How Tai Chi can help heal

Again, I turned to Taoist tai chi to help me recover. The effects were immediate. On days I did a lot of tai chi, my balance was hugely improved and my headaches disappeared. When I skipped tai chi, the pain returned and I had less energy. For me, it become a no-brainer. The spiritual and psychological benefits of Taoist tai chi are hard to describe if you haven't done it, but I find I'm much happier, more at ease than I've been in a long time. Taoist tai chi has given me renewed hope after the battering my body has endured.

I eventually was asked to become an instructor and I now teach one beginner tai chi class each week, and participate in two continuing classes (which people graduate to after learning the set of 108 moves). I also make a point to practise on my own as often as I can. If I get incredibly busy or am on the road for work and go several days without doing any tai chi, I get tired, my neck stiffens, and then come the headaches and balance issues. That's my reminder to do some tai chi. I've learned to listen to my body, listen to my soul.

Just what the doctor ordered
"Tai chi engages all muscles in the body, and has cardio benefits as well," says Dr. Bruce McFarlane, a physician from Collingwood, Ont., who is medical adviser to the International Taoist Tai Chi Society. "It helps regulate the immune system, lessens spinal degeneration and has been shown to improve the lives of people living with rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and diabetes, to name a few conditions."

McFarlane adds that, because so many of the moves in Taoist tai chi are weight-bearing exercises, it's also great for people concerned about bone density, osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. "Because of a unique form of stretching that involves simultaneous lengthening, turning and relaxation, all of the body's tissues are gradually exercised. Initial efforts to free up movement in the hip joints progress to an increasing range of motion in the internal joints of the pelvis and in the multiple joints of the spine." The stretching gradually extends into the internal tissues of the body, engaging the respiratory system, diaphragm, pelvic floor, ligaments and connective tissues that support your spine and abdominal organs. The sequence of the 108 moves in Taoist Tai chi also encourages circulation of blood and lymph.

Everyone responds to tai chi differently because people's bodies are so different, and our health challenges vary. "I have seen remarkable improvement for women who are recovering from breast cancer treatment, whose lymph nodes have been removed, taking away the circulation in their hands and limbs," says McFarlane. "Swollen fingers can often regain form, and stiff hands their movement, from even a couple hours of tai chi."

• To find a Taoist tai chi class near you or learn more, visit www.taoist.org. Classes
are all taught by trained volunteers in relaxed settings.


Page 3 of 3 -- Find out exactly what tai chi is and how it can help your physical and spiritual well-being on page 1.