My Tai Chi journey began by chance in May 2021. I was captivated by a Taoist master's fluid and low-frame movements. However, due to years of suffering from cervical spondylosis, periarthritis of the shoulder, and a herniated disc, I was afraid to try anything new. Repeatedly tormented by pain, I waited, hoping to find a guiding figure who could help me out of my predicament. That's when I met the two teachers from Qinhuang on March 1, 2023. Without a moment's hesitation, I followed them and stepped into the world of Tai Chi.

When I first started, my body felt stiff and heavy. Every warm-up and Five Elements Qigong session was a struggle. My sweat was cold, and my body ached, but miraculously, I noticed the pain was starting to lessen after each practice. As I delved deeper, my sweat became warm, signaling that my body was expelling cold and dampness. My old ailments, especially the nerve compression in my right leg and my neck and shoulder pain, were gradually subsiding. I realized that practicing Tai Chi was not just about strengthening my body, but about healing myself.

What brought me the most joy was that my body, once limited by back and leg pain, became increasingly flexible under the nourishment of Tai Chi. The "Leopard Stance" used to make me grimace and struggle, and the "Serpent Form" required me to use one hand for support, often resulting in me falling backward. It was both frustrating and infuriating. Yet, I never gave up, because I saw the positive changes in my body. My appetite increased, but I lost weight—my family joked that I was transforming from a "demure young woman" into an "iron lady." I knew in my heart that "all the wealth in the world is nothing compared to good health."

Title:

Finding My Mentors: A Tai Chi Transformation from Sickness to Effortless Grace

Introduction:

My Tai Chi journey began by chance in May 2021. I was captivated by a Taoist master's fluid and low-frame movements. However, due to years of suffering from cervical spondylosis, periarthritis of the shoulder, and a herniated disc, I was afraid to try anything new. Repeatedly tormented by pain, I waited, hoping to find a guiding figure who could help me out of my predicament. That's when I met the two teachers from Qinhuang on March 1, 2023. Without a moment's hesitation, I followed them and stepped into the world of Tai Chi.

Body:

When I first started, my body felt stiff and heavy. Every warm-up and Five Elements Qigong session was a struggle. My sweat was cold, and my body ached, but miraculously, I noticed the pain was starting to lessen after each practice. As I delved deeper, my sweat became warm, signaling that my body was expelling cold and dampness. My old ailments, especially the nerve compression in my right leg and my neck and shoulder pain, were gradually subsiding. I realized that practicing Tai Chi was not just about strengthening my body, but about healing myself.

What brought me the most joy was that my body, once limited by back and leg pain, became increasingly flexible under the nourishment of Tai Chi. The "Leopard Stance" used to make me grimace and struggle, and the "Serpent Form" required me to use one hand for support, often resulting in me falling backward. It was both frustrating and infuriating. Yet, I never gave up, because I saw the positive changes in my body. My appetite increased, but I lost weight—my family joked that I was transforming from a "demure young woman" into an "iron lady." I knew in my heart that "all the wealth in the world is nothing compared to good health."

Conclusion:

After three months of hard work, I can now perform every movement with ease and grace. After each practice, I feel a sense of lightness and joy. My family even calls me a "crazy woman" because I smile in my sleep. I am convinced that the Five Elements Qigong is a practice I will pursue for a lifetime, for it has brought health to all my internal organs.

I am forever grateful to the two teachers from Qinhuang and to my senior sister. Thank you to everyone who walks this path with me. We are truly blessed and connected by destiny. In the days to come, let us continue to work hard, persevere together, and stay away from sub-health, embracing a life of good fortune and well-being.