Tai Chi Included As Alternative Medicine for Parkinson's Disease

Tai chi is not just an ancient, graceful art hailing from China centuries ago. In addition to being described as “meditation in motion,” we have reported here on altMD that Tai chi also reduces tension headaches and can help prevent shingles in senior citizens.

New research now shows that Tai Chi may also work as a natural cure for symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s disease influences neurons in the area of the brain that affects muscle movement. Trembling and shaking, coordination and mobility difficulties, and muscle rigidity are common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

In the interest of seeking alternative medicine for Parkinson’s symptoms, University of Florida researchers studied two groups of patients conflicted with the disease. The group taking Tai chi classes for 12 weeks were showed improvement in motor functions and a decrease in the severity of other symptoms such as falling down.


A separate studied confirmed that Tai chi helps senior citizens control their balance.