There is a new class being hosted at Stanford — Tai Chi and Qi Gong. The class will be held MWF 4-5pm. Class size is limited to 10 people with a preference given to those with PD. If there is space, family members or friends can participate.

The location is the Stanford Neuroscience Hoover Pavilion at 211 Quarry Road. I believe this is officially Palo Alto, not Stanford. To my knowledge, parking is free as of 4pm. Of course, if you park at 3:50pm and don’t pay a fee, there is some risk of a ticket, albeit low.

The instructor for the class is known as the “tai chi sage.” (Website taichisage.com) The objectives are to:
* develop depth of balance
* improve coordination
* increase range of motion
* regenerate wasted tissue
* learn to relax into load, calm, and clarity

As you may know, tai chi is one of the few exercise types that has been scientifically studied in those with Parkinson’s Disease. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine concludes: “Tai chi training appears to reduce balance impairments in patients with mild-to-moderate Parkinson’s disease, with additional benefits of improved functional capacity and reduced falls.” (www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1107911)

The class starts on Wednesday, October 1st. The first three classes are free to give people an opportunity to see if the class works for them. So, 10/1, 10/3, and 10/6 are all free.

Thereafter, there is a suggested donation of $20 per class. The instructor will collect the fee at each class.

Note that the ability to stand is a plus, but is not required.

Participants should RSVP — even to the first free class(es) — since the class size is limited. RSVP in advance to: Joe Deisher, the “tai chi sage,” instructor, 650-494-7345, or Leanel, Stanford, 650-724-2541,LLiwanag@stanfordhealthcare.org.

If you have any questions about the class, please contact Joe or Leanel.