Helping the recovery process

TRURO - Clayton Smith could be the poster child for what Taoist tai chi can do.
After multiple myeloma, a form of bone cancer, had left the 69-year-old Valley resident in a wheelchair and unable to do such simple physical activities as gardening, Smith's physical condition has improved greatly since starting tai chi three years ago.
"I have my husband back," said his wife Kathy, 64.
And she said she gives the credit to tai chi.
"It's helped him tremendously," she said. "We had a large garden and when he was sick we didn't expect him to live so I sodded it over. But in the last two years we've been back out there."
The disease has left Smith, who previously stood at five-foot-eight, just five feet tall. As his body shrank due to the bone density loss, a large hump formed on his back.
"You wouldn't have recognized him if you knew him before," Kathy said.
But after three years of tai chi, Smith has improved his bone density and his posture, not to mention his balance, circulation, strength and digestion.
"It sure helped me recover," said Smith, who is now in remission after successful treatment of the disease.
The couple now attends Truro's tai chi society sessions twice a week on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. The society is celebrating its 25th year in the Hubtown this week with Truro Mayor Bill Mills recently proclaiming this Taoist tai chi week.
Tai chi is a series of 108 movements developed to gently move and stretch all muscles and tendons in the body. The stretches improve circulation and mobility, in turn, helping the body's other systems.
"In Clayton's case it really strengthened his bones," said Mary Sanger, a South Maitland resident who has been instructing at the club for the past nine years.
"The movements allowed the muscle and tissue around his spine to relax and get stronger. I think he's a lot better and his strength and posture are better."
But Sanger was quick to point out that tai chi's benefits don't happen overnight.
"You just have to do it and be dedicated to it," Sanger said. "I know Clayton is. He practices it at home."
Sanger directs two levels of tai chi at the club, one for beginners and one for those more advanced. Both Clayton and Kathy practice at the advanced level.
Kathy said she not only goes to be with her husband, but because she enjoys it too.
"It makes you feel wonderful. I'm quite a hyper person so it calms me down," she said with a laugh.
Smith said he certainly feels great. Now he can get back to doing what he loves -- gardening.
"Oh yeah," he said. "I'm out there quite a bit digging and planting and looking after the
flowers."

mveno@trurodaily.com