10 Holistic Approaches to Parkinson's Disease
For people with Parkinson's disease, treatment typically involves the use of medications that help minimize movement problems and control symptoms. A disorder of the central nervous system, Parkinson's disease also can be better managed with the help of certain lifestyle changes. Since many medications used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease can cause severe side effects, patients often seek alternative treatment options.
The use of alternative medicine in the treatment of Parkinson's disease has yet to be extensively researched. However, a small number of studies suggest that the following natural approaches may be of some benefit to Parkinson's patients.
1. Watch and Read
Watch a documentary called “HEAL”.
It’s on Netflix. Or you can rent or buy via an online platform such as iTune, Amazon, etc.
Read “Fighting Parkinson’s . . .and Winning" by Howard Shifke
Read “10 Breakthrough Therapies for Parkinson’s Disease” by Michael S. Okun, M.D.
2. Eat Healthy Food.
Raw fruits and vegetables, High Fiber foods, Healthy fats, Cold-pressed oils, Omega-3 foods, Green tea, Lots of water, Protein at dinner only.
AVOID too much protein, processed foods, artificial sweeteners & added sugar, alcohol, any potential food allergens (gluten, dairy, shellfish, peanuts.)
3. Add Supplements.
Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin C, D, E, Omega-3 fish oil, Green vegetable powder supplement that includes Spirulina, chlorella or wheatgrass.
4. Choose the Right Exercises.
Staying active can help you sleep, strengthen your muscles and joints, reduce stress and depression, and improve posture, balance, and gait. The types of exercise you choose will depend, to some degree, on the severity of your Parkinson’s disease and your overall health.
According to the Parkinson’s Disease Clinic and Research Center at the University of California, the exercises should be varied and incorporate changing directions through unplanned movement, cardiovascular exercise, balance, strength training and rhythmical exercises.
Walking, Dancing, Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga, Meditation, Swimming, Water Aerobics,
American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) Information & Referral Center at Stanford - Fall Prevention Programs, PD Exercise Classes, Local Support Groups,
5. Incorporate Acupuncture.
According to the Neurodegenerative Disease Research Group at King’s College in London, recent research has shown acupuncture can relieve Parkinson’s symptoms by generating a neural response in areas of the brain that are particularly affected by inflammation, such as the putamen and the thalamus.
Acupuncture has been used for centuries to help reduce pain, anxiety, insomnia and stiffness. Now it’s suggested that it can even help slow cell death and attenuate oxidative stress that causes damage to dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra.
6. Incorporate Hypnotherapy and Sound Therapy.
Hypnotherapy is like a guided meditation with an intention that works on your subconscious by telling your subconscious what we want the body to do (relax your body and mind, sleep better, improve the symptoms, etc.)
Sound Therapy uses the water in your body vibrated with the Singing Bowls that is placed on your body plus the sound you hear, together they can work wonders to unblock the tension you have in your organs or cells, brain stimulation can dramatically improve the symptoms, and the transmission of dopamine and serotonin. Sound Therapy helps with motivation, coordination, energy, vocal tone and modulation, mood and positivity.
7. MRI-Focused Ultrasound Undergoing Phase 3 Clinical Trial for Parkinson’s Treatment
With the new technology, clinicians direct ultrasound waves to a brain structure called the globus pallidus, which helps regulate voluntary movement, to destroy damaged tissue, decreasing the uncontrolled movements that characterize Parkinson’s disease.
Doctors use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to create a temperature map of the brain, giving them a real-time picture of the region they want to hit with the sound waves. They then raise the energy, directly targeting that area of the brain to destroy the tissue.
A client who share her Deep brain stimulation treatment from Stanford that is wonderful for tremor; however, it does not address non-motor symptoms (balance, fatigue).
8. Incorporate Aromatherapy.
Essential oils are believed to have beneficial effects on the mind, body, and spirit. Many essential oils are used to treat specific ailments or complaints. Like herbs and minerals, the FDA does not regulate essential oils. Most medical doctors don’t consider them a valid treatment for what ails you, but those who use them are believers. But check with your doctor first. If you have allergies or anaphylaxis, you’ll probably want to avoid most essential oils. By and large, though, they’re worth a try.
7 Best Essential Oils for Parkinson’s Disease
#1. Cedarwood Oil
Cedarwood can be very beneficial for Parkinson’s disease as it can eliminate joint and muscle stiffness. The stiffness is minimized using the oil on skin externally or by inhaling the oil. Making yourself a bath with 5 to 10 cedarwood essential oil can be very useful. It can help with depression, sleep trouble, skin inflammation and also muscle pain due to its soothing and calm effect on the mind. For depression, inhale cedarwood oil directly from the bottle or apply a few drops of oil above your eyebrows to relax.
#2. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil is known for its numerous beneficial properties. It is known to influence the nervous system which is one of the severe problems in the patients with Parkinson’s disease. It is better to mix it with a carrier oil, such as coconut or jojoba oil before inhaling it or applying it on the skin. It can also reduce depression and helps in digestion. The calming scent also relieves pain and allows to fall asleep naturally by opening breathing passages which make the body reach an ideal sleeping temperature.
#3. Sandalwood Oil
The soothing scent helps to achieve calmness and clarity along with amazing healing benefits. It leaves you feeling relaxed and peaceful. A study in 2006 confirmed that the chemical components of this oil provide mental clarityand calmness. Sandalwood like cedar wood and frankincense is high in Sesquiterpene. It ensures active supply of oxygen to the brain. It is beneficial in treating muscle rigidity. They help in relieving neurological symptoms by helping the body to fire neurons.
Massage 2-4 drops of oil on areas of skin where there is rigidity or put them directly on the skin. Massage sandalwood oil on ankles, wrists and the neck to relieve stress and depression. Inhaling the scent from the bottle can also help to focus.
#4. Marjoram Oil
Marjoram oil when massaged reduces pain in the muscles and is known to calm the nervous system. Making marjoram oil a part of one’s diet can improve digestion. Adding the fresh or dried herb or drinking it as tea can alleviate symptoms. It stimulates salivary glands, simulates peristaltic movement and encourages elimination. This is why Marjoram oil is good for Parkinson’s disease. People with Parkinson’s disease may have indigestion problems.
#5. Basil Oil
Basil oil is beneficial for healing aching muscles which is very common to people with Parkinson’s disease. It acts as a calming agent to treat nerve and muscle conditions. Basil oil regulates neurotransmitters which help in anxiety and improve your disposition. Basil oil can also reduce fatigue and tiredness. Basil has been used in medical practices since the 16th century in the Asian subcontinent. With a few drops of basil essential oil, swollen muscles and joints can get a lot of comforts. Using basil oil along with coconut oil is very relaxing.
#6. Helichrysum Oil
Helichrysum has strong abilities to lower inflammation of the brain which improves the blood vessel condition. Helichrysum is also responsible for smooth muscle function. It decreases the swelling and inflammation of muscle which improves circulation. Improved circulation lowers muscle pain and heals nerves and muscle tissue. It is used by adding 2 to 4 drops of oil directly on the affected area or by inhaling it. When lavender oil, along with helichrysum is used, it relieves emotional stress and pain.
#7. Vetiver Oil
Vetiver oil has been known to act as a stimulant which calms the nervous system. It can be used to reduce tremors. It also eases people if inhaled, and treats depression as well. Another quality of vetiver oil is that it is a natural body cooler. Its soothing properties also stimulate the immune system and supports the nervous system, rids one of stress and anxiety. Vetiver oil can also treat joint disorders and boost energy levels when you’re exhausted.
9. Incorporate Massage Therapy.
According to a 2002 study conducted by the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami, along with staff from the university’s neurology department and Duke University’s pharmacology department, Parkinson’s disease symptoms are reduced by massage therapy. In this study, the group of adults with Parkinson’s disease who received two massages a week for five weeks experienced improved daily functioning, increased quality of sleep and decreased stress-hormone levels. The study’s authors reported, “These findings suggest that massage therapy enhances functioning in progressive or degenerative central nervous system disorders or conditions.”
While several different massage modalities have been quantifiably researched in the context of Parkinson’s, including Trager, Alexander Technique and Swedish massage, all modalities report improvement in function, from the reduction of rigidity and improvement of sleep, to the reduction of tremor and increase of daily activity stamina.
10. Medical Marijuana (CBD)
The two primary chemicals that are isolated from the cannabis plant are Delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). THC exerts the mind-altering effects that recreational marijuana is known for, whereas CBD does not. For the most part, medical marijuana consists of purified combinations of these two chemicals in varying ratios. The combination can be dispensed as a liquid, pill or nasal spray. Both THC and CBD interact with the ECS.
*You can volunteering for Trial with The Michael J. Fox Foundation.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to funding research into therapies for Parkinson’s disease, supports research to identify new targets for therapies as well as improving current therapies.
