Reduce burden of Parkinson Disease with Ayurveda

Parkinson's disease (PD) belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders, which are the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. The four primary symptoms of PD are tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk; bradykinesia, or slowness of movement; and postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination. As a result, the patients may have difficulty in walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks.

At present, there is no definite cure for PD, but a variety of medications provide dramatic relief from the symptoms. Usually, patients are given levodopa. Although levodopa helps at least three-quarters of parkinsonian cases, not all symptoms respond equally to the drug. Bradykinesia and rigidity respond best, while tremor may be only marginally reduced. Problems with balance and other symptoms may not be alleviated at all. Anticholinergics may help control tremor and rigidity. In some cases, surgery may be appropriate if the disease doesn't respond to drugs. A therapy called deep brain stimulation (DBS) has now been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Yogic breathing programs such as Bhramari Pranayama has similar effects. Ayurvedic Panch Karma and Yogic support can reduce the need for levodopa and related drugs, which in turn decreases the involuntary movements called dyskinesias that are a common side effect of levodopa. It also helps to alleviate fluctuations of symptoms and to reduce tremors, slowness of movements, and gait problems.

What is Ayurvedic Treatment?

Ayurveda considers it due to pathology in Vata element. The vitiation of Vata manifested as tremor, is the major symptom for some patients, while for others tremor is only a minor complaint and other symptoms are more troublesome. Ayurvedic scientists are working to develop an evidence based protective therapy and remedy that can delay, prevent, or reverse the disease. Mucuna Pruriens contains Levodopamine or L -dopa within its seeds. L-dopa is the precursor of dopamine, the neurotransmitter which is absent or decreased in Parkinson's disease. Garlic is wonderful mega resource to control oxidative damage to neurons. Garlic extract contains a variety of organosulfur compounds, other than alliin/allicin, that are the most important and medicinally beneficial Vata balancing components. Garlic paste 5 gm should be taken with gingelly oil 5 gm along with a pinch of black rock salt twice daily is effective.

Vata must be pacified at its site of origin in the colon, site of overflow in the rasa dhatu and at its site of relocation in the majja dhatu. Decoction of Tinospora cordifolia, Pluchea lanceolata (Rasna) Zingiber officinale, Boerrhvia diffusa in quantity of 20 ml should be taken with Castor oil 10 ml twice daily. Disturbance of Apana vayu (Colo-rectal region) should be treated with moist laxatives such as psyllium (Plantago Psyllium) and triphala.

Vata in the majja dhatu may be treated with mucuna pruriens, along with neuro-protective herbs such as Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), and Haridra (Curcumin longa). The ayurvedic receipe made by Withania somnifera and Mucuna pruriens 10 gm. is to be taken with milk twice daily for few weeks. Makarsanjivani tablets can be taken with milk to boost the neuromuscular system. If vata has also entered the mamsa dhatu causing rigidity, herbs which are muscle relaxants and nervine sedatives may be of value. If depression is present, Brahmi (Hydrocotyle Asiatica) and Jatamansi (Nardostachys Jatamansi) can be added to formulas or used separately.

Sanjivani Parkinson’s Herbs is a potent synergistic supplement of Mucuna Pruriens, Hydrocotyle Asiatica, and Withania somnifera. It was formulated by the author for care through research clinic on Neuro-muscular Diseases in 1995. This supplement was found effective to help promote brain locomotive functions. It is a safe and natural relief for several movement disorders. The serving size is 500 mg capsule to be taken with milk twice daily.

Since vitiation of Vata element is a main culprit in the neuron damage, a vata pacifying ayurvedic diet and proper dietary habits are essential to reduce long term burden of Parkinson’s disabilities. Panch Karma massage using Shat Bala Prasharni oil and Vasti therapy using medicated milk provide additional support for Vata balancing. Neuro-physiotherapy should always be combined with Panch Karma and Yoga for lasting relief. Pawanmuktasana series of Asanas are helpful to reduce the blockage of Vata flow in the neuro-muscular system. Bhramari Pranayama followed by Meditation is effective to reduce burden of oxidative damage to the nervous system . These non-pharmacological programs cultivate a sattvic mind and teach the patient how to safeguard their Vata element.

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Author is Program director of Panch Karma Clinic on Neuro-Muscular Diseases at Sanjivani Ayurvedic Hospital Bhilai. Get more information at www.sanjivaniwellness.org. or http://openlibrary.org/a/OL4097418A