Tai chi good for circulation and mindfulness

[Buffafly]

Hi all, after a few months struggling with pain caused by osteoarthritis 😭 resulting in sleeplessness and frequent heart 'bumps and wobbles' I finally got to see a consultant physiotherapist who gave me a cortisone injection in my hip and told me to exercise gently as much as possible until the pain came back 😬 The most important exercise he gave me was to strengthen my legs - aim to try to avoid falls as my balance is poor, very necessary I realise as I have a friend my age laid up with a broken pelvis and another with a broken foot. He was very enthusiastic about my idea of joining a Tai Chi class so I went to the first one yesterday.

You are beginning to wonder if I'm posting in the wrong community but I'm getting there.....

Turns out that there are many aspects of mindfulness in Tai chi, starting with a short section of sitting and 'being conscious of your body' at the beginning and end, but what really struck me was the 'mindFULLness' because you have to concentrate so hard on your body, very precise slow movements and controlled breathing - think patting your head and rubbing your tummy for an hour - that there is no room for anxiety or any other distracting thoughts and it must certainly be good for blood pressure and HR. The teacher said that Tai Chi is very good for circulation and has cured her cold feet and hands. I came out feeling exhilarated rather than tired.

As you can see I'm now a fan and thought I'd share this knowing how many of us are affected by anxiety as well as poor circulation and breathlessness etc. If you feel too exhausted to do conventional exercise this is a great alternative and has been shown to improve fitness too.

Hope you're all keeping well 💜

[Tako2009]

You have just convinced me!! I have been humming and haa-Ing ever since I saw a beginner class advertised locally. Sounds like a perfect antidote to the stress and anxiety that often come with AF.

I shall give it a go!

Thank you 🙏

[Buffafly in reply to Tako2009]

See my reply to Jalia below - stop the moment anything feels 'wrong'. I have to admit I nearly fell over once but I've done that frequently in everyday life 🙄

[Tako2009 in reply to Buffafly]

😂😂

[Jalia]

All sounds good Buffafly! If I hadn't had a bad experience with Tai Chi I would give it a go. This was some years ago and all going well for a few weeks until I messed up my knee big time, as they say....Ended up on sticks for a few weeks. Make sure you have a good instructor.

[Buffafly in reply to Jalia]

I found one exercise didn't suit my hip but she told me to listen to my body and not do anything that was uncomfortable. This class is aimed at 'seniors' so the emphasis is on gentle.

[JaneFinn]

This is really interesting - and inspiring, Buffafly. It’s SO good to hear of things that have a positive impact - and this sounds to be positive physically, mentally and emotionally. I too have painful osteoarthritis (hit me early, in my 40s) and I’m aware of balance deteriorating, as well as fitness.

Thank you so much for the tip! Now fingers crossed I can somehow find a free (or very cheap) class!

Hope it keeps on having positive effects for you 😊 xxx

[Buffafly in reply to JaneFinn]

Make sure it is for beginners - mine is Shibasi Tai Chi which is gentle.

[JaneFinn in reply to Buffafly]

Thank you! I will x

[Jalia in reply to Buffafly]

I think that was the trouble with mine as I joined the course halfway through. Should have been on absolute beginners 🙄

[bennie06]

I was very sceptical when i first started Tai Chi. Nearly ten years later i can confirm that it is an excellent form of relaxation and general fitness activity. You can take it to any level that suits you and you will certainly improve your balance and strengthen your inner core. Stick at it and good luck!

[Rosemaryb1349]

I have had excellent results in improving my balance and co-ordination also flexibility by going to Otago classes and have now added in Chair Yoga.

[Buffafly in reply to Rosemaryb1349]

Otago?

[Rosemaryb1349 in reply to Buffafly]

Hi Buffafly, Otago is a program of exercises designed to improve strength and balance and reduce the risk of stumbles and falls. We are lucky that we have a qualified instructor in our area but the exercises can be done at home just as easily. I have a booklet describing them which I would be happy to copy and post to you if you can't find a class near you. We have all abilities and ages in our classes. The booklet is from Later Life Training. laterlifetraining.co.uk

Regards Rosie

[Buffafly in reply to Rosemaryb1349]

Thanks, never heard of it. I have a program of exercises suggested by a NHS physiotherapist but I'm afraid I didn't keep them up, it's no fun on your own. I do do the 50 squats per day prescribed by the consultant physio, he said it's no good giving people a lot of different exercises to do and he's right in my case 😳

Thanks for the offer but I'll have a look at the website - my newfound enthusiasm for exercise might inspire me!

[Rosemaryb1349 in reply to Buffafly]

Your local Sports/Leisure Centre may be able to help with finding an instructor. I have just taken out my first gym membership at nearly 70! It's never too late to start. Best wishes.

[Rosemaryb1349 in reply to Buffafly]

Just found loads of Otago films on Youtube.

[Buffafly in reply to Rosemaryb1349]

I downloaded a set from the NHS!

[Rosemaryb1349 in reply to Buffafly]

Excellent, hope you enjoy it as much as I do. A class would be more fun than going solo but good luck with it.

Rosie

[irene75359]

Thank you for that, really interesting. I am always looking for ways to maintain and improve my balance ever since I read an article some years ago on how deterioration causes falls in older people. Until about fifteen years ago I could standing on my head without the tiniest wobble. I tried one day and I had lost the ability. Pleased it is working out for you!

[Hidden]

I'm shortly off to my Tai Chi class that doesn't sound much like yours as we warm up with Chi Gung and then do the short form but glad it helps with your problems and hope it continues to help with my paroxysmal AF now that I am on medication that appears to prevent episodes.

[Buffafly in reply to Hidden]

Qigong more advanced than Tai chi I think, not ready for that 😃

[Hidden in reply to Buffafly]

Not really, it's just similar bits of movement repeated. I first did some at the Buddhist place on Holy island off Aran.

[Buffafly in reply to Hidden]

Sounds exciting, or do I mean soothing?

[momist in reply to Buffafly]

Of course you are! Qigong (or Chi Kung) is an improtant part of practice for Tai Chi, for the strength that this gives to your legs and the feeling of sinking your weight into the 'bubbling spring' point. However, start slow and not too low, and don't try too hard. It comes naturally in time with repetition, and should not be competitive.

[bennie06]

Take a look at Lao Jia or the sword form. Remember that Tai Chi is a martial art and can be very intense. The main thing is to enjoy it!

[Hidden in reply to bennie06]

It's not intense the way we do it - and I try not to think of the martial aspect as I've spent most of my life as a peace campaigner! I find it is rather like meditation in movement.

[bennie06]

Indeed... but for every yin there must be a Yang. Agree that the Tai Chi forms are all about ease of movement.

[momist]

I'm a little late to this thread but . . .

I have practised Tai Chi for over twelve years now, with a disciple of Master John Ding teaching. I stopped going to classes only earlier this year, mainly due to boredom with the constant repetition (due to new students joining the class) and also as it was impinging more and more on time I needed for other things. I still carry out some of the principles at every opportunity, and occasionally practice the Yang style form.

Yes, it is very mindful, and also very good for balance and also strengthening your legs.