Tai Chi for Parkinson’s Disease
Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese wellness exercise that can provide many benefits for people with Parkinson’s. It draws from the fundamentals of Chinese medicine combing physical body (involving posture and movement), breathing and the mind.
It is a balance-based exercise and has been shown to improve strength, balance, gait, posture, physical function including walking ability and to prevent falls. As all of these problems can be common problems for people with Parkinson’s, Tai Chi can help to improve Parkinson’s motor symptoms.
Tai chi blends slow, gentle movements with deep breathing and relaxation, which can lower blood pressure, reduce arthritic pain and improve mental health and general quality of life. Some people with Parkinson’s have reported improved sleep as a result of taking up Tai Chi.