Parkinson's and Tai Chi

My Mom has been going to Tai Chi classes for the past 3 years or so. I have yet to read any truly definitive studies on whether tai chi helps Parkinson's patients or not, but I don't see how it could hurt. Since one of the goals in Tai Chi is to improve balance I see this exercise as a great way to help her (and others) maintain their balance as long as possible.

I know that my Mom's neurologist, a Parkinson's specialist at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, believes the Tai Chi is helpful even if it is not proven.

Because of my Mom's experiences I have read lots of articles and blogs on the Internet about PD and how Tai Chi may help. One of the sites that I found most interesting is http://www.worldtaichiday.org/. The site is about Tai Chi and Qigong meditation in general, but this particular page is about Tai Chi and Parkinson's in particular. http://www.worldtaichiday.org/LIBRARYArticles/LIBRARYTaiChiPARKINSONS.html.

I recommend taking a look at this article. It has a lot of interesting information and links to other sites.

Read on and stay balanced!