IN MY EXPERIENCE

THE BENEFITS OF TAI CHI

By Hope Waltman

"Author’s Note:  At a consultation with Dr. Robert Worthington-Kirsch, following my Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) procedure which had eliminated my uterine fibroid problem, I asked about exercise restrictions.  The doctor replied that there are none, and that each woman must decide on her own what type of exercise program to do and when to begin.  Uterine fibroid disease tends to cause some women to gain weight, which can make it difficult to exercise.  As a result, many women feel depressed and suffer from low self-esteem because they believe they will never get back to their pre-uterine fibroid shape.  I wanted to find a way to get my body back in shape, and decided on Tai Chi." 

According to my Tai Chi instructor, Liam Cochran, "Tai Chi is a Chinese-based martial art that provides participants of any age a complete form of exercise. Long prized for its aid in health, longevity, and self-defense, Tai Chi is excellent for individuals with fast paced, stressful lifestyles because it relaxes the mind, as well as the body. In addition, it helps digestion, quiets the nervous system, benefits the heart and blood circulation and creates healthier joints.  We cannot live life fully without some form of exercise, and no special equipment or large practice space is required with Tai Chi.  Tai Chi is an ideal regiment for daily exercise and maintaining health."

At each Tai Chi class, I learn how to handle stress by performing meditation, which can be done in a sitting, standing or lying down position.  During the meditation, the instructor explains the proper technique to release tension from the different parts of the body, as well as how to use the three chambers of the lungs for breathing. 

Looking back, I realize that before my UAE and Tai Chi, I had a shorter attention span, because my mind was occupied with pain, mental agony and life’s daily responsibilities.  Meditation and Tai Chi have helped me learn how to get a better hold of the moment. 

The Temple Exercises warm up the body muscles.  Learning them quickly showed me how much bodily damage weight gain and uterine fibroids had caused me over the past two years.  My physical structure had been altered when the fibroids were growing, which in turn had a huge impact on my balance, posture and breathing.  In addition, when I first started Tai Chi, I was exhausted after the one-hour class.  Now, I can handle the hour without even feeling winded, plus I am able to touch my toes and make circular waist motions without feeling pain or tension. Before UAE and Tai Chi, I would get pain in my legs when walking just a few blocks.  Now, I can walk at a fast pace for a long distance without feeling sore.  All the exercises are improving my muscles' soft tissue tone and resilience.  

The Tai Chi Set is a part of the training that has taught me how difficult it can be to remember multiple body movements in sequence!  The set helps me focus more on my posture, balance and weight distribution. 

Another benefit to my learning Tai Chi has been the additional training for self-defense.  I was especially pleased to receive Kuboton training, which involves employing a long metal device that is used as a key chain to free and protect oneself from an attacker using Tai Chi movements.   It was amazing how much power, speed, grace and balance I have achieved from my training, and it was indeed a pleasure when I was able to make my opponent - a man - hit his side to signify he was hurting!  In fact, I can’t wait to participate in a women’s self-defense workshop in the fall. 

I feel rejuvenated and ready for the day’s events after practicing Tai Chi. Together, UAE and Tai Chi have made me feel that I have control of my life again. 

(Editor's Note:  For more information on Tai Chi or Kung Fu, contact  Liam Cochran at 717-241-6368 or at  carlisle@hbgkungfu.com, or visit www.hbgkungfu.com.  Find out more about UAE by visiting www.hopeforfibroids.org or by contacting Hope at hopewaltman@paonline.com.  Before starting any new exercise program, you may want to consult with your physician.)

Copyright:  Reprinted by permission of WE Magazine August/September 2003, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.