Sudden stomach problems
In 2007, because I often worked overtime and had irregular diets, I was either hungry or full, and with the high pressure of work, I suffered from severe stomach problems. I often had stomach pains and sometimes couldn’t fall asleep all night.
I began to pay attention to eating three meals a day on time, mainly soft, rotten, and finely processed porridge and noodles, and strengthening the warmth of the stomach. However, the stomach problems continued to get worse. In less than half a year, my weight dropped from more than 170 pounds to 150 pounds. In March 2008, I went to the Chinese medicine hospital for a check-up and found out that I had atrophic gastritis. The doctor said that atrophic gastritis is a chronic progressive disease that develops on the basis of superficial gastritis. It is relatively stubborn and difficult to cure. If it is not treated quickly, it is likely to be a prelude to cancer. At this point in the disease, I forced myself to put down all my mental burdens, followed the doctor’s advice, and took Chinese medicine. Gradually, the condition was relieved, but I still didn’t enjoy eating, and sometimes I would suffer from insomnia due to stomach pain.
After the Spring Festival in 2010, I heard from a friend that Tai Chi can not only improve physical fitness, but also because of the many movements of the waist, it can activate the blood circulation in the abdominal cavity, promote gastrointestinal motility, and have a good effect on improving the digestive system. In addition, the deep breathing during Tai Chi drives the diaphragm to move, which plays a mechanical stimulation role on the gastrointestinal tract, can improve local circulation, promote digestion, and prevent constipation. So, I decided to mobilize a few good friends to practice Tai Chi together. Unexpectedly, they all shook their heads and said that only retired people would practice Tai Chi to kill time. And they were all young and strong and not interested.
In June 2010, I had the honor of meeting Coach Tu, a famous Tai Chi teacher, and then I became his disciple and practiced Chen Tai Chi. Under the guidance of Coach Tu, I studied Tai Chi seriously, exhaled and moved, and repeatedly pondered every move. Tai Chi is different from general aerobics. It emphasizes “relaxation” and “sinking”, and the movement should be slow and even. In terms of the limbs, it is the relaxation of muscles, joints and bones, and it must be coordinated with even deep breathing. More importantly, it requires mental concentration, tranquility, and intention, so as to achieve the purpose of curing diseases and strengthening the body by coordinating yin and yang, combining treatment and nourishment, and focusing on nourishment.
I practice for about two hours every night in the community square. When it is rainy, I insist on practicing Tai Chi in my living room. Because I lack the communication of Tai Chi with my peers, I wanted to give up for a while. It was Coach Tu who gave me a lot of help and encouragement, and introduced me to some Tai Chi competitions. Every weekend and holiday, if there is no overtime task, I will ride a bicycle to Coach Tu and ask him to teach me a few more moves of his boxing and swordsmanship. Later, every time after practicing Tai Chi, I would practice Tai Chi sword for a while. This kind of exercise that combines hardness and softness, light movements, gentle movements, and natural breathing gradually makes me feel that the original impetuousness and pressure are gradually fading away, and my mood is particularly peaceful and comfortable.
Health care and treatment
One year after practicing Tai Chi, I went to the Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine for a follow-up examination. The doctor told me that atrophic gastritis has been completely cured and I don’t need to take Chinese medicine from now on. I immediately called Coach Tu to share the good news. He first praised me for my hard work and pursuit of the true meaning of Tai Chi and real kung fu, and then encouraged me to practice Tai Chi well and strive to win gold medals in competitions above the city level. In the following two years, I participated in city, provincial and national martial arts competitions and won several gold, silver and bronze medals.
Persisting in practicing Tai Chi makes me feel that my meridians and blood are particularly smooth. Now my weight has returned to more than 170 pounds. More importantly, I am very energetic and can walk and climb mountains as fast as a strong man in his 20s.
In addition, Tai Chi has also improved my mentality. In the past, I was easily impatient when I encountered troublesome things at work. Now I can look at and deal with problems calmly and calmly, and my work efficiency has been significantly improved. It can be said that Tai Chi has helped me get rid of stomach problems and has also played a health-preserving role in cultivating the mind and nourishing the nature.