Tai Chi & Parkinson's

Photo by Mark Hang Fung So on Unsplash

According to recent studies, Tai Chi may help reduce and slow the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s disease affects the brain which makes it difficult to balance. Additionally, it makes it difficult for the body to coordinate and in the movement of the body. This disease affects the central nervous system, and it is chronic. It is a degenerative disorder which might be caused by exposure to pesticides, head injuries, or head trauma.

The symptoms of Parkinson’s are moving slowly, feeling stiff, and trembling. One hand might tremble more than the other hand at the beginning of Parkinson’s. The facial expressions might change, and words might get slurred. Sometimes Parkinson’s is confused with Alzheimer’s because of some of the symptoms. However, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s are both neurodegenerative diseases.

Yet, recent studies suggest that Tai Chi is beneficial for slowing the progress of Parkinson’s. Tai Chi uses slow movements with deep breathing. It reduces back pain and improves your sleep. As well as improving your balance, flexibility, and relaxing stiff muscles. Before beginning Tai Chi consult with your primary doctor.

Do warm up exercises such as twisting your torso, rotating your knee, rotating your hip, and raising your arms up and down. Tai Chi incorporates meditation, movement, and deep breathing all at the same time which makes it a good exercise to practice relaxation. Each posture that is used in Tai Chi helps the entire body and mind to relax. Keep in mind that Tai Chi is done with a straight back when the exercises are done standing up. However, Tai Chi can also be done with a chair and there are some exercises where you can sit on the floor.

If you feel comfortable sitting on the floor on a chair, continue focusing on your breathing. Tai Chi can improve your posture and can reduce anxiety. It might help prevent falls. Focus on your breathing and on meditating. Do not pause with each posture because Tai Chi postures are continuous in a sequence. 

Tai Chi can make you feel energetic and calm at the same time. Anyone can do Tai Chi if you wear comfortable clothes and a good pair of fitted shoes. Tai Chi can help with balancing especially if you have Parkinson’s disease. Every year in April is Parkinson’s Awareness month and the color silver or gray is used to symbolize Parkinson’s Awareness.

Also red tulips have been used to bring awareness of Parkinson’s disease since the 1980’s. Yet, you can bring awareness of Parkinson’s disease by wearing a gray or a silver ribbon. As well as donating to the Parkinson’s foundation. Nonetheless, Tai chi is a promising method according to the recent studies for slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Here are websites with more information about Tai Chi and Parkinson’s disease. 

Tai Chi May Slow Parkinson's Symptoms for Years, Study Finds-BBC News:

Tai chi may slow Parkinson's symptoms for years, study finds - BBC News

Parkinson's-Tai Chi May Slow Progression, Help Reduce Medication-Medical News Today:

Parkinson's: Tai chi may slow progression, help reduce medication (medicalnewstoday.com)

* Courtesy Unsplah Photo by Mark Hang Fung So on Unsplash