The Ayurvedic Path to Wellness: Empowering Parkinson's Disease Patients

WHAT IS PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Parkinson's disease is a progressive degenerative condition of the brain where neurons of a particular area, some of which produce dopamine, are depleted. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that transmits information regarding movement, learning, behaviour, cognition etc. The reduction in dopamine therefore affects motor function which is the cardinal feature of Parkinsonism.

CAUSES OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE

The exact causes of why these neurons deplete and die are not understood. Genetic mutations may be a cause. Environmental toxins may also trigger the condition.

WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE

• Non-specific symptoms like tiredness, mental slowness, depression, micrographia (small handwriting), and ache in limbs may be seen initially

• A resting tremor in the upper limb is a common presenting feature. Tremor usually begins in the fingers or thumb and gets diminished while doing any action.

• The tremor may sometimes affect the legs, feet, mouth and tongue

• Slowness of movements or Bradykinesia develops gradually. The slowness manifests itself as slow gait or difficulty fastening buttons, shaving, writing etc. The gait is characterised by rapid, small steps and then the tendency to run called a festinating gait. Usually, there is slowness to initiate or repeat movements.

• Muscles become stiff and generally patient attains a flexed posture. The rigidity is Cogwheel type in upper limbs and leads pipe type in legs

• There may be problems with posture and balance

• Speech becomes softer and indistinct as the condition progresses

• Face becomes expressionless

• A blink reflex may be exaggerated and fail to habituate (glabellar tap sign)

• Cognitive impairment is seen in progressed cases

WHAT AYURVEDA SAYS ABOUT PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Parkinsonism is a condition where movement is affected and hence is a Vaatha roga called as Kampa Vaatha. Kampa implies the tremor associated with the condition. Both internal medications and external therapies are essential to break the pathology of the condition. Suitable Panchakarma therapies, which are the five cleansing therapies of Ayurveda, will be very effective to eliminate the accumulated toxins in the body. The protocol of treatment involves internal medications to enhance digestion, clear the channels of circulation, break down aama (accumulated toxins in the body) and regulate the function of Vata dosha are given. The wide range of formulations includes decoctions, powders, medicated ghee, confections, pills, etc. Internal administration of ghee medicated with brain tonics is specifically important here. The procedure is called Snehapaana. Along with them, the following external therapies are performed:

• Udvarthana: A procedure where the medicinal powder is rubbed all over the body in a systematic manner for a fixed duration

• Kizhi: Application of medicine-filled poultice over the body after heating it, in a synchronized manner. This is particularly effective for nerve stimulation

• Dhaara: Pouring of warm medicated liquid or oil all over the body in a specific pattern for a fixed duration

• Abhyanga and Ooshma Sweda: Oiling the body and steaming is a very effective method to normalize abnormal Vaatha dosha

Panchakarma procedures:

Among the five Panchakarma procedures, the two that are most effective here are:

1. Nasya: It is a procedure where medicine is instilled into the nostrils. It is very effective to restore brain functions

2. Vasthi: Enema therapy, is the most effective therapy to curb Vaatha dosha. Specific procedures for the head can also be employed here. They include Shiro Vasthi, Shiro pichu and Talam. Accumulation of toxins in the body is the primary cause of imbalance in body functions. Seasonal elimination of these toxins through Panchakarma is advised in Ayurveda for the prevention of ailments. Another cause for the occurrence of such conditions is the suppression of natural urges like urination, defecation, vomiting, hunger, thirst, tear, sleep etc. Our present lifestyle forces us to push such natural urges later, to accomplish other goals. A well-disciplined lifestyle as per Ayurveda, regular exercise and a healthy diet will definitely prevent such conditions. After all, prevention is better than cure. Hospitalization and systematic management, proper aftercare and regular follow-up will improve the symptoms of Parkinsonism considerably.

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