I have been learning Eight
Silk Brocade, a type of Tai Chi, from Sharon Liu of Fountain of
Youth Qi. As the name suggests, Eight
Silk Brocade comprises 8 postures that stretch and strengthen
practically every part of the body - muscles as well as internal organs - in a
very gentle, non-strenuous, and meditative way.I have been attending Sharon’s beginner’s class, right here in Markham,
every Thursday morning, from September 2014.
It was just over a year
ago, that I was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease. For about two, perhaps three years prior to my
diagnosis, I had been experiencing periods of depression that, most of the
time, made me feel lethargic and fatigued.In addition, I was having problems with walking, especially with
maintaining my balance and coordinating my physical movements. And I was also having trouble concentrating or
focussing on any given task.
With the diagnosis in
hand, I began to earnestly learn about Parkinson’s and soon discovered that Tai Chi is at the top of the recommendation
list for physical exercises that, if not cure, certainly help reduce the
progression of degenerative diseases such as PD.The claim of course, is backed by a great
deal of research in well-respected medical journals.To this data bank, I now add my own
experience with Tai Chi as extremely positive.
Having practiced Eight
Silk Brocade weekly, over the past four months, I have found that my
energy levels are significantly higher, my balance more stable, and my
coordination much improved. In addition,
I have also found that I am feeling depressed less often and, when I do get
depressed or anxious, the levels of despair are not as intense as before.
To be sure, my plan is
to continue to learn and practice this very gentle martial art, hopefully, on a
more frequent basis than just once-a-week, and to continue to reap its benefits
in terms of slowing down the effects of Parkinson’s … on my body, and on my mind.
In conclusion, I
strongly recommend Eight Silk Brocade, as taught by Sharon Liu of Fountain of Youth Qi, not just to those
burdened by disease, but to anyone that wishes to harmonize their body, mind
and spirit to achieve a healthier and wholesome lifestyle!