Tai Chi Helps Those with Parkinson's Disease

By Maxine Nelson, 9th Feb 2012 | Follow this author | RSS Feed | Short URL http://nut.bz/px5or6ad/
Posted in Wikinut>Health>General Health>Diseases & Infections

According to the New England Journal of Medicine, research had been conducted on Parkinson's patients with doing tai chi. This ancient Chinese form of exercise goes from one motion to the next. Health benefits include improved stability and strength.

Tai Chi Isn't for New Agers
Mayo Clinic on Tai Chi
Studies Show
SOURCES:

Tai Chi Isn't for New Agers

Tai Chi show in Hong Kong

COMMENTARY | Now the ancient Chinese art of tai chi (TIE-chee) isn't for martial arts and meditation anymore, it is helping those afflicted with Parkinson's, reports HealthDay News. The New England Journal of Medicine published this new research in their February 9 issue on Wednesday. If you are looking for an exercise program that reduces stress, improves health and is easy to master, then tai chi is the answer. This "meditation in motion" features a series of mild exercises with stretching that flows from one move to the next while in one place. I absolutely love doing tai chi, because it reminds me of doing stationary dance-like stretches using your arms. Some of these exercises I would never be able to accomplish otherwise, such as bending my upper body to my knees.

Mayo Clinic on Tai Chi

Mayo Clinic

According to the Mayo Clinic, tai chi helps with other health conditions. It has been found in recent studies one of the benefits is improved balance, flexibility and muscle strength. With Parkinson's disease this kind of physical activity has been known to help slow down deterioration of motor function. When I was in Taiwan some years ago I saw a number of people of all ages, mostly elderly, doing early morning tai chi on the grounds of a temple. It was amazing to see everyone in unison with their swaying motions. No one was falling behind or dropping out, because of the strain of physical exertion. There was calmness with each participant.

Studies Show

Tai Chi group

ABC News states, a study was led by the Oregon Research Institute where one group of those with Parkinson's practiced tai chi and the other with various forms of exercise. The one practicing tai chi came out significantly better six months later. No matter what your age or physical ability, tai chi is beneficial for those seeking an alternative to medication. It helps with chronic pain, anxiety, depression and lack of sleep. Michael J. Fox, who suffers from Parkinson's, was on hand recently at the lighting of the Empire State Building in orange and white for Parkinson's Awareness Month. Hopefully tai chi will be clinically validated soon to help in this disease.