Parkinson's Disease Treatment in Ayurveda
The Parkinson’s disease (PD), or simply Parkinson’s, is a long-term degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that mainly affects the motor system. As the disease worsens, non-motor symptoms become more common. The symptoms usually emerge slowly. Sanjeevanam Ayurveda hospital is one of the best ayurveda centres providing authentic ayurvedic treatment for Parkinson disease in Kerala .
What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
Early in the disease, the most obvious symptoms are shaking, rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty with walking. Thinking and behavioral problems may also occur. Dementia becomes common in the advanced stages of the disease. Depression and anxiety are also common, occurring in more than a third of people with PD. Other symptoms include sensory, sleep and emotional problems. The main motor symptoms are collectively called “Parkinsonism” or “Parkinsonian syndrome”. The movement difficulties found in PD are called Parkinsonism, which is defined as bradykinesia (slowness in initiating voluntary movements, with progressive reduction in speed and range of repetitive actions such as voluntary finger-tapping in combination with one of three other physical signs: muscular (lead-pipe or cogwheel) rigidity, tremor at rest, and postural instability. A number of different disorders can have Parkinsonism type movement issues.
Stages of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive brain disorder that primarily leads to uncontrolled, unintended movements and difficulty in balance and coordination. It can lead to anxiety, depression and dementia, with increasing inability to complete daily living tasks independently. The disease worsens gradually over time and can be divided into 5 stages, based on symptoms:
Symptoms are very mild and may include tremors, stiffness or slower movements and are usually limited to one side of the body.
The same above symptoms persist, but are more prominent and affect both sides of the body, with balance being affected.
Symptoms are more severe and noticeable. Daily activities become challenging and there is impaired balance with greater chances of falling.
Movement speeds decrease substantially and living assistance may be required.
Patient is usually bed-ridden at this stage and experiences hallucinations, delusions and cognitive decline.
What are the causes of Parkinson’s disease?
The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but is believed to involve both genetic and environmental factors. Those with a family member affected are more likely to get the disease themselves. Four motor symptoms are considered cardinal in PD: tremor, slowness of movement (bradykinesia), rigidity, and postural instability. Other recognized motor signs and symptoms include gait and posture disturbances such as festination (rapid shuffling steps and a forward-flexed posture when walking with no flexed arm swing), freezing of gait (brief arrests when the feet seem to get stuck to the floor, especially on turning or changing direction), a slurred monotonous quiet voice, mask-like facial expression, and handwriting that gets smaller and smaller are other common signs.
Ayurvedic treatment for Parkinson’s disease
Ayurveda the ancient science of life deals with physical, mental and spiritual wealth of mankind. It aims to preserve the health of healthy persons and cure the diseases of the patient.
Signs and symptoms mentioned in ayurveda includes:
- 01 Kampa
- 02 Sthambha
- 03 Chestasanga
- 04 Vak Vikriti
- 05 Avanamana
- 06 Kshinamati
- 07 Vibandam
Kampa (tremor) is found in many parts of body like Shirakampa (tremor in head), Hasta kampa (tremor in hands), Pada kampa (tremor in legs). Management: Kampavata is included in eighty type of vatavyadhi. There is no separate description of treatment for Kampavata is available in samhitas. That is why general ayurvedic treatment of vatavyadhi is considered for Kampavata also. The exposition of the line of treatment of the diseases due to the provocation of Vata has been given in all the major Ayurvedic texts.
The common ayurveda treatments for Parkinson are :
- 01 Snehanam
- 02 Swedanam
- 03 Virechanam
- 04 Nasyam
- 05 Vasti Chikitsa
Vasti is said to be the best treatment for vitiated Vayu, which is the chief cause of Kampavata. When Vayu is controlled by the action of Vasti all the other disturbed body elements fall into rhythm and equilibrium. Vasti strengthens the joints and soft tissues, rejuvenates health, aids fast healing and prevents recurrence.
Vasti is of two types:
- 01 Asthapana Vasti (Kashaya Vasti): Herbal decoctions or milk(ksheera Vasti) processed with decoctions is given as enemas in this type of Vasti. Some of the best Asthapana Vastis in Parkinson’s disease are Erandamuladi Kashaya Vasti, Dashamula Kashaya Vasti, Dashamula Ksheera Vasti, Mustadi Yapana Vasti etc.
- 02 Sneha / Anuvasana Vasti: Medicated oils or ghees are used for enemas.
With the above mentioned treatments, many oral medications are also employed for better results. Together with Ayurveda, Yoga and Physiotherapy, Sanjeevanam provides the best ayurvedic treatment for Parkinson disease in Kerala.
Ayurvedic Diet for Parkinson's Disease
Ayurveda emphasizes on a holistic approach towards Parkinson’s disease treatment. While there is no cure for it in ayurveda, it can however be managed successfully with ayurvedic medicines and a plant-based diet composed of whole grains, vegetables, fruits and nuts. Its better to avoid refined and processed foods, as well as dairy and meat.
With changes in lifestyles and nutrition and inclusion of more of wholesome, warm cooked foods, the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be better managed. Including more of anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric, ginger and cumin and practicing mindful eating and staying hydrated can lead towards better control of Parkinson’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Ayurvedic treatment for Parkinson disease?
Parkinson’s is known as ‘Kampavata’ in ayurveda and can be effectively treated using various ayurvedic formulations. A combination of Ashwagandha and Mucuna Pruriens when taken in combination with milk for a few weeks, can have a positive effect on patients with Parkinson’s disease. Brahmi and Jatamansi can also be added to the treatment regimen to control the secondary symptoms of depression.
Is Ashwagandha used for Parkinson disease treatment?
Ayurveda offers definitive treatment of Parkinson’s disease and helps in slowing down deterioration of symptoms too. Ashwagandha is known to successfully reverse some types of nerve cell damage as well. This herb has been used for centuries in ayurveda and is useful in the treatment of tremors. It also has a soothing effect and can successfully suppress stress-induced dopamine receptors.
What are the chances of getting Parkinson's disease if a parent has it?
There are some school of thoughts that believe children of parents with Parkinson’s, have a 50% chance of developing it. However, only about 5% of cases are due to inherited gene abnormalities and its very rare to see Parkinson’s disease running in families. Majority of Parkinson’s disease cases are of ‘idiopathic’ origin, with no known causes for their development.
Can Parkinson's disease cause seizures?
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative condition of the central nervous system that results in uncontrolled movements. Along with involuntary shaking, stiff, inflexible muscles and difficulty with balance and coordination, some people with Parkinson’s disease can also experience epileptic seizures. These are caused by uncontrollable electrical disturbances in the brain and can be very severe in some patients, while non-existent in others.
Is there a link between Parkinson's disease and epilepsy?
Parkinson’s disease affects the central nervous system of the body, resulting in loss of balance, which can further lead to falls and chances of potential brain injury. While this may not be the only cause of epilepsy in cases of Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy is found to be 2.5 times higher in those with Parkinson’s disease than the general population.
Best Ayurvedic Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease in Kerala
The southern state of Kerala is known as the home of practice of authentic ayurveda and you would do well to look for ayurvedic treatment center for Parkinson’s disease in Cochin, Kerala. The Sanjeevanam ayurveda hospital, Cochin, is renowned for its authentic ayurvedic treatments for Parkinson’s disease in Kerala. A combination of herbal remedies, massages and dietary and lifestyle changes are used in the ayurvedic treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
Abhyanga
Traditional warm herbal oil massages that are very useful in rejuvenating the body, improving muscle tone, improving circulation and reducing stiffness are practiced here.
Shirodhara
One of the best Parkinson’s disease treatments in Kerala also includes shirodhara, where warm herbal oil is poured in a slow steady stream on the forehead. This has a very soothing and calming effect on the mind as it helps in de-stressing and better sleep.
Panchakarma
This therapy involves a set of five detoxification treatments that rejuvenate the body and get rid of toxins through all body openings. Some of the Panchakarma treatments involve revitalizing massages, herbal steam baths, etc.
Dietary changes
It should be prescribed by an ayurvedic practitioner based on the individual’s needs and imbalances in their doshas. Patients are advised to consume warm, home-cooked foods that are free from processed or refined components.
Yoga
The patient is also advised on practicing specific yoga asanas and meditation to stay stress-free, get adequate sleep as well as for neurological rejuvenation.
Most importantly, ayurvedic treatments should always be practiced in conjunction with conventional medical treatments.
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