By the time I was 35, I had severe scoliosis, largely due to 3 falls and 4 major car accidents that I experienced between the ages of 12 and 32. I tried everything—medical doctors, osteopaths, chiropractors, acupuncturists, cranial sacral practitioners, etc. At times there was temporary relief, but no major improvements. When I was 40 years old, I became totally disabled with high levels of back pain. I was living in the country then, and someone gave me a copy of Opening the Energy Gates of Your Body. I read it and began trying to do what it said. I felt I was stranded on a desert island with a bible. My pain began to diminish.

Then someone gave me a copy of Bruce’s video, Marriage of Heaven and Earth. His movements looked so strange to me. I was somewhat repulsed by the sight and could not articulate what exactly was I perceiving. This was definitely not your regular jumping jacks or push-ups.

Later I understood it was the internal aspect of the exercise that gave it this quality. Despite my initial response, I got up the courage to go to weeklong retreats of Marriage of Heaven and Earth and Bend the Bow. When I was tired or felt pain, I lay down. After doing these courses, I practiced daily.

I began learning Wu style Tai Chi with one of Bruce’s senior instructors. One night, I asked him, "How long will it take me to heal my spine if I go this route?" He was silent for a few minutes and then replied, "Either you are working on it or you are not." His answer enabled me to continue learning.

The healing happened gradually over time. I knew the exercises were helping because I began to have a greater range of movement and less pain. I started being able to bend over to put a pot in the cupboard. I was able to lift a gallon of water. After two years, I returned to my profession as a Technical Writer.

I will be 50 in August. My scoliosis is gone. And so is my back pain. My spine is almost straight. I have not forgotten what the senior instructor told me. I continue to practice because I value my health.

Jessica Kidwell, Technical Writer, Grass Valley, CA

 Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites