Many people living with Parkinson’s Disease report using complementary therapies to feel calmer and energised, though there is limited research on their efficacy for treating their illness.
Acupuncture involves inserting needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerves and muscles, with the intent to increase natural painkilling chemicals as well as increase blood flow for increased comfort from tremor and stiffness.
Herbal medicine
Ayurved medicine offers an alternative treatment option for Parkinson’s Disease that may help ease motor symptoms. Utilizing herbs and natural ingredients, Ayurvedic treatments have proven successful in managing motor symptoms while simultaneously relaxing muscles and improving mood. Furthermore, herbal medications may serve as replacements for some drugs prescribed to manage symptoms associated with the disorder; some studies have yielded encouraging results while research continues in this field.
Some herbs contain potency ingredients, and should be taken with caution and under the supervision of an experienced herbal practitioner. Certain herbal medications have also been studied as possible alternatives to levodopa for people living with Parkinson’s Disease. A qualified practitioner could provide safe solutions such as nervine herbs to reduce tremors or relax stiff muscles; or as potential replacements. Some are being researched as potential alternatives.
Bowen technique offers another alternative treatment option for Parkinson’s. This hands-on therapy employs gentle pressure to encourage healing and realignment of muscles, tendons and ligaments in specific parts of the body. A Bowen therapist may use their fingertips and thumbs in specific locations on your body to move them gently – they may also employ techniques designed to soothe pain or decrease anxiety. Since Bowen therapy may not be regulated across countries, it is crucial that you find one with experience treating Parkinson’s.
Many people living with Parkinson’s can find comfort by joining support groups for those living with the disease. Support groups provide a place where like-minded people can meet, while also giving practical information on living with Parkinson’s and sharing feelings and concerns with one another. Speak with healthcare team or social worker in your area about support groups available near them.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is an alternative form of medicine that uses very small doses of drugs to treat diseases. The practice relies on three alleged scientific assumptions: “like cures like”, “as above so below”, and “potency and dilution”. Unfortunately, homeopathic remedies often contain no active ingredients whatsoever, making it impossible to test whether they work. Homeopathy treatments have sometimes led to serious side effects including involuntary movements, tremors, hallucinations, edema and insomnia in its victims.
Parkinson’s patients can choose from an assortment of natural therapies, including herbal supplements, acupuncture and yoga. Some supplements may interfere with medications prescribed by your doctor; it’s wise to check with your health care team first before trying something new.
While these therapies lack strong evidence supporting their efficacy, many people with Parkinson’s report positive experiences from using them. Complementing traditional treatments can enhance quality of life significantly.
Some Parkinson’s symptoms, including tremors and bradykinesia (slowed movement), may be alleviated with regular exercise and healthy eating habits; however, this therapy cannot stop its progression nor should it serve as a replacement for medicines.
Acupuncture is a popular technique that involves inserting needles at specific points on the body. It is believed that stimulating these points stimulates energy flow (known as “chi”) within your body and clears away blockages. Kinesiology is another mind-body wellness approach focused on muscle monitoring to detect imbalances within energy flow within your body and to restore equilibrium using techniques such as massage, acupuncture or magnets if necessary. While these treatments may be expensive or not covered by insurance plans; additionally they may cause discomfort for people living with Parkinson’s.
Healing
Many individuals with Parkinson’s disease are now seeking alternative non-pharmacological therapies as an adjunct to conventional drug therapies, including yoga, massage and acupuncture, herbal remedies and music therapy. Many find that these non-medical approaches help enhance their quality of life while simultaneously complementing conventional drugs; it is however wise to consult your neurologist first when trying any non-drug options as some could interfere with conventional medications & worsen symptoms; also avoid practitioners claiming to cure or abruptly stop or wean off medications abruptly or abruptly discontinuing medications without consulting your neurologist beforehand as such practices could potentially interact with conventional drugs & worsen symptoms as some practitioners claim.
Movement disorder specialists recommend people living with Parkinson’s to lead an active lifestyle and adhere to a nutritious diet, while exploring complementary approaches such as meditation, breathing exercises, yoga or tai chi as ways of improving wellbeing and helping with movement, balance, posture as well as decreasing their risk of falls.
Alternative therapies often begin from the belief that illness results from imbalances in energy flow within the body, with some techniques believed to increase glutathione production, an antioxidant which protects against oxidative stress and can improve overall mental health and self-esteem.
The Mayo Clinic’s Parkinson’s Center of Excellence provides an integrative approach to Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatment that blends traditional and alternative medicines. Their team of expert physicians includes physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, nurses, social workers and psychiatrists; all working collaboratively to create personalized care plans tailored specifically for each patient.
The team also provides education about Parkinson’s Disease and helps both patients and caregivers identify warning signs that indicate it may worsen, encouraging open dialogue with neurologists and members of their care team.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy is a form of mind-body medicine that uses guided imagery and relaxation techniques to reduce stress levels and enhance quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). It’s an excellent complementary therapy, used alongside more conventional forms like exercise and diet; sleep issues, pain relief, depression and sexual function all can benefit. Furthermore, emerging scientific evidence indicates hypnosis may enhance antiparkinsonian medication’s efficacy while simultaneously helping sufferers feel calmer with managing symptoms more easily.
Aromatherapy utilizes aromatic plant oils to promote both physical and mental wellbeing, through massage, skin application or inhalation. Aromatherapy has proven particularly helpful for relieving anxiety and stress associated with Parkinson’s Disease symptoms; relieving pain, fatigue and improving circulation while increasing relaxation levels; it may even boost immune systems as it restores flexibility, reduces muscle rigidity and enhances mobility.
Shiatsu (Japanese bodywork) is another alternative therapy that can help balance three bodily energy centres: vata (air), pitta (fire), and kapha (water). Shiatsu involves rhythmic pressure from thumbs, fingers, and palms to restore equilibrium to excess or lack of energy along the body’s energy pathways; additionally it boosts glutathione, an antioxidant known to reduce inflammation while improving neurological functioning.
Many herbal medicines are being utilized as alternative therapies for Parkinson’s, such as Mucuna pruriens which has been found to replace lost dopamine and slow the progression of Parkinson’s. Other useful herbs may include turmeric which has antioxidant properties and may reduce inflammation.
Aromatherapy
Many people living with Parkinson’s have turned to natural remedies and alternative therapies as ways of managing symptoms and increasing quality of life, but it’s important to remember that these approaches shouldn’t replace standard medical therapies for PD. If you are interested in exploring this route further, first speak with your healthcare provider before embarking on any new therapies.
Some natural therapies may help manage Parkinson’s Disease symptoms by altering how you think, behave and feel. They may also reduce stress which exacerbates PD symptoms. Meditation, relaxation techniques and exercise may all provide beneficial treatments. You could also join a support group for people living with the disorder so you can share experiences and find help.
Aromatherapy involves the use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils to promote health, with evidence pointing toward its ability to reduce depression, sleep issues and pain in PD patients as well as lessening dependence on medications used to treat symptoms of the disorder.
Acupuncture involves inserting needles at specific body points in order to stimulate nerves and muscles, in an effort to release natural painkilling chemicals and increase blood flow – relieving symptoms like tremors or muscle stiffness while improving balance and gait in Parkinson’s disease patients. It has also been suggested as a possible treatment method.
Tai chi and Qigong are mind-body exercises with roots in Chinese philosophy and martial arts, which combine focused attention, imagery, breath work and gentle movements into focused exercises that may reduce falls while improving balance and mobility in PD patients. Studies indicate these practices could potentially reduce falls while increasing balance and mobility.
