Ayurveda – A Ray of Hope in Parkinson’s Disease Management

Parkinson’s Disease – An Introduction

Parkinson's disease refers to a clinical condition with symptoms like tremor, rigidity and difficulty in movements. It comes under age related degenerative disorders of Central nervous system. Parkinson’s disease occurs around the age of 60 years or later in life.

Causes

Primarily Parkinson’s disease occurs due to damage of brain cells which produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter which helps to regulate body movements.

Secondary causes include infections, stroke, tumours of brain, exposure to toxins, certain drugs etc. Genetic and environmental causes also have a significant role in this.

Symptoms

• Facial masking (Hypomimia): Muscles of your face become stiff making it difficult to express yourself.
• Stooped posture: Occurs due to muscle stiffness.
• Drooling, speech & swallowing difficulties.
• Tremor: Pill rolling tremor in hand or resting tremor in chin, jaw, legs.
• Bradykinesia: Difficulty to initiate movements and slowness while moving.
• Dyskinesia: Involuntary jerking movements.
• Micrographia: Handwriting becomes small and illegible.
• Shuffling gait: Walking with small steps.

Ayurvedic View of Parkinson’s

It is accompanied by symptoms like Stambha (rigidity), Chestasanga (difficulty in movements), and Kseenatvam in intellect and memory.

How Vata dosha gets deranged?

• Consumption of dry, cold, fried food
• Continuous exposure to dry wind, cold weather
• Excessive physical and mental exertion
• External trauma

Ayurvedic Management

Abhyanga

Medicated oil massage using oils enriched with Bala and Aswagandha helps stimulate nerves and add strength.

Medhya Rasayanas

Herbs like Brahmi, Aswagandha, and Mandukaparni enhance cognitive power.

Atmagupta (Mucuna pruriens)

A famous herb for Parkinson’s disease that supports the central nervous system.