I started doing TCC, I noticed I was virtually pain free. Miracle of miracles! What did I stumble onto? They should bottle this! During the day, the pain returned, but I dealt with it and didn’t dwell on it as much as usual. As I progressed with my practice, I also felt less stressful; I seemed to have more clarity of mind; I noticed personality changes; I went from being an introvert to an extrovert.

The TCC movements are not difficult to learn but they do require practice. It’s best to practice daily to reap the many benefits available from TCC. I’ve noticed on the days that I am unable to practice, there is a big difference in how I feel. This week, I had a “charlie horse” in my leg but when I did TCC, the pain completely disappeared. Long after the practice was over, the pain had lessened and dissipated. Along with medication, TCC helps keep my blood pressure at normal levels and helps with my balance.

To quote Justin Stone, the originator, “The circulation and balancing of the Chi is the great secret of life. It is an exercise that affects the inner organs, as well as the muscular structure. It is a moving meditation with many benefits. The benefits are cumulative and should be practiced every day.”