Tai Chi & Parkinsons
with Three Treasures Practical Therapies

We have known for a long time that there are many benefits to the practice of Tai Chi.

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Often when we think of Tai Chi, we picture older people moving slowly in the park. We think of gentle relaxing exercise, movements that could aid in balance and perhaps help increase strength and we hear phrases like ‘Moving Meditation’. But Tai Chi goes much further than this! 

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For a start, although Tai Chi is often practiced in a gentle way, there is a lot happening while we’re moving. After a while you learn to settle the mind into the center of the body, to a point located just up from the perineum. We learn how to open the lumber spine and send that expansion through the pelvis and hips and down into the feet and also upwards through the spine to the crown of the head and into the hands via the scapular and armpits. When we do this, we create a root into the ground and lower our center of balance that in turn enables us to remain more grounded and confident on our feet. This in turn makes it easier the stand and move with confidence and strength. It also enables us to properly feel and control our bodies. 

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Tai Chi can easily be tailored to everyone's abilities. If you are not so strong, then the movements can be practiced in a smaller more confined way, if you’re stronger, then we can open the frame and make the movements more dynamic. At later stages we can even use staffs and swords to aid in the training. This helps greatly with mind/body co-ordination, strength and flexibility. After class people often say that it really feels like a proper workout. This is I think because we are using the whole body in integrated way. The mind and the breath are an equal part of this integration. 

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Just as an athlete experiences and deep level of focus or a ‘Flow State’ when they are hitting a ball or jumping a hurdle, we are doing the same when we practice. When we train, we aim to be continually aware of our body, breath and our mind, so that the three become more harmonized. We aim to be present, focused and mindful. 

 

Tai Chi has also been shown to help with joint pain and immobility disorders like Arthritis, back pain and weakness, muscle and tendon injuries and pain, problems with balance, co-ordination and stress. It has also been shown to improve muscles growth, tendon strength and bones density and help with blood pressure. 

With Parkinson’s Tai Chi has also been shown to have great effect.  

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Tai Chi class for people with Parkinson's and their carers every Tuesday 2pm @ The Weatherley Centre in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Contact me for more information.