Tai Chi & Qigong for Parkinson's

[Anna York]

Heaven & Earth is a great movement for Parkinson's, alternately stretching out each side of the body.

Marcella had early onset of Parkinson’s at age 42. She came to a presentation I was giving on my recovery from MS, and she immediately locked into the possibilities of improvement for her Parkinson’s. She followed up by attending the same Tai Chi and Qigong classes I was attending at least twice a week, in addition to other strength training and therapy. Tai Chi and Qigong not only dramatically improved her flexibility and mobility, but they also gave her a boost emotionally and psychologically as she realized she could control and even improve her symptoms. Improved balance greatly reduced the likelihood of falls. Learning an art with smooth, continuous movements gave her a feeling of joy and hope. Marcella became a “star” in presentations I gave to Parkinson’s symposia in the Chicago area, impressing participants with her ability to balance on one leg. Five years later, Tai Chi and Qigong are still an essential part of her recovery and wellness program.

Overall benefits of Tai Chi & Qigong

There is a large body of research that has been done in China on the health effects of the Tai Chi and Qigong forms that constitute New Creation Qigong. Western scientific research is also proliferating that reveals a great variety of beneficial physiological, social and psychological benefits. Some of these are summarized below:

• Stress relief
• Induces relaxation response
• Lowers stress hormones 
• Improves posture
• Improves respiration and circulation
• Enhances micro-circulation
• Increases balance and coordination
• Increases flexibility, range of motion
• Oxygenates the body
• Improves flow of energy through straight spine
• Improves digestion
• Lowers blood pressure
• Enhances immune system function
• Balances brain hemisphere dominance with the practical effect of increasing balance of activity on each side of body.
• Raises awareness of the body and the way it functions
• Improves awareness of body position (proprioception)

Those with Parkinson’s can benefit in the ways described above.

Specific Benefits for Parkinson’s

Those who have done research on Parkinson’s have recognized the beneficial effects of Tai Chi Tao and Qigong. A review in the Journal of Sport Science and Medicine has found the following benefits for Parkinson’s:

• Posture
• Balance
• Coordination
• Flexibility
• Range of motion
• Fall reduction
• Gait
• Mobility
• Ankle righting

These benefits accrue because Tai Chi Tao and Qigong work the whole body. Special attention is paid to postural work, accurate alignment of the body and joint placement, smooth weight transfer, and smooth coordination of neck, trunk, and upper and lower limbs. The unique “extension” in Qigong stretches helps keep the body flexible and mobile and helps counteract the tendency to stoop that often results in stumbling and falls. An example of “extension” is the “heaven and earth” movement shown in the photo at the top of the page.

Tai Chi and Qigong are a beneficial part of an overall recovery and wellness program for those with Parkinson’s.

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Tai Chi-Qigong for All Abilities