At 58, Rajiv struggled with tremors and rigidity. After becoming frustrated with modern medicine and treatments, he finally found solace in Ayurveda. With traditional Ayurvedic therapies and some lifestyle adjustments, his journey with Parkinson’s disease transformed. Let’s read more about Parkinson’s disease symptoms and various treatment methods.
Even though it is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders, affecting more than 10 million people worldwide, the treatment for Parkinson’s in modern medicine is often limited. However, in the Ayurvedic system, a complete cure for the ailment is considered possible, as the methods focus on breaking the degeneration of brain cells since regeneration is impossible.
Parkinson’s syndrome is a progressive movement disorder characterized by involuntary tremors, almost no muscle strength in severe conditions, and a tendency to bend the body forward, even when supported. It is difficult to interpret Parkinson’s causes; however, the Acharyas recorded its symptoms and treatments in Ayurvedic literature over 5000 years ago.
Understanding Parkinson’s Syndrome
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms. It may significantly affect the patient’s movement and other functions. This condition is a common type of Parkinsonism that generally causessimilar symptoms such as slow movement and tremors; in Ayurveda, it is known as Kampavata.
It is important to note that modern medicine has only recently acknowledged that the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s represent the onset of its progression. However, these symptoms, along with many more subtle physical and mental changes, were clearly documented in ancient Ayurvedic scriptures as the description of purvarupas, the preceding form of the disorder.
Symptoms and Early Warning Signs
Common Parkinson’s disease symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness, slowness of movement, involuntary shaking, and balance issues. However, there are also early signs of Parkinson’s disease to be aware of, such as loss of smell, small handwriting, or subtle tremors. Loss of smell is an early sign that can start years before other symptoms develop.
Plus, someone with Parkinson’s is more likely to experience insomnia due to certain symptoms like restless leg syndrome, hand tremors, and pain. Signs of Parkinson’s also includedepression, anxiety,movements less forceful than before, signs of an overactive bladder, problems with bowels, tiredness that doesn’t go away with rest, and mild muscle cramps.
The following are other key observed symptoms of Parkinson’s disease according to Ayurveda:
- Kampa (tremor)
- Stambha (rigidity)
- Vak Vikriti (speech disorder)
- Avanamana (flexion posture)
- Smritihani (memory loss)
- Kshinamati (dementia)
- Vivandha (constipation)
Causes and Risk Factors of Parkinson’s Progression
Although ancient Ayurvedic observations of the beginning of this condition go far deeper than the physical symptoms, the exact causes of Parkinson’s disease are not yet known. However, according to the medical community, it has both genetic and environmental causes, as well as an imbalance of dopamine in the brain.
The reasons for Parkinson’s disease and its motor symptoms are attributed to the loss of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. However, the presence of non-motor symptoms like sleep disturbances and cognitive changes, which precede motor symptoms, suggests neuronal loss in non-dopaminergic areas as well.
Ayurvedic and Modern Treatments for Parkinson’s
The Ayurvedic Approach to Parkinson’s disease is more sophisticated and nuanced than modern medicine and other medicinal systems. As many people know, Parkinson’s syndrome generally involves the loss of function and a decrease in the number of specialized cells in the substantia nigra compacta region of the brain, which produces the brain chemical dopamine.
According to conventional understanding, the condition is mediated by the imbalance of dopamine, and Vata dosha, and Ayurvedic treatment for Parkinson’s disease is prescribed based on this principle. However, less than 10% of Parkinson’s disease cases can be directly said to be linked to genetic mutations.
Treatment for Parkinson’s in Ayurveda primarily works on Vata imbalance which affects motor functions. While the primary cause is the vitiation of Vata dosha, Kapha dosha also contributes to the progression of Kampavata (Parkinson’s). Pitta vitiation is also noted as well, as it can cause inflammations by triggering the release of toxins from the affected neurons.
Ayurvedic Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease
As was true 5000 years ago, no specific text exists today to directly diagnose the vatavyadhi condition, Parkinson’s, so, the diagnosis is based on your medical history and early signs. These may include tremors at rest, rigidity with passive movement, slowness, dragging feet while walking, shaking of the arms or legs, postural instability, and postural hypotension.
Parkinson’s disease treatments in Ayurveda include Panchakarma, Shirodhara, Shirovasti, Abhyanga (oil massage), and Nasya (nasal therapies). Full-body oil massage, pouring oils through the forehead, and repeatedly applying warm medicated oil in the head are super effective treatments primarily used for patients suffering from Parkinson’s syndrome.
As Ayurvedic practitioners testify, as Parkinson’s progresses, the risk of Alzheimer’s increases. The symptoms may include severe shakiness of the entire body, including the head. Therefore, doctors prescribe herbal remedies that combine the benefits of Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Guggulu, which are believed to help halt the progression of brain cell degeneration.
Modern Medical Treatments for Parkinson’s
Major pathological findings in Parkinson’s disease suggest dopamine deficiency and related neurochemical abnormalities are the predominant causes. As the condition progresses, the involvement of non-dopaminergic brain regions results in non-motor symptoms and motor symptoms that may resist Parkinson’s medications.
The medications generally prescribed are dopamine agonists and Levodopa. Specifically, Levodopa combined with Carbidopa, is considered the gold standard for symptomatic treatment of Parkinson’s disease as it provides the greatest antiparkinsonian benefit for motor symptoms. Carbidopa, as a decarboxylase inhibitor, inhibits the decarboxylation of levodopa to dopamine.
However, once involuntary movements (dyskinesias) have started, they are difficult to resolve, even with regular medications. Dopamine agonists, such as pramipexole, can provide moderate symptomatic benefits and also delay the development of dyskinesia compared to Levodopa. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) can be considered for early-stage treatment.
These conventional medications are usually initiated when you experience functional impairment or social embarrassment due to your symptoms. Although there are currently no disease-modifying or neuroprotective therapies available, options like deep brain stimulation are emerging, offering high hopes for Parkinson’s treatment in modern medicine.
Lifestyle and Support for Managing Parkinson’s
How to manage Parkinson’s disease with the support of diet and lifestyle changes? Well, along with the right therapies, support from loved ones, and identifying ways to stay independent by managing the condition, one can live better with Parkinson’s. It’s just that you have to learn some simple strategies and exercises to improve your overall mobility.
Exercises and Yoga for Parkinson’s Recovery
Exercises for Parkinson’s include gentle stretches and yoga poses that can improve balance, strength, flexibility, and mobility, as well as reduce muscle stiffness. You can start with simple poses like mountain pose, child’s pose, standing forward bend, locust pose, tree pose, upward salute, and reclining bound angle.
Additionally, you can also practice aerobic activities like swimming or cycling. It is also recommended by some practitioners to engage in strength training such as weight machines, handheld weights, resistance bands, tai chi, or boxing. Patients who struggle to reduce anxiety, depression, or stress can practice breathing exercises that can improve their focus.
Dietary and Post-diagnosis Care Tips for a Parkinson’s Patient
Following a balanced diet can help improve general well-being and boost your ability to deal with the symptoms. Eating foods that boost brain health such as nuts, berries, whole grains, lean protein, vegetables, beans, and legumes is recommended. These foods will also help you stay hydrated and energized throughout the day.
It is best to add whole-grain breads and cereals into your diet for Parkinson’s. If you want to increase the medications’s effects, eat foods rich in protein after taking your medications. For example, if you take medicine in the morning save protein intake for later in the day. Simply having an oatmeal breakfast instead of high-protein eggs may work best for you.
During your treatment, you should drink plenty of fluids and practice certain exercises to prevent constipation. Also, avoid processed foods and excessive caffeine. Remember, Parkinson’s care starts with immediate family and friends, as emotional and social support helps patients improve symptoms quickly and deal with them more maturely.
The Importance of Emotional Support and a Proper Parkinson’s Care Team
Parkinson’s can rattle even the strongest relationships and test commitment in family or friends in many ways. As it changes the person in obvious ways, family support is much needed to tackle the disease and its symptoms. If possible, join caregiver or Parkinson’s disease support groups to carefully manage the frustration or anxiety early on.
Why Choose Ayurvedic Care in Kerala for Parkinson’s Disease?
Kerala’s Ayurvedic centers combine traditional therapies with modern diagnostics to treat Parknson’s and similar conditions. Ayurvedic treatment for Parkinson’s in Kerala provides personalized treatment plans and care, combining Panchakarma, Shirodhara, and Shirovasti therapies to completely cure Parkinson’s and even its most severe symptoms.
One such place you may find at Kollam is our Chaithanya Ayurveda Hospital, the best hospital for Parkinson’s disease, which follows the age-old tradition of Ayurveda treatment in Kerala for years now. So, why wait? Don’t let Parkinson’s define your life, take the first step towards authentic Ayurvedic treatment for Parkinson’s here at our hospital.