Mindfulness is a simple form of meditation, it’s a way of being in the present moment and learning to be confident in how to approach it. It teaches us to slow down and notice what’s happening right now,
it can be a way of being brave and facing yourself. Studies have shown that people who regularly practice mindfulness deal better with stress,have a better memory, are more focused, less likely to react strongly
to emotional situations and are generally happier in relationships than non-meditators.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: CBT can improve quality of life in PD by modifying maladaptive cognitive, emotional and behavioral reactions to the disease and its symptoms. Interventions that are used relate to improved adaptation to motor impairments and better ability to cope with the disease.
Nutrition
Nutritional issues faced by people with PD are complex and diverse. Our programs can assist with maintaining bone strength and bowel health, or simply just help with eating a balanced diet. The medications used for Parkinson’s can themselves cause nutrition-related side effects, such as nausea and poor appetite. Our staff can assist with balancing medications with food intake and with adjusting nutritional priorities with the stage of the disease. In early Parkinson’s the emphasis is on eating a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight, the emphasis will change as the disease progresses
Tai chi / QiGong
Every Monday 10.30am - 11.30am
$5 per class
Call us to register on 1300 309 599
The objective of Tai Chi and Qigong is to be able to direct the internal energy within your body to where ever you choose.
How can this help??
This gentle form of exercise can help maintain strength, flexibility and balance. A growing body of carefully conducted research is building a compelling case for Tai Chi and QiGong as an adjunct to standard medical treatment for the prevention and rehabilitation of many conditions.
Reflexology
The therapeutic benefits associated with reflexology include pain management, muscle cramping, fluid management, boosting circulation, reducing depression, stimulating nerve function and increasing energy.
Laughter Yoga
Every Friday 10.30am - 11.30am
$5 per class
Call us to register on 1300 309 599
How can a therapeutic approach to laughter, such as laughter yoga, help people living with Parkinson’s?
Laughter stimulates all parts of the brain, reduces stress, anxiety levels and provides pain relief.
Laughter releases a cocktail of happy hormones, including dopamine, endorphins and serotonin. Laughter yoga can respectfully help people to learn the valuable skill of being able to laugh at themselves and the things that upset them but that they can’t control.
Laughter makes people feel good, even if they are unable to show it.
Finally, laughter yoga is a gentle aerobic exercise program that can be done in chairs. It strengthens the diaphragm and abdominal muscles, increases blood and lymph circulation and effectively works the heart and lungs.
Parkin - Song
Every Tuesday 9.30am - 10.30am
$5 per class
Call us to register on 1300 309 599
Group singing can help support people who are facing a range of challenges arising from Parkinson’s. Engaging in creative activities are known to stimulate positive hormones that can all help to counter some of the challenges arising from living with Parkinson’s.
The mechanical processes of singing can help to support physical function. These include muscular exercises to promote facial, throat and chest muscle mobility and vocal clarity, strength and production;
deep-breathing to encourage improved lung capacity; and postural exercises, encouraging improved stability on standing and regulating walking pace. Singing activities may generally help to counter the consequences of diminishing mobility so commonly experienced. When shared as a communal activity in singing groups, physical actions can engender a sense of belonging and bonding.
Dancing and Parkinson’s
Dancing for Parkinsons improves stability and short-term mobility, it can ease rigidity, improved mobility and facial expression and have positive effects on social life and overall health and wellbeing. Another plus of the dancing program is that the playful classes will lift your mood and could even help prevent the higher incidence of apathy.