Alternative Medicine and Parkinson’s Disease

Massage therapy is one alternative medicine approach used in treating Parkinson’s disease there are others.

Massage Therapy:

The symptoms of Parkinson’s that responds to massage therapy include tremors, slow movement, rigidity and poor balance. Even though massage therapy is not a cure for Parkinson’s it can relieve some of the suffering such as muscle pain and tightness. There can be some serious massage contraindications to certain medications so the doctor and massage therapist must be informed of all medications you are taking. It is also possible for massage therapy to ease some of the side effects from some medications that are commonly prescribed for those with Parkinson’s. A massage therapist should always remain in close contact with the doctor treating the patient.

Studies have shown that when there are regular massage therapy sessions that the Parkinson’s patient can show marked improvement regarding a reduction in tremors and an overall improvement in daily function.

Lifestyle:

There are many things a Parkinson’s patient can do regarding lifestyle to improve the symptoms such as changing the diet. Improving the diet can give the patient more energy and help to maintain a healthy weight since weight loss is a major concern. Vitamins, minerals and beneficial oils are all important additions to the diet.

Exercise is also important to help with muscle tone, strength and posture. Exercises that work well with Parkinson’s is walking, jogging, cycling, and swimming. A qualified sports trainer can help to tailor a program specific to the symptoms and muscle tone.

There are things you can do to make your living space safer as the disease progresses such as installing grab bars in the bathroom. You can change the door and cupboard handles so they are easier to grasp. Buy clothes that have Velcro or zippers instead of buttons or laces.

Yoga, Acupuncture and Tai-chi:

Yoga can help with the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease when it is practiced on a regular basis and can especially help with the motor skills.

Acupuncture can help with balance and Tai-chi can help keep joints and muscles supple.

Ayurvedic medicine has been used in India to treat Parkinson’s disease under the name "Kampavata". Herbal preparations containing levodopa were used to treat the symptoms of the disease. Ayurvedic formulas and drugs are said to make the disease disappear in 90% of the cases after 1 to 4 years.

Herbs and Supplementation:

Many believe that to bring relief to the person with Parkinson’s it involves getting rid of the toxins that enter the body by fasting, using Iodine supplementation and mixture of organic soy lecithin and a balanced efa like hemp oil. If this mixture were iodinated, it would be a potent weapon in any neurological disease.
Massage therapy is one alternative medicine approach used in treating Parkinson’s disease there are others.

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