Parkinson disease is a degenerative disease affecting the brain cells of a region called: Substance Nigra. The cells produce a neurotransmitter called dopamine.
A lack of dopamine can be dramatic for the proper functions of the human body, especially the muscular system.
Low levels of Dopamine create symptoms such as:
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Depression.
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Problems with motivation or concentration.
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Working memory issues, such as difficulty remembering the first part of a sentence a person just spoke.
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Restless leg syndrome.
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Shaking hands or other tremors.
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Changes in coordination.
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Low sex drive.
We know that exercise is beneficial for the human body. Most patients that we see at La Vie Acupuncture clinic have issues caused by sedentary lifestyle and only once in while we see someone that has an injury caused by over exercising.
As people get older, they forget that exercise and joint mobility is important to maintain the proper functions of the joints.
Recently, it was found that sitting for too long caused the same issue as smoking. The human body needs to be moving for at least 1 hour a day to preserve its integrity.
Please, remember that moderation is the key to maintain a healthy body.
Exercise can help to reduce:
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Depression
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Problems with motivation or concentration
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Low sex drive
Research have shown that exercise increases the production of neuron factor that helps with the regeneration of new nerve cells and the production of Dopamine. High intensity sports could help at an early stage of the disease to slow down the progression of the disease.
Many small studies have shown the benefits of long-term exercises to improve balance, gait velocity, improve grip and confidence.
(Long-term group exercise for people with Parkinson's disease: a feasibility study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21934373/)
Based on our personal research and observation, we are concurring with those results about the benefits of exercising for PD patients and for other patients.
Aikido is a martial art that can help strengthen and improve balance, motility, and quality of life.
Our class involve the use of a stick (Jo in Japanese) which is about 5LBS, and we are focusing on balance, weight-bearing exercises, grip, stretches, and cognitive exercises for the brain.
We are only offering private classes because each patient is experiencing different symptoms so Dr. Hillairet, DAOM has to create a personal exercise protocol for everyone.
Connect with us to improve your health and let's combat Parkinson's disease together.
During a private class, we might also include other modalities to improve breathing, and calm the mind. Qi gong is a therapy that we often incorporate during the class.
What is QiGong?
Translated into plain English, Qi means universal energy, and Gong means cultivation or mastery.
Our Qigong's study is based on modern science, biomechanics and the anatomy of the human body. Muscles, Fascia, joints, bones and organs need to be used in order to function to their normal capacity.
As an example, when you are drinking water, you are thinking that you are hydrating yourself, well not really, because if you don't move the body and contract the muscles, all the water will be flushed out.
Our classes can help you to optimize your body to prevent and slow down Parkinson's disease.
Our Qigong is not based on any religious principles and it is up to the student to incorporate their spirituality into their daily practice.
We can help Parkinson's patients that are experiencing: dyskinesia, tremors, joint and muscle stiffness. Exercise is known to promote dopamine production. Aikido will help to restore and activate the body's self-healing powers. It is important to note that we are working outside in Nature which is also extremely beneficial.