Re: Re Ken Clements comments on T'ai Chi

[Monte Wetzler <mwetzler@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

I've only relatively recently been diagnosed with PD.  In the course of
trying to learn something about this disease, i came across references to
qigong and have been practising for about a month.  I havae already found it
quite helpful and am wondering if anyone else has experience with qigong in
this reqard.
-----Original Message-----
From: Charles Countryman <kap@xxxxxxx>
To: Multiple recipients of list PARKINSN <PARKINSN@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wednesday, December 17, 1997 4:02 AM
Subject: Re Ken Clements comments on T'ai Chi


>Ken:
>
>I have found T'ai Chi very helpful.  I began with T'ai Chi when I first
>started having problems with PD (about 6 years ago, but I didn't know I had
>PD then).
>When I don't practice for a few days, I really notice the difference in
>increased body stiffness, leg cramping, and lower energy level.  I have
>found a direct relationship between increased energy and T'ai Chi practice.
>
>Right now I'm alternating on an almost daily basis a  (1) saber form
>repeated 2-3 times preceded by a "short form" of 54 movements with (2) the
>traditional Yang 108 movement form.  Both practices 1 & 2 take about 30
>minutes.  Because of PD, my speed is a little different than others.  The
>saber form is a faster form than the free hand form, but I tend to do it
>slower.  When I'm doing the free hand form (which is done slowly), I tend
>to speed things up too much if I've taken all my medications before
>starting my practice.
>
>I usually wake up without an alarm after about 4 1/2 - 5 hours of sleep,
>because my body hurts and I'm very stiff.  I stumble to the kitchen, take
>my Sinemet CR & Eldepryl with Orange juice, and then say my morning prayers
>while sitting in a rocking chair while my body loosens up.  Lately I've
>been trying Father Keating's method of Centering Prayer.  It seems to
>relate well to my T'ai Chi Practice.  After about 30 minutes, I begin the
>slo    wpracticeofT'aiChi.
>
>I delay taking my first dose of Parlodel & Amantadine until after T'ai Chi,
>when I eat a light breakfast.  They help me get to work and during the day.
>But I have found that if I take all my medications before doing T'ai Chi,
>it tends to make me feel aggressive rather than energized in a positive
>way.
>
>I recommend doing T'ai Chi in the morning.  Because it increases my energy
>level, it makes my sleeping problems more difficult if I do it in the
>evening.  I meet with a local T'ai Chi group once or twice a week.  Tonight
>I practiced with them from about 7:30 to 9:00 PM.  Which is probably why
>I'm still up wide awake on the internet after midnight.  I enjoy the
>company of the group and their encouragement.  But the best time for me to
>do T'ai Chi is about 6:00 AM facing the sunrise through the large window in
>my living room.  I then feel better and am more productive during the day.
>
>
>Learning T'ai Chi type exercises from a tape is probably ok.  But I don't
>think that you can actually learn the traditional forms without a qualified
>instructor.  Learning with a supportive group is best.  For people with
>more advanced PD, I'd recommend about 10-15 minutes of basic T'ai Chi
>exercises 2-3 times a day rather than attempting to do a traditional form.
>
>I've become a firm believer in the reality of Chi energy.  I think that the
>fact that I began T'ai Chi when I first began having PD problems has
>delayed its progress in me.  I think that it's unfortunate that most
>Western medical practitioners don't know anything about it.  My current
>family doc encourages bringing Eastern & Western medical practice together.
>My neurologist encourages exercise, but he uses a chemical approach to PD.
>I think that T'ai Chi, especially early on with PD, is well worth the
>time & effort.  Just don't
>expect immediate results.  PWP need medications.  But those medications
>will probably work better if combined with T'ai Chi (since it is both an
>internal & external exercise).
>
>Charley Countryman 46/6 (4 years with medication)
>
>