"Taiji and Qigong: Ancient Wisdom for Living Well with Parkinson’s"
Dr. Yang Yang's Presentation to the NYC Jewish Community Center

Reported by Ken Knapp

The potential benefits of Taiji and Qigong practice for those with Parkinson’s disease were recently presented by Dr. Yang Yang at the Jewish Community Center in New York City. In his presentation, "Taiji and Qigong: Ancient Wisdom for Living Well with Parkinson’s," Dr. Yang reviewed the three "pillars" of traditional Taiji practice—Qigong (or meditation); choreographed form movements; and the two-person balance, strength and reaction training of push-hands. In addition, Dr. Yang reviewed the findings and limitations of existing research on the potential benefits for Parkinson’s disease.

The approximately 100 participants were also treated to hands-on Taiji training. This gave participants with different stages of Parkinson’s disease (PD) a chance to experience how Taiji and Qigong could be modified according to their individual physical capabilities.

A degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, Parkinson's often impairs one’s motor skills, speech and other functions. Non-motor symptoms such as cognitive and neurobehavioral problems, autonomic dysfunction, and sensory and sleep difficulties are not uncommon among those with PD. Dr. Yang discussed how the mind-body connectedness fostered by Taiji and Qigong practice could help alleviate such symptoms. Besides the physical benefits such as core strengthening, improved balance and reaction time, Dr. Yang said that the Taiji and Qigong fundamental principles of "tranquility, relaxation, positive outlook, harmony, nurturing and power can benefit all practitioners of the art, including those with PD." Dr. Yang noted in his presentation that additional research is important so that the benefits of Taiji and Qigong can be better understood.

Dr. Yang’s presentation was supported by the Jewish Community Center in partnership with New York University’s Parkinson and Movement Disorders Center. The NYU/JCC partnerhip, called the "Parkinson Wellness Program," has organized a periodic Parkinson Wellness Sunday Series that helps inspire participants with new ideas for living well with Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Yang’s presentation was part of the December 6, 2009 session.