Parkinson’s disease patients who want to enhance their vitality, balance and coordination may benefit from an upcoming presentation at St. Rose Ambulatory & Surgery Center.
The Parkinson’s Support Group meeting is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28 in the St. Dominic Room. Janet Allan of Great Bend will explain and demonstrate the practice of Qigong.
“Qigong helps people balance and harmonize their vital energy,” Allan said. “It entails self-discipline, focus and movement through breathing. Qigong concentrates on the mind-body connection to help with healing through relaxation, breathing and movement. Anyone can do this.”
Parkinson’s is a disorder that affects nerve cells in the part of the brain controlling muscle movement. Patients experience trembling, muscle rigidity, difficulty walking and problems with balance and coordination, Allan explained.
“Qigong can help calm brain activity to reduce motor and non-motor symptoms. And it can be modified for all situations,” said Allan, who has practiced Qigong for 19 years.
Caregivers also may benefit from her presentation and learn how Qigong can help ward off stagnation, with a return to a state of harmony and balance.
“Those caring for Parkinson’s patients often suffer from a poor diet, sedentary lifestyles, toxic influences and suppression of emotions,” Allan commented. “Caregivers will be empowered to help in subtle ways to change things for the better.”
Overall benefits include: inner strength; more flexibility; a boost to the immune system; more energy; and less tension, depression, anger, fatigue, confusion and anxiety.
“Those who practice Qigong regularly feel more vigorous and their moods are more stabilized,” Allan added.
Her presentation will include handouts and a hands-on approach to learning Qigong techniques.
Allan is a registered nurse with many certifications in alternative medicine; she has been in practice for more than 35 years. She is a level IV Qigong practitioner through Spring Forest Qigong in Minneapolis, Minn. She is also trained in Tai Chi and has competed nationally and internationally.
In addition, Allan teaches classes in Qigong, Tai Chi and Yoga at Club 1 Fitness in Great Bend.
St. Rose is part of Centura Health, which connects individuals and families across western Kansas and Colorado with more than 6,000 physicians, 15 hospitals, seven senior-living communities, physician practices and clinics, and home-care and hospice services.