Traditional Chinese Medicine And Acupuncture
Traditional Chinese Medicine views disease as caused by internal imbalances. It has historically been used to treat Parkinson disease with acupuncture and individually prepared herbal remedies. One study showed that acupuncture improved symptoms in a small group of people with Parkinson disease. People with Parkinson disease may also find that acupuncture helps them sleep better. If you consult a TCM practitioner, make sure your doctor is aware of any suggested treatment.
Increase The Intake Of Omega
Omega-3s are highly important in enhancing the levels of dopamine and decreasing the level of inflammation in the brain. Wild seafood is the best source of omega¬-3, and it must be consumed at least thrice a week, so that marked decrease in the symptoms of Parkinsons disease is possible. Nuts and seeds are other rich sources of omega-3, and they also reduce the symptoms of PD to a great level.
What Are The Causes Of Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease is a continuing, non-curable, chronic, progressive neurological illness that affects about 1 million Americans. Parkinsons disease affects a small, dark-grey-colored area in the brain called the substantia nigra. The substantia nigra produces dopamine that the brain uses for its functionality. Dopamine is a natural chemical transmitter that spreads messages among the nerves that regulate muscle movement, as well as those involved in the brains pleasure and reward centers. As we age, it is normal for cells in the substantia nigra to die. This process occurs very slowly in most people.
However, in some people, the loss of Dopamine happens quickly, creating the onset of Parkinsons disease. When 50 to 60 percent of the substantial nigra cells are gone, a person starts experiencing the initial symptoms of Parkinsons disease. Thus, a deficit of Dopamine is one of the causes of Parkinsons disease.
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How Might Aromatherapy Help
Many people use aromatherapy to help them relax. There hasnt been much research on how aromatherapy may help with Parkinsons. Research suggests it can have a mild, temporary calming effect on anxiety, but another study said the evidence available wasnt good enough to prove aromatherapy could effectively treat any condition.
Aromatherapy is one of the more commonly offered therapies in NHS hospitals with complementary medicine programmes. Speak to your GP, specialist or Parkinsons nurse about availability in your area.
Natural Remedies For Parkinsons Disease
By Lutgarda Mariano 9 am on February 19, 2021
Parkinsons disease primarily develops due to low dopamine levels. When dopamine-generating neurons in the brain die, the body is unable to produce enough of this essential neurotransmitter. Many Parkinsons treatments aim to boost dopamine levels, which can mitigate some of the symptoms. While there are plenty of prescription treatments to alleviate Parkinsons symptoms, some natural remedies are also available.
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Generic Vs Branded Drugs
There are currently several pharmaceutical companies that manufacture a generic formulation of carbidopa/levodopa, dopamine agonists, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and anticholinergics. The FDA requires generics to show significant brand affinity prior to market approval, but in rare cases, this standard is not high enough.The review, supported by the Parkinson Foundation, provides strong evidence that if you are in the latter stages of the disease, switching from brand-name drugs to generics or from one generic to another can have slightly different effects. The authors, including Parkinsons National Medical Advisor, Dr. Michael S. Okun, believe that generic approval standards for PD may not be stringent enough to demonstrate that generic alternatives are equally effective.Talk to your family doctor to create a personalized Parkinsons disease treatment plan. Using generic drugs is likely to save you money, and it is only on rare occasions that you may need branded drugs.
If you switch from branded to generic Parkinsons disease medications, follow these tips:
- Inform your doctor about the effectiveness of the medicines.
- Carefully keep a journal of any side effects.
- Record the dose adjustments made by your doctors .
- Try to stick with one drug manufacturer for your generic drugs. You may need to ask your pharmacist to place a special order for you.
The Latest Research About Mucuna Pruriens As A Treatment For Parkinsons
In 2004, a study was conducted comparing the efficacy of MP with the standard medication used in PD, carbidopa/levodopa . Eight patients were given one dose of a MP preparation or C/L in a blinded fashion and then tested four hours after ingestion. MP acted more quickly and lasted longer than C/L without worsening of dyskinesias. A 2017 study also compared various single dose preparations of MP vs. C/L given blindly and determined that MP had a quicker onset of action, lasted longer and caused fewer dyskinesias.
However, when MP was given for longer periods of time as opposed to in single doses, the results were not as positive. In 2018, a study was conducted in which 14 patients were given MP powder for eight weeks and then carbidopa/levodopa for eight weeks. Seven of the patients discontinued MP, four for gastro-intestinal side effects and three for worsening of motor symptoms.
For the seven who remained on treatment, efficacy of MP was the same as C/L. Nobody discontinued during the C/L phase. Although the study showed that MP can be effective in reducing PD symptoms, it drew attention to the need for additional research into the optimal MP formulation and dose to allow for greater tolerability when taken continually.
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Assessing The Quality Of Studies
The methodological quality of all included studies was detailed in the Figure 2. All included studies were randomized studies with explicit description. Specifically, seven studies used random number tables. Four studies used computer-generated lists of random numbers. Two studies employed online center distribution, while only one study stated the method for sequence generation by simple randomization. Eleven studies reported adequate allocation concealment. Four adopted opaque and sealed envelopes. The remaining studies adopted center distribution. Of 14 included studies, 8 studies applied double blinding and 6 studies had triple blinding. All studies had low risk of bias in the incomplete out-come data. Four studies had unclear risk of bias in selective reporting because of no available protocols. Other risks of bias were described in one study , which reported significant differences in baseline values of some outcome variables.
Figure 2. Risk of bias of the included studies. Risk of bias summary: judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study. Risk of bias graph: judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies. +, low risk of bias -, high risk of bias ?, unclear risk of bias.
Exercise Tai Chi As Alternative Treatments For Parkinsons Disease
Daily exercise is recommended for most Parkinsons patients in the early stages of the disease. Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist and suggest you take up swimming, yoga or gardening to improve your balance and muscle strength. Physical activity can also help combat the mental health implications of Parkinsons disease, such as anxiety and depression.
Other alternative treatments for Parkinsons disease include tai chi, yoga, massage, acupuncture and guided meditation. Its important to remember that none of these natural remedies will cure Parkinsons, and many are inefficient at combatting symptoms on their own.
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Naturaltreatment For Parkinsons #9 Exercise And Other Alternative Therapies:
Regular exercise has been shown to help Parkinsonssufferers by reducing muscle stiffness, increasing mobility, and enhancing postureand balance. Exercise also increases oxygen levels and neurotransmitters, alongwith releasing potent mood elevating chemicals called endorphins.
The type of exercise performed for PD is crucial. Aqua orwater aerobics can be particularly useful as traditional exercise is usuallyquite difficult for many Parkinsons sufferers. Muscle decline, loss of strength,stiffness and loss of balance can make conventional exercises difficult toperform. The great thing about aqua aerobics is it still has the same benefits as other exercise regimens,but the risk of falling is eliminated.
Other types of exercises that can be beneficial for PDsufferers include Tai Chi, Yoga, dancing, walking, aerobic/jazzercise classes,and general stretching.
For more information on the different exercise programsavailable for Parkinsons patients, you can check out this website Exercise and Physical Therapy for ParkinsonsDisease
Supplementing With Good Supplements
While it might be tempting to pop many different pills down the wind pipe, it is best to be mindful about taking supplements. There are quite a few that have been shown to help reduce the symptoms of Parkinsons including:
Coenzyme Q10: Taking about 1,200 milligrams a day of this antioxidant has been shown to slow down the progress of Parkinsons disease.
Vitamin C: Is a great antioxidant that not only builds up a strong immune function, it can help prevent free radical damage as well. Take about 750 milligrams four times a day.
Vitamin A: This is another good antioxidant that helps support the brain. Aim for about 400 IU daily.
Vitamin D: This vitamin is good at keeping ones bones healthy especially when taken with calcium. Aim for about 800 IU of Vitamin D along with 1,500 milligrams of calcium daily. Of course, some Vitamin D can be consume by just sitting out in the sun.
Green Vegetable Powder: A combination of spirulina, chlorella and wheatgrass can really help with detoxifying ones body.
Omega-3 Fish Oil: Consuming fish oil used to be bothersome for those who didnt care for fishy tasting burps. Fortunately, non burp formulas have been created. Either way, about 1,000 milligrams of fish oil a day will help reduce ones inflammation while also supporting neurological health.
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How To Deal With Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease belongs to a group of conditions known as extra pyramidal symptoms and is characterized by stiffness of the muscles and continuous tremors. This is accompanied by reduced physical movement or bradykinesia and in severe cases complete loss of movement or akinesia. An individual suffering from Parkinsons disease exhibits a combination of involuntary tremor of the limbs and muscular stiffness.
The tremors become more prominent when the patient is in a resting position and tend to disappear when he attempts to move or is asleep. The tremors are most pronounced when the patient becomes excited or is fatigued. Older patients often exhibit involuntary rapid jerking movements of the limbs and may also exhibit purposeless mastication and lip smacking movements. This is followed by impaired speech, muscle cramps, inability to move and loss of judgment.
Is A Therapy Unsafe If Its Not Statutorily Regulated
Not necessarily. Some complementary therapies are regulated by statutory law, including osteopaths, chiropractors and art therapists. This means that, in the same way GPs and specialists have to register with the General Medical Council, these therapists must register with a statutory regulator before they can practise. One reason for statutory regulation is the level of risk linked to a particular therapy. For example, the government considered regulating acupuncture, but took the view that because acupuncturists were well self-regulated, it wasnt needed.
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What Causes Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons comes under the dementia umbrella. Its adegenerative disease of the nervous system that causes a loss of motor skillsand intentional movement. When someone has Parkinsons, the part of the brainthat controls muscular movements and mood function doesnt receive enough ofthe crucial dopamine chemical. Without enough dopamine, bodily movements,learning abilities and mood levels are severely affected. So-called normalfunctions such as speaking, writing, swallowing, walking and sleeping become difficultto perform. These challenges, combined with a lowering of mood levels is whymany Parkinsons patients suffer with depression.
Massage Manual Therapies & Alexander Technique
Anecdotally, PD patients have described transient improvement in stiffness and posture after massage therapy. In observational studies of massage for PD, improvement in gait speed as well as subjective selfconfidence and well-being have been described. Similarly, Japanese massage was associated with improvement in gait speed and shoulder range of motion in an observational study of 10 PD patients. Alexander technique uses hand contact to assess and manipulate changes in muscle activity by addressing the relationship between thought and the resultant muscle activity. Stallibrass et al. published the only RCT of massage and Alexander technique in 93 subjects with PD followed with biweekly sessions for 3 months. Compared with a no intervention group, only the Alexander technique participants improved on self-assessment disability scores and depression ratings. More objective motor assessments were not performed. On the other hand, one study that did look at objective motor outcomes was conducted by Craig et al.. They demonstrated that neuromuscular therapy, a technique similar to massage but which relies on direct compression of trigger points, was more effective than relaxation at improving motor UPDRS scores in 36 PD patients over a 4 week intervention period.
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What Is Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects older people most often, and men more often than women. Its believed to be caused by a combination of both genetic and environmental factors.
Characteristics of Parkinsons include tremors, muscle stiffness, poor balance and difficulty walking. Although symptoms vary from person to person, with time simple tasks like getting dressed in the morning or going to work can often become a chore.
Because Parkinsons disease is a chronic condition, symptoms usually persist over a long period of time and also progress with age. Each Parkinsons patient is different, so its common to experience varying levels of different symptoms. For this reason, some patients respond better to certain natural treatments than others.
Natural Homeopathic Treatments For Parkinsons Disease Really
Many people find it hard to believe in natural treatments for Parkinsons disease, and with good reason. If you have been newly diagnosed, you will likely find information on natural, homeopathic treatment for Parkinsons disease all over the Internet. But do these treatments work or are they just a scam? Lets explore the more credible natural treatments for Parkinsons disease while dispelling some of the myths.
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Symptoms And Warning Signs
Symptoms of Parkinsons fall into two major categories: those related to motor functions, and those related to changes in someones mood. The four most common signs and symptoms of Parkinsons disease include:
- Trembling: This usually presents itself in the arms, jaw, legs and face.
- Rigidity: Most patients experience stiffness of the bodys core as well as their arms and legs.
- Bradykinesia: This is the term for slowness of movement. Some patients pause or freeze when moving without being able to start again, and others begin to shuffle when trying to walk.
- Postural instability : This results in loss of strength, loss of balance and problems with moving muscles or coordinating body parts.
Other symptoms that can also occur, which often impact someones moods and other behaviors, include:
- Sexual dysfunction
Magnesium And Magnesium L
Magnesium is an essential dietary mineral and is the second most common electrolyte in the body. Magnesium deficiencies are common in the western diet, and magnesium deficiencies have been linked to a number of adverse health effects including weakness, cramps, anxiety, and high blood pressure.
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Parkinson’s Disease And Movement Disorders Center
Our center provides compassionate and timely treatment to patients with movement disorders, such as dystonia, ataxia, essential tremor and similar conditions. But our mission goes beyond patient care excellence. By offering educational events and support groups, we empower patients and caregivers to become better partners in their health.
What Is Mucuna Pruriens
MP, also referred to as the velvet bean, is a legume that grows in tropical and subtropical areas across the world including Africa, Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands. Although the beans can be used as a source of food after they are boiled, MP is also a medicinal plant, used for millennia in traditional Ayurvedic Indian medicine, for a variety of conditions. MP has been investigated for its anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-epileptic, and anti-depressant properties, to name a few.
Because it contains 6-9% levodopa by weight however, one of its main medicinal uses is to counteract parkinsonian symptoms. It is important however to understand more about this potential remedy including its shortcomings before jumping on the MP bandwagon.
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Natural Remedies To Treat Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms
This month is Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
Although my recently deceased grandfather was never officially diagnosed with Parkinson’s, he struggled with severe neurological damage and was bedridden during his final days.
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disease where motor skills, like walking and speaking, are impaired due to brain damage.
The neurotransmitter in the brain called dopamine is important for motor skills, and Parkinson’s patients suffer from a lack of dopamine production in their brains.
There is no single cure for Parkinson’s disease, but doctors are able to manage its symptoms through prescription drugs and surgeries.
Altering brain chemistry with prescription drugs can be terrifying, but there are many natural nootropic compounds available to treat Parkinson’s disease that have been used for thousands of years.
Because of my interest in nootropics and cognitive enhancement, I found and researched these five particular remedies that can be useful in combating Parkinson’s disease:
What Should I Expect At An Appointment
Herbal medicine is not regulated in many countries. It is therefore a good idea to ask your doctor or other healthcare professional for recommendations. Friends, family, other people with Parkinsons or your national Parkinsons association may also be able to advise based on personal experience.
It is advisable to see a therapist who has experience of Parkinsons so do ask about their experience of the condition as well as their qualifications.
The first consultation with a herbal therapist will probably last at least an hour, during which he or she will ask detailed questions about general health, medical and family history, lifestyle and emotional state.
As the approach is holistic, treatment often includes advice on diet and lifestyle as well as herbal remedies. The medicines prescribed may well be made up of a variety of herbs, and will be tailored to individual needs. They can come in a wide range of formulations, including syrups, tinctures, lotions, creams, tablets, inhalations, gargles and washes.
The herbalist may make a follow-up appointment after two weeks, and then monthly, to monitor progress, but this depends on the condition being treated and the individuals general state of health.
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