Parkinson's Disease & the Art of Moving (Paperback)

by John Argue (Author) "When I began to be troubled by a tremor in my hand in the summer of 1983, I thought it might be stress, since I..." (more)
Key Phrases: power stance, heel forward, toe forward, Zero Position, Child's Pose, Tai Chi (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Faced with an incurable and often debilitating illness, Parkinson's patients must relearn how to sit up in a chair, speak clearly, keep their balance while walking, and stand from a sitting position. Over 100 photographs illustrate exercises derived from yoga and t'ai chi techniques; and theater movement skills show readers how to cope as gracefully as possible with the loss of coordination that Parkinson's patients experience.

From the Publisher
Neurologists universally recommend making exercise a part of the daily regimen of every Parkinson's patient. This is the only book that tells people with the disease and their caregivers how to follow that advice. Movement teacher John Argue has distilled the information from his classes for Parkinson's patients into a comprehensive exercise program designed to help readers improve flexibility, balance, gait, and communication. Over 100 photographs clearly illustrate the exercises, which derive from Yoga and Tai Chi techniques and theater movement skills, and encompass a variety of daily activities.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications; 1 edition (February 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572241837
• ISBN-13: 978-1572241831
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #195,857 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Moving and motivational, May 21, 2001

By A Customer

My mother-in-law was diagnosed recently with Parkinson's. I immediately came to Amazon to print out some book info for her. I confess this was not my first choice, but boy was I wrong. She chose this, and when it arrived I sat down for a quick read before I forwarded it to her. John Argue's book developed out of years of work in the theatre as well as with people who have Parkinson's. He has set out the exercise program he devised in a clear progression, with easy-to-follow descriptions in words and illustrations. Argue does not take an authoritarian tone but reminds us gently of sensible points about exercise for body and mind together; he is inspiring, and -perhaps best of all- wryly amusing too. I wish we could clone John Argue and bring him to Australia. My m-i-l went straight to the index and found an exercise that helped her with her swallowing, and is now working her way through from the beginning. Not all of the exercises are imperative for her at this stage, but she knows she can use them to help her move through the rest of her life with grace and humour. Thanks to John Argue.

60 of 62 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy Exercises for the Parkinsonian, April 6, 2000

By	thomas piotrowski - See all my reviews

This book is a valuable tool for every P.D. patient. The doctors never tell us what specific exercises to do to prevent the progress of our disease. This books clearly illustrates with photographs how to do exercises for every need. The directions are clear and precise. What is most appealing is the underlying philosophy of graceful, mindful, and complete. Every exercise is a meditation of sorts that requires the patient to focus. Argue, the author, presents a program that offers hope of preventing progression of sysmptoms, but more importantly, he also offers hope for those already afflicted. It is possible to reverse or alleviate some symtoms to a degree. The book gives the patient some control and also offers an opportunity to fight back. Don't just read it. Do it.

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book and Worthwhile read, May 25, 2001

By	Elise Miller "bubblegumbooks" (Poughkeepsie, NY United States) - See all my reviews

After reading previous reviews I confidently shipped this book directly to my dad. He was three-quarters through the book in less than 24 hours, usually books just sit unread indefinitely on his desk. He said this was the first book out of many that clearly explained the symptoms, the disease and a positive approach. It is a beautiful book and a worthwile read. Thank you Amazon for packaging/shipping the book beautifully and promptly.