Ayurvedic Approach to Treat Parkinson's Disease
Ancient Indian Treatment Regime for Parkinson’s
Described by James Parkinson in 1817, Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder affecting males (rarely females) of age 65 and above. It is a type of movement disorder where the sufferer’s motor skills are hampered and he loses control over his movements. The major symptoms of this condition are tremors of limbs, rigidity of muscles, slowing of physical movement and, in extreme cases, loss of physical movement.
Parkinson’s has been shown to be due to the degeneration of neurons which are implicated in the production of the neurotransmitter, dopamine. It can also occur due to the ingestion of compounds which block the action of dopamine, like reserpine or N-MPTP. It is widely believed that more than one environmental factor are responsible for the onset of Parkinsons’. There have also been studies which indicate familial inheritance.
Kampavata is Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s has been described thousands of years back by the ancient Indian Medical System of Ayurveda. It has been referred to as Kampavata (kampa meaning trembling or shaking). Charaka Samhita, probably the most extensive, exhaustive and authoritative treatise has described this disorder along with its rupa and lakshana (signs and symptoms), nidanam (diagnosis) and chikitsa (treatment).
Current Treatment Strategies
Current allopathic approach for the treatment of Parkinson’s has always relied on supplying L-dopa (levodopa), the precursor for dopamine in the body. Auxiliary drugs which prevent the breakdown of existing dopamine are also administered. Ayurveda believes in holistic healing of the human body. It relies on correcting the disturbance that occurs in the tridoshas (the three bio-humors – vata, kapha and pitta).
Ayurveda believes that every human has a unique constitution and when a person is living out of harmony of his constitution, he develops a disease. So, as is the case with all diseases and disorders, Parkinson’s can also be treated by constitutional balance. Massage with oils having extracts of Withania somnifera and Sida cordifolia are advocated. These rejuvenate the nervous system.
The plant Mucuna pruriens (Atmagupta, kapikacchu) has been used extensively in the treatment of Parkinson’s by Ayurveda. Investigation revealed the presence of L-dopa in the extracts of these plants. But extracts of the plant showed promising results in a study as compared to the isolated active principle. This is another feature of Ayurveda which is missing from western medicine. Ayurveda believes, not in isolating the active principle but, in administering it along with the other constituents of the source (roots, seeds, bark etc. of the plant). This is the reason for the very insignificant amounts of side effects associated with Ayurvedic therapy.
Laxatives such as psyllium, flaxseed or triphala (equal parts of Embelica officinalis, Terminalia bellerica and Terminalia chebula), are also recommended for colon cleansing. Nardostachys jatamansi and Canscora dicussata are given as muscle relaxants and sedatives. Hydrocotyle asiatica and Hypericum perforatum may be given if depression is also present. Meditation and yoga are recommended to manage internal energies. The patient is advised not to indulge in lifestyle which overheats the mind and body.
Ayurvedic regimens promise a lot to patients of Parkinson’s. If followed strictly they deliver what they promise. A healthy lifestyle needs to be cultivated and maintained. This will keep the body away from any disease.
Parkinson's affects elderly males
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