Does Tai Chi (T’ai Chi) offer Crohn’s Disease sufferers the potential for physical and mental well being?

As I have said before in this blog, the secret to living with Crohn’s disease is the ability to manage your condition. Managing your medication is essential, as well your diet, but often overlooked, or paid lip service to, is the management of your physical and mental state.

After I’d recovered from my surgery I became very aware that unless I started to take exercise my condition would deteriorate rapidly and the pounds would start to pile on. But I must admit to have been somewhat apprehensive about taking up an exercise program. Although I’d enjoyed a normal lifestyle before Crohn’s got a serious hold, I’d done no appreciable exercise for several years.

I felt going to the gym was out as was daily running on the streets. A number of exercise plans available seemed to need me to change my diet drastically – no way !!! Truly, I didn’t know where to start.

Eventually after speaking to many people a pattern started to develop. Tai Chi seemed to be recognised as one form of self development that would help with my condition (Crohn’s and Diabetes) and in particular the forms taught by Dr. Jwing-Ming Yang. I liked his tuitions straight away because he takes care to explain the reasons why the exercises he illustrates in his DVDs, such as The Eight (8) Pieces of Brocade, works. He explains their health benefits and crucially for me the modern scientific explanation for the healing principles.

In truth, it’s made a great difference to me taking up and leading a full and fulfilling lifestyle again. I hope it can do the same for you.

Getting rid of the hype and finding the facts.

What is Tai Chi (T’ai Chi)?

Modern day Tai Chi has its roots deeply sunk in the heart of the ancient Chinese Tao philosophy. It is a system that uses slow, smooth body movements to achieve a state of relaxation of both body and mind. Developed originally in China as a self-defence strategy, or martial art, t’ai chi—the “supreme ultimate fist”—is practised in modern times primarily as a gentle exercise technique.

The five essential qualities of t’ai chi are:

* Slowness. To develop awareness.
* Lightness. To make movements flow.
* Balance. To prevent body strain.
* Calmness. To maintain continuity.
* Clarity. To focus the mind.

What benefits are most often attributed to the practice of Tai Chi?

There’s no great long learning curve; beginners such as me, can start benefiting almost immediately. Age independent it’s recognized as helping those dealing with stress, arthritis, MS, Fibromyalgia, COPD, diabetes as well as many other chronic health problems.

T’ai chi offers physical and mental benefits. Like all exercise programs you must do your routines regularly. Those that do this say that they find:-

* it improves their muscle tone.
* it gently move almost every muscle and joint.
* they benefit from tai chi breathing techniques.
* it improve your sleep and sleeping patterns.
* it helps them to focus more completely.
* it improve their immune function.
* it reduces their stress levels.
* it improves their flexibility and strength. Circulation and balance also shows improvement.
* it improve their posture and coordination.

Many confirm that completing their Tai Chi routines on a regular basis helps boosts their energy and stamina levels. It can also sharpen their reflexes; giving them an overall sense of well-being. A feeling so central to enjoying life. Like Yoga, Tai Chi has several different styles to suit the individual and it’s important you find a form that suits your attitude as well as your physical capabilities. I choose Dr. Jwing-Ming Yang because it gave me a simple introduction and great teaching videos as well as the seamless opportunity to develop into more advanced techniques in future if I wanted.

Finally, 2 points you may wish to consider.

1. Remember, the goal is to move at your own pace. And not be pushed into a routine you find a bore or too arduous.
2. If you are in any doubt about taking up Tai Chi as your form of exercise speak to your physician.

Start your research here ……………