What is Parkinson´s ?
Parkinson´s Disease is the general term given to symptoms arising from the progressive degeneration of the nerve pathways. Symptoms are presented in the form of muscle weakness, trembling and shaking of the body and hardening of the muscles. Problem areas focus on balance and movement and the motor functions.
How does Tai Ji and Qi Gong help with Parkinson´s?
Tai Ji and Qi Gong can play a significant role in the various recommended treatments, aiming to maintain a high quality of life for the patient for as long as possible. Many of the difficulties which Parkinson sufferers have to cope with are not caused primarily by this nervous disease itself, but rather by the patient´s restricted movement and activity. A number of simple exercises have been shown to be highly effective in maintaining the patient´s quality of life as the disease progresses.
If the body performs less and less movement, the soft tissue parts undergo rapid change. The muscles shrivel and tire more quickly; the tendons and sinews become stiff and inflexible; the bones lose their calcium and become brittle.
Tai Ji and Qi Gong are most helpful in preventing these secondary side effects, such as weakness and stiffness in everyday mobility. The body is gradually strengthened by a combination of movement and relaxation, and the patient can monitor his own progress. The sinews and tendons become more elastic and the muscles are built up to more easily carry the body weight. Thus, the patient´s self-confidence also gradually returns and the depression which so often accompanies this disease is lifted.
Once sufficient strength and flexibility are built up, the patient can begin to practice exercises for the spinal column. The spinal column can be regarded as an axis, around which the body turns. With increased mobility of the spinal column, the body will function better in many ways. The internal organs will work more actively and blood circulation will improve. It is clear that daily practice of Tai Ji and Qi Gong can really improve your quality of life.