Alternative Methods, Exercises and Coping Skills for Living with Parkinson’s Disease

The diagnosing physician usually informs the individual who has just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, what to expect as it progresses and what the treatment options are that are available to them. Some of the treatment options include alternative methods of treating the symptoms, medications, surgery, exercise and coping skills that make life a little easier as they adjust to life with Parkinson’s. This article discusses alternative methods, exercises and coping skills.

Alternative medicine:

Some of the more commonly used alternative medicine for those with Parkinson’s disease are to use acupuncture, Ayurvedic medicine, broad beans, botulinum toxin A, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and St John’s Wort.

Acupuncture has been popular with those who have Parkinson’s disease because there is evidence that it may help with sleep disturbances that are often the case with those who have this disease. Acupuncture also increases relaxation and well-being.

Ayurvedic medicine has been used for 5000+ years in India and it is a medicine method that centers on placing an equal emphasis on diet, exercise, herbal use, massage and meditation. One herb used to treat Parkinson’s disease is Mucuna Puriens.

Eating whole broad beans is a method of treating Parkinson’s disease those Australian researchers discovered as they were studying the effectiveness of the broad beans in respect to L-dopa, which is found in the pod of the bean.

Botulinum toxin A is a bacterium found in food that is suspect of food poisoning (botulism). This bacterium has been researched and found effective at reducing the tremors of the hand, head, and voice.

Coenzyme has been effective at slowing the progression of the disease or for alleviating the symptoms that the individual has been experiencing. Massive doses of CoQ10 are required though (1,200 milligrams daily) and this can be dangerous if not monitored by a physician.

St John’s Wort is an herbal remedy used in Europe and has proved to be effective at alleviating the symptom of depression and also to help with sleep disturbances.

Always check with your doctor before using any alternative methods and also seek medical counsel before starting any new exercise program.

Exercises:

Exercises that are particularly helpful to those with Parkinson’s disease are exercises of the face and jaw, bending, stretching and deep breathing exercises. Water exercises are particularly easy on the body and can avoid balance and coordination problems.

Coping Skills:

Eat a nutritious diet that is in smaller pieces for easier swallowing and for better digestion. Sit upright for 30 minutes following meals or snacks. Use lights in all walking areas especially at night. Wear low-heeled shoes that are comfortable. Do not walk in socks alone or slippery slippers. Use grab bars in the shower and tub, keep the floors clear of clutter and avoid slippery rugs or floors. Store all your food and medicines in easy to reach cabinets. Get help for cleaning and other household chores to avoid falls.

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