Helping People to Help Themselves:
What our students say about our teaching
You will notice
that almost every comment below mentions more than one benefit that
students have gained from their Tai Chi, Neigong, Qigong and Beathing
practices, so please use the
headings as a rough guide only. If you
would like to offer some feedback on classes that you have attended
with any of our instructors please email Matthew via
the Contact & Links page. All
students named have given their consent.
Anxiety
After suffering anxiety/panic attacks, Matthew recommended applying
the Longevity Breathing. After a month or so, I found not only the
panic attacks subsiding, but a feeling of being in control of my
condition, which helped with my self esteem and well being. Having had
no medication, just applying the breathing technique, I am pleased to
say I really feel 100% better, more relaxed and in control. I'm still
practising this technique and hopefully my Tai Chi is improving.
Mrs S. Woodnott, Faversham Still Breathing Class,
July 2010.
Hip Pain
I fell badly 3 years ago and sustained a compression fracture of my
right hip – since the fall I experienced constant pain through out the
day and night.
I have attended Tai Chi classes once a week for the past 4 years:
Dragon and Tiger encouraged me “not to over use my hip” these changes
improved my sleep. Fundamentals taught me to regain control of my hip
muscles with very small repetitive exercises. Happily this term, my
pain has cleared by 80%.
I have had other treatments whilst attending Matthew’s classes i.e.
acupuncture and physiotherapy, but Fundamentals and Dragon and Tiger
have done more than the other modalities to improve my pain.
Mrs T. Miles, Physiotherapist, Canterbury Tai Chi
Fundamentals and Dragon & Tiger Classes, July 2010.
Pelvic Instability and Pain - After 6 weeks
Just to say what a big difference your 'Tai Chi Fundamentals'
classes have made to my life in only seven weeks. I was very
apprehensive at first. As you may remember I just wanted to observe the
class, having very little confidence because of my pelvic instability
(frequent dislocation of the Sacrum, SI joints and lumbar sacral
joint). I have tried various forms of exercise over the past 10 years,
religiously working out every morning because without it I seemed to
deteriorate quickly, and have had to wear a support belt for ten years
to hold it all together.
One of the great things about your classes is that it doesn't matter
what level you are at, what your ability is, everyone is treated as a
valued individual, with individual needs and you don't feel
marginalised because you cannot move your limbs as far as the person
next to you.
Even in the first week, when I learnt that slow is good, there is no
gain with pain, and that standing bolt upright (from early
conditioning) is actually not beneficial, I noticed a relief from the
pain I had been living with for so long. Even my chiropractor
noticed a marked difference in my stability and circulation on my last
checkup.
Each week my range of movement has increased with daily, and
sometimes not daily practice. If I miss a day now, I do not have the
aches and pains that I had before.
But I had the biggest breakthrough this week. After last week (my
6th week) I managed to take off my pelvic support belt, after 10 years
of being strapped up 24 yours a day. It feels a bit weird but I have
survived the week without dislocating.
That's just the Fundamentals. Together with the Still Breathing
classes I have found it so much easier to switch off from work stress
and I am sleeping much better. So all in all, a big difference to my
quality of life and confidence already, and so a BIG THANKYOU for that.
Finally, what a friendly class! I have always felt welcome and not
like a new student. Everyone helps each other. I have never come across
that in exercise groups before where the focus is generally
self-centred. So as well as the physical benefits, it is a pleasure to
take part in the classes. Long may it continue.
Ms G. Woodfield, Faversham Tai Chi
Fundamentals and Still Breathing Classes, July 2010.
Pelvic Instability and Pain - One year on
Hard to believe that was a year ago now:
I no longer need to carry my stick with me; I no longer need to
drive an automatic car; I do not have to carry a portable wedge seat
with me when I go out
for a meal/drink because the seats are too low; I can get upstairs,
hands free, for one flight - (3 flights with
hand rail); I can bend forwards both in a 'spinal stretch' and
'drinking bird'; I no longer need to wear a pelvic support belt during
the day; I can walk for at least an hour without being in pain; I can
stand and wait for a train without being in pain; I rarely take
painkillers unless I have an incident; Incidents are less serious, one
every 2-3 months months instead of
weekly/fortnightly; I recover and get back to normal life much quicker
after an incident; I can walk on uneven ground - on the beach or in the
woods again; My exercise is no longer painful as it was with physio; I
feel able to go on holiday next year for the first time in many
years; I do not feel depressed any more about my future and what I
thought
I had lost; I do not feel so much like a disabled person any more.
Correction - I am not going to be a disabled person any more! I
am in a much better place than I was, even before I lost my
mobility. Life is great!
Thank you for your time, your patience, your support and your words
of wisdom. I cannot thank you enough for helping me to change my life.
General Well Being
After a year of Tai Chi Fundamentals I feel better now, in my
thirties, than I did ten years ago, in my twenties.
Ms H. Addley, Faversham Tai Chi Fundamentals
Class.
I have less pain generally and when it flares up then it is also
less severe.
Mr S. Spratt, Ramsgate Chronic Pain Class.
Neck Pain
Tai Chi has proved very beneficial to me in every day pursuits and
with hindsight I should have started this form of exercise at a much
earlier age - by regularly practising the exercises, which have been
taught to me in an 'easy to learn' way, I feel more in touch with how
the muscles and nerves react to tension. Less tension = less pain. My
skeleton seems to be working in harmony with my muscles and nerves and
I have experienced far less pain in my neck. The deep breathing
exercises are very helpful in aiding restful sleep. I find that I can
do simple tasks in the garden - using the Tai Chi awareness of not
overdoing things. This allows me to achieve everyday tasks in a way
that does not have a detrimental effect on my pain. Also, my
circulation is much improved. Overall, Tai Chi is helping me to do more
with less pain.
Mrs P. Dillon, St Peter’s, Broadstairs Tai Chi &
Qigong for Health Preservation and Rehabilitation Class.
I have found Tai Chi to be most beneficial with neck pain (Cervical
Spondylosis). The first few weeks my neck gave me a lot of pain,
but after 5 weeks of Tai Chi there has been tremendous
improvement. There have been significant changes with my back
pain as well.
Mrs D. Athow, Folkestone Chronic Pain Class.
High Blood Pressure
There has been a significant improvement in my high blood
pressure. It has also helped my standing,
breathing and peace of mind,
and I am taking much less pain relief. Thank you.
Mrs P. Newnham, Ramsgate Chronic Pain Class.
I have had high blood pressure and have been on tablets - atenolol
& amlodipine - for many years. Even on the tablets my B/P was still
high.
Breathing using the diaphragm and belly over the last fourteen days, my
blood pressure reading has significantly reduced. I use the
diaphragmatic breathing technique whenever I think about it, watching
the television, at the sink, on the train, in bed etc. I am at
the moment still taking the tablets, which I hope to cut down. My blood
pressure is now nearly normal.
Anon, Canterbury Chronic Pain Class, October 2011.
Pericarditis
After collapsing in my garden with severe chest pain, I was
diagnosed with pericarditis, a virus which attacks the lining of the
heart. During the attack I went into Tai Chi mode and used the
breathing technique, which I learned at classes. My Dr in hospital
commended me on my breathing and suggested that it had significantly
contributed to
my recovery.
Mr S. Searle, Ramsgate Chronic Pain Class.
Mid-back Pain
I was walking around the bed and as I turned a pain 'gripped' the
middle of my back. I let out a yell and dropped to my knees,
(very, very slowly). Luckily the bed was there so as I was down I
laid my arms onto it. (My wife was in the shower and did not hear me) I
stayed there a while until I felt I could stand. I sat on a chair
and as I did I thought of the Tai Chi lessons and how Matthew had
taught us to bend our back. So I let my tail bone sink into the
chair and very slowly started to bend forward trying to open up every
vertebrae. I must stress I was doing this very, very slowly and
only twice, not wanting to do too much. I sat for a while and
then stood up. I found my back was a lot easier than I had
imagined it would be. Still damn sore but easier. After a
couple of days I was fine. A lot faster than I thought it would
be. Thank you Matthew. I am convinced that particular
exercise accelerated the recovery process.
Mr M. Cleaver, Ramsgate Chronic Pain Class.
Holistic Approach
I have found the holistic approach that Matthew uses with his Tai
Chi enables me to look at all aspects of my life. His sensible
approach to how we deal with pain and the gentle exercises he guides us
through, together with the breathing and quiet way that he teaches the
class, helps to calm the pain and understand how to cope with the bad
spasms as they happen.
Mrs J. Davies, St Peter’s, Broadstairs Tai Chi &
Qigong for Health Preservation and Rehabilitation Class.
Every aspect of my life has been affected by Tai Chi. I know
now that I can help myself as well as knowing that I have other people
to help me, physically and psychologically. I have a brighter
outlook now. Going to Tai Chi has taught me how to cope a lot
better with my various pains, and to be more patient with myself and
also with other
people. Matthew is a very patient, kind and understanding man and has
helped me enormously. I am with a class of friendly people, all with
similar physical problems and psychologically we all help each other to
feel good. I will be eternally grateful to the Chronic Pain clinic.
Mrs B. Rider, St Peter’s, Broadstairs Tai Chi &
Qigong for Health Preservation and Rehabilitation Class.
Helping Ourselves
Tai Chi helps me take more control of my life.
Mrs S. Fasham, Ramsgate Chronic Pain Class.
It is very useful because I am the master of my body. I can exercise
my whole body without causing unwanted pain (more than what I have
already). So I will continue exercising at home thanks to the class.
Mrs B. I., Ramsgate Chronic Pain Class.
Lower-back Pain, Joints and Height
By practising some of the movements each day I have found that I can
relax and feel in better control of the pain in my lumbar spine.
In addition I feel my general mobility in shoulders, feet and ankles
has improved. Overall my experience of severe pain has diminished
slightly in intensity and duration. Attending the classes is a
pleasant, relaxing experience and the various movements are clearly
explained and demonstrated. Also I have regained 3cm in height.
Miss G. Lamb, St Peter’s, Broadstairs Tai Chi &
Qigong for Health Preservation and Rehabilitation Class.
Regained Height
I lost two inches in height due to a car accident many years ago
with no changes until now. During my recent annual, diabetic M.O.T. my
nurse reported a height increase of one inch. The only change in my
life over the last year has been Tai Chi. God bless.
Mrs A.D.Cooke, Ramsgate Chronic Pain Class, May
2011.
Shoulder Pain
Tai Chi has helped me to relax and at home I practise the movements
daily. The breathing is particularly relaxing. The pain in
my left shoulder has improved. The social aspect of the weekly
class enables me to chat to other members of the group and we share
tips on managing our health problems.
Mrs D. Headdon, Folkestone Chronic Pain Class.
Sleep
I find Tai Chi to be very relaxing. It does help to control
pain and I find it helps during the night to relax me and help me back
to sleep.
Mrs L. Little, Ramsgate Chronic Pain Class.
Mood
I find that Tai Chi has helped to lift my mood and relaxation
exercises help as well. The exercises help to motivate me
particularly on rising when my joints are very stiff.
Mrs J. Crole, Ramsgate Chronic Pain Class.
I find I am generally better in my well being. I am a happier person
since coming to Tai Chi.
Anon, Ramsgate Chronic Pain Class.
Mobility
I find that Tai Chi is continuing to make me more mobile and able to
do things that I was unable to do before.
Mr D. Massey, Ramsgate Chronic Pain Class.
I feel that attending this group has improved my quality of life. I
have found that my pain
tolerance is a lot better and my movement has improved greatly.
Mr R. Weaver, Ramsgate Chronic Pain Class.
Reducing Pain Killers
I am more mobile and am using the walking stick less. I am
more positive and relaxed. Since taking part in Tai Chi I find I
can do with less pain killers.
Mrs J. Skinner, Ramsgate Chronic Pain Class.
Socialising
The gentle exercises are not overwhelming. After a time they
become automatic, which in turn helps with general life and
mobility. Part of the teaching includes a social aspect - meeting
other people with similar problems helps take away the possible
loneliness of the house bound. It makes for something to look
forward to. The effort is worthwhile, also friendships are
made. It starts off as pain control help, then it includes a
smile or two which lifts the moods a lot. In other words it is a
good idea and benefits us.
Mrs Gill P., Ramsgate Chronic Pain Class.
I really like going to Tai Chi because it's relaxing, entertaining
and I can have a nice chat and a bit of fun. The exercises are
easy to do at the class and at home. I look forward to going to
learn more, and to learn a new exercise each week. The
instructor, Gary, is very nice.
Mrs L. Earl, Sittingbourne Chronic Pain Class.
Including Family
The breathing definitely helps, it's very calming also. Although I
hate having my neck touched the 'neck movements' certainly help.
Also my husband is usually anti any 'formal' exercise and he comes and
really enjoys it so that helps me, as it gives us something to do
together and gives him a better understanding of my pain. I also
feel that I am actually achieving something positive, so thank you.
Mrs M. A., Ramsgate Chronic Pain Class.
Overcoming the fear of falling
Under Matthew's tuition I have gained confidence and lost a lot of
my fear of falling, although still aware of some imbalance. To
walk in the Tai Chi manner is, I know, going to improve my
balance. I look forward to "going forward" under Matthew's
direction.
Matthew's explanations on how to improve on muscle tension are very
helpful - this tension has always been one of my problems and on which
I have to focus.
Matthew is a patient and tolerant teacher. His explanations on
the effect of gentle movements on our skeletal, muscular and
circulatory systems he makes interesting and easy for us to
understand. Thank you Matthew.
Mrs G. Milne, St Peter’s, Broadstairs Tai Chi &
Qigong for Health Preservation and Rehabilitation Class.
Balance and Breathing
I have noticed that my balance has greatly improved and I am
standing more erect. Walking is much easier and I no longer
trip or fall. Also I think the breathing exercises have improved
my lungs as for the first time in many years I didn’t get a chest
infection this winter.
Anon, Ramsgate Chronic Pain Class May 2009.
I have found Tai Chi has helped me to relax more so with breathing
and it's also helped with getting my head around a lot of things.
Mrs A. Holness, St Peter’s, Broadstairs Tai Chi &
Qigong for Health Preservation and Rehabilitation Class.
Emotional Balance
(I have found Tai Chi useful for:) Self relaxation, temper control,
no pain a lot of gain, just understanding my pain, going each week
talking to others with pain, hearing different ways of self calming and
relaxation, getting off to sleep, not pushing myself too much, doing a
little at a time, enjoying the company of others with pain.
Mr M. Darsley, St Peter’s, Broadstairs Tai Chi &
Qigong for Health Preservation and Rehabilitation Class.
Back and Hip Pain
I have found Tai Chi to be very beneficial to my back and hip
problem. It has helped with my heavy left leg. Also, I have
found it very helpful being in a group of people with different pain
problems.
Mrs C. Sharpe, Folkestone Chronic Pain Class.
Back and Walking
Tai Chi really helps my back and in turns helps me to walk better,
but Tai Chi has helped me as a whole person to understand my body
better. Thank you Matthew I really enjoy your class.
Mrs C. White, Ramsgate Chronic Pain Class.
Improved Recovery Times
When in queues I do hip and shoulder exercises, these help while
waiting. The problem with my back comes in spells, and although
the pain is about the same the time between spells has lengthened from
3-4 weeks to 5-6 weeks and my recovery time is faster.
Mr P. Rudkin, St Peter’s, Broadstairs Tai Chi &
Qigong for Health Preservation and Rehabilitation Class.
Quality of Life
Tai Chi has changed my life. It has improved how I view my day
to day life. Before I did Tai Chi I was always rushing and
putting myself under pressure. I have learnt to listen to my body
and well being: from breathing when I awake, to movements throughout
the day, to relaxing to help me sleep. Meeting Dr Brewer has made
a huge difference to the quality of my being. I broke my leg in the
middle of this course and found the things I
had
been taught in Tai Chi a great help in dealing with this also.
Matthew is a great teacher and the calmest person I have ever met in my
61 years. Thank you to Matthew.
Mrs E. Badcock, St Peter’s, Broadstairs Tai Chi &
Qigong for Health Preservation and Rehabilitation Class.
Leg Circulation
The circulation has improved in my legs and ulcers have healed a lot
better.
Mrs M. Elmey, Ramsgate Chronic Pain Class.
Gentle
I was surprised to realise Tai Chi could be such a gentle exercise
and I try to remember to continue when I get home. Matthew is
such a good teacher and makes the class very enjoyable. We all
get on well together.
Mrs W. Grisby, Ramsgate Chronic Pain Class.
Mental Attitude
Apart from a lessening of pain and an increase of mobilit, I find
that the sessions lift my mood and improve my mental attitude to living
with chronic pain. The more I understand, the better I am able to
deal with problems. Matthew gives very clear insights into why certain
Tai Chi moves will imporove things.
Mrs G. Lamb, St Peter’s, Broadstairs Tai Chi &
Qigong for Health Preservation and Rehabilitation Class, February 2011.
Tension Hedaches
When I started Tai Chi I suffered greatly with tension headaches,
which made me physically sick and kept me awake at night.
Now, with the techniques Matthew has taught me, I have the ability to
stop these headaches at source.
There is only one word I can use about Matthew and his Tai Chi and that
is fantastic.
Mr M. Cowell, St Peter’s, Broadstairs Tai Chi &
Qigong for Health Preservation and Rehabilitation Class, May 2011.
Leg circuation, Sleep and Regaining use of the Hand
I have attended Matthew Brewer’s Tai Chi classes for some time and I
know they have been of great benefit to me in many ways. In the past I
have proved that by following his advice I can prevent my ankles from
swelling if I’m travelling long distances by coach or train; also using
the special breathing exercise helps me to get off to sleep at night.
When chatting to others in the group we have agreed that we often use
the Tai Chi movements automatically, without really thinking about
them, because they’ve become a big part of our daily lives. Recently I
started to have severe problems with my right hand – I couldn’t
straighten my fingers or the palm of that hand, it was becoming more
like a clenched fist. When I talked to Matthew about it he demonstrated
some particular movements to follow and I am totally amazed that I am
now able to straighten my hand after practising them every day for
about a month. I am now convinced that all of my joints would have
“closed down” by now if I hadn’t been going to Matthew’s special Tai
Chi classes!! So, thank you Matthew for your teaching skills and your
patience.
Mrs B. Goodwin, St Peter’s, Broadstairs Tai Chi &
Qigong for Health Preservation and Rehabilitation Class, June 2011.
No need for facet joint injections
Following my 3rd session with Matthew at the Portland Centre, I
noticed that my lower back and leg pain were significantly reduced. I
have severe degeneration of the lumbar and c-spine and am awaiting
facet-joint injections.
Two days ago I felt that I could dispense with the pain tablets, did
not need my walking stick all the time and actually walked the dogs for
a short distance - progress indeed! Thank you.
Mrs S Webster, St Peter's Tai Chi for Chronic
Pain
Class, October 2011.
Update:
Following my first report of the progress I was experiencing from the
classes, I would now like to update this.
I have been awaiting facet joint injections since June, however, due to
the excellent results achieved since starting the classes, it is now no
longer necessary for me to have this procedure. I feel that I now have
control over the high level of pain that I have been experiencing over
the past year and believe that this is due to these classes. I have
been totally dedicated to the methods thught and practice them
regularly. I now only take over-the-counter pain killers two or three
times a week whereas before I was taking the maximum dosage daily.
The relaxation method in particular has proved very beneficial.
I have informed the Pain Clinic of this progress and they will contact
me again in January to ascertain whether I no longer need the procedure
and I will then be taken off the waiting list. Thank you Matthew!
Mrs S Webster, St Peter's Tai Chi for Chronic Pain
Class, November 2011.