Just starting Tai Chi, noticed pressure in my head afterwards. Anyone ever experience this?

Question

Hi, hope this doesn't sound odd. I have just started Tai Chi, which I enjoy doing so far, but I'm very much a newbie, just a few lessons though I've been drawn to it for years - finally decided to start. Anyway, the next morning, I noticed a pressure like in my temple, not really a pain or headache, just a pressure. I went ahead and did another Tai Chi session... later that evening I noticed the pressure was like all over my head... on the top and sides. Again there was no headache per se, but the pressure was definitely there and very uncomfortable. It lasted all night and into the morning. It has come and gone somewhat today. The thing that bugs me is I've never experienced this before, I haven't done anything else new, and it didn't start til after my first session. Is this just coincidence or has anyone else experienced this?

My normal workout routine consists of walking, bellydancing, lifting light weights, etc., and this has never happened to me before. Thanks. :)

S.

Hi, hope this doesn't sound odd. I have just started Tai Chi, which I enjoy doing so far, but I'm very much a newbie, just a few lessons though I've been drawn to it for years - finally decided to start. Anyway, the next morning, I noticed a pressure like in my temple, not really a pain or headache, just a pressure. I went ahead and did another Tai Chi session... later that evening I noticed the pressure was like all over my head... on the top and sides. Again there was no headache per se, but the pressure was definitely there and very uncomfortable. It lasted all night and into the morning. It has come and gone somewhat today. The thing that bugs me is I've never experienced this before, I haven't done anything else new, and it didn't start til after my first session. Is this just coincidence or has anyone else experienced this?

P.S. Great answers so far! I don't have an instructor, have been using videos. How to get rid of build up or negative chi? Will aerobic exercise work?

Oops Sorry for the double post of my question!

Just wanted to say thanks to all for the thoughtful and concerned answers - your help was appreciated. It will be tough to choose a best answer. :)

I am better now, don't laugh but I'm a Christian & asked for God to help me with this (should have done that first, lol). After praying, vigorous exercise, etc., I find that as of last night I was finally back to normal.

I feel that Tai Chi should come with a "warning label"... I had no idea that just doing it twice from videos could cause a problem, & for a while I was honestly a little scared. I doubt that I will try it again. I have also since read on a few tai chi sites that qigong could possibly cause brain damage or mental instability. This is nothing to play with. We aren't aware of these things upfront & I only found out when searching for an answer to my problem. More attention should be given to this on dvd's, etc.

I still think it's a beautiful art form, just one that I won't be practicing.

Thanks again to all.

Answer 1

This is a good sign, believe it or not. By good, I mean that your body is very receptive and sensitive and your qi will be strong.

What is probably happening is that you have negative or bad qi in your body and the positive qi of the exercise is pushing it... like two magnets when polarity is reversed.

If you are learning from someone who understands this... sorry, but alot of "teachers" don't, they can help you by showing you how to disperse negative qi.

A Chinese acupuncturist will know what to do.

Answer 2

You are building up chi (yes there might be a western description of changes in blood pressure levels and muscle tension, but whatever you might wanna label it, it is appropriate to use the traditional phrase here), and somehow not releasing it properly. Mention it to your instructor. He seems to teach genuine stuff (It worked for you the first time...) so he will definitely help you. Even minor discomfort is avoidable with correct practice. It is a good sign though, shows that you're not only doing gymnastics there.
Chinese arts can be fun :). Watch out, you might hang out a poster saying 'The truth is out there' in a week or so.
Yoga could also do such odd things. Good luck, seems that you really in for an interesting time!

Answer 3

You need to release your chi! It's classic symptoms of chi build-up.

Harmoniously kick the crap out of someone... you'll feel better.

Answer 4

your starting a new excersise your body isn't used to why should it be unsual? try stretching before you start and taking vitamin D. excellent for bones and joints. also talk with your doc.