"Keep Moving" - With Asian martial arts against Parkinson's

A contribution by Jürgen Zender

   
   

Translating Eastern philosophy and practices like Tai Chi into the Western context can be challenging, mainly due to cultural, historical, and philosophical differences. Here are some of the main problems:

  1. Language and translation: Chinese language and philosophy are deeply intertwined. Concepts that can be expressed in a few characters or words often require a comprehensive explanation in English or German to be fully understood. An example is the concept of "qi" in tai chi, which is often translated as "energy" when actually it has a much broader meaning, including life force, breath, and the fundamental substance that holds the universe together. 
  2. Different ways of thinking: Eastern philosophy tends to take a holistic, cyclical, and more contextual view, in contrast to Western philosophy, which is often more linear, causal, and individual. For example, Tai Chi sees the body and mind as an inseparable entity that is in constant interrelationship with its environment. In Western medicine, on the other hand, a dualistic approach is often taken, in which the body and mind are viewed as separate entities
  3. Philosophical concepts: Concepts such as yin and yang, balance and the idea of ​​harmony are central components of Tai Chi and Chinese philosophy. These concepts, while now well known in the West, often have no direct equivalents in Western thought and can be difficult to convey and understand.
  4. Practical use: Tai Chi is not only a physical exercise, but also a form of meditation and a philosophy of life. Integrating this practice into Western everyday life, where time is often seen as a scarce resource, can be challenging.
  5. Scientific approach: Western medicine and science often take an empirical approach based on measurable evidence. Traditional Eastern practices such as tai chi, although now supported by some scientific studies, are often based on centuries-old experiences and concepts that do not always easily fit within the framework of Western science.

Overcoming these challenges often requires careful adaptation and interpretation to preserve the essence and benefits of practices like tai chi in a Western context while making them accessible and understandable to Western practitioners.

Mirko Lorenz set himself this task and very successfully developed the exercise program "Keep Moving" based on Tai Chi especially for people suffering from Parkinson's disease. Chen TaiChi, also known as Taijiquan or shadow boxing, is a martial art that was developed in Imperial China. Originally developed for close combat, armed or unarmed, tai chi is now practiced by millions of people worldwide, often as a form of movement or gymnastics designed to improve health and mental clarity. The "Keep Moving" program developed by Lorenz is based on the fundamentals of Tai Chi. It combines exercise and mental focus to improve both physical and mental health. But while tai chi is a general health-promoting practice, keep moving was specifically designed to meet the unique needs and challenges of people with Parkinson's disease. Keep Moving customizes the movements and techniques of Tai Chi to each patient's needs, paying particular attention to issues such as balance, stability, coordination, and motor skills. And while tai chi is typically practiced in a community setting, keep moving is increasingly conquering clinical settings such as hospitals and rehabilitation centers. The benefits of this particular program are already recognized in the medical community. A 2012 study published in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated the effectiveness of tai chi in improving range of motion and balance in people with Parkinson's disease. Prof. Dr. medical Georg Ebersbach from the Beelitz-Heilstätten Parkinson Center emphasized the positive effect of the program. “The intensive body work means that movements are carried out more consciously and with more security and precision. In addition to the effects on mobility and balance, tai chi can also have a positive impact on mood and brain function,” he said. As a result, Keep Moving is now an integral part of the overall therapeutic approach in numerous clinics, including the Beelitz-Heilstätten Parkinson Center. The Keep Moving program is a shining example of how traditional practices can be applied in new contexts to promote well-being improve people's health and help them overcome their health challenges. With its combination of physical movement, mental focus and individual adjustment, Keep Moving shows a promising way to support Parkinson's patients.

  • Summary:  
  • Translating Eastern philosophy and practices like Tai Chi to the West is a challenge due to cultural differences.
  • Problems include language, different ways of thinking, philosophical concepts, practical application and scientific approach.
  • The "Keep Moving" program is based on Tai Chi and was specially developed for Parkinson's patients.
  • It tailors movements to each patient's needs, focusing on balance, stability, coordination, and motor skills.
  • Studies have shown that tai chi can improve mobility and balance in people with Parkinson's disease.
  • The program is used in clinical settings and is part of the overall therapeutic concept in many clinics.
  • The Keep Moving program shows how traditional practices can be applied in new contexts to support Parkinson's patients and improve their well-being.
  • Dates 2023
     
    23th-27th July 
    MOVE4HEALTH 
    Drübeck Monastery – FULLY BOOKED 
     
    July 31-July 4 August 
    RELAXATION-TAICHI-WELLBEING
    Drübeck Monastery – 4 places 
     
    14 September
    YOUR STARTER PACKAGE TAI CHI -online-
    10 appointments subsidized by health insurance 
     
    7 October KEEP MOVING DAY 
    Berlin
     
    21-22 October 
    BOXING AGAINST PARKINSON
    2-DAY WORKSHOP 

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