Parkinson's Disease Treatment in Ayurveda

Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement (Nervous System - Parkinson's Disease, 15 June 2020). It is a degenerative disease that affects the brain's ability to produce dopamine, a chemical messenger that helps control movements. It is named after James Parkinson, the doctor who first described it in 1817.

Parkinson's disease is quite prominent, affecting millions of people worldwide, with about 10 million individuals living with the disease globally. In the United States alone, 90,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease every year (“Statistics.” Parkinson's Foundation).

The root cause of Parkinson's disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. The disease is characterized by the loss of neurons in a specific region of the brain that produces dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps to control movement.

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, offers a holistic approach to health, focusing on the prevention of Parkinson's disease and the promotion of wellness rather than just the treatment of symptoms. It has been used for thousands of years to treat various diseases, including neurological disorders.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

The symptoms of Parkinson's disease usually develop slowly over several years. The early symptoms may be mild and easily overlooked. The most common symptoms of Parkinson's disease include:

• Tremors: Tremors or shaking of the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or face are often the first symptoms of Parkinson's disease. These tremors may occur at rest or during movement.
• Rigidity: Rigidity or stiffness in the arms, legs, or trunk can make it difficult to move or perform everyday tasks.
• Bradykinesia: Bradykinesia refers to slowness of movement. It can make simple tasks such as getting out of a chair or brushing your teeth difficult.
• Postural Instability: Postural instability refers to problems with balance and coordination. People with Parkinson's disease may have difficulty standing or walking.
• Difficulty with Speech and Writing: Parkinson's disease can affect the muscles used for speech and writing, making it difficult to communicate clearly.
• Other symptoms: Other symptoms of Parkinson's disease can include a loss of smell, constipation, depression, anxiety, and sleep problems.

It's important to note that not everyone with Parkinson's disease will experience all of these symptoms, and the severity of symptoms can vary widely from person to person. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to talk to a healthcare professional to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Parkinson's Disease in Ayurveda

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and can also cause sleep disturbances. In Ayurveda, the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—play an important role in the functioning of the body, including sleep.

Vata is responsible for movement, Pitta for digestion and metabolism, and Kapha for structure and stability. In Ayurveda, sleep is governed by the balance of these three doshas.

When Vata is imbalanced, it can cause sleep disturbances, such as difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Pitta imbalances can lead to insomnia, while Kapha imbalances can cause excessive sleepiness and difficulty waking up in the morning.

According to Ayurveda, sleep disorders are often caused by stress, anxiety, and poor diet. Stress and anxiety can create imbalances in the doshas, leading to sleep disturbances. A poor diet, particularly one that is high in heavy or processed foods, can also disrupt the doshas and interfere with sleep.

Ayurvedic Approach to Parkinson's Disease

Ayurvedic practitioners view health as a balance between mind, body, and spirit, and they use a holistic approach to restore this balance. When it comes to treating Parkinson's disease, Ayurveda may offer a range of treatments and therapies that can help improve quality of life. Here are some of the Ayurvedic treatments that may offer relief for Parkinson's symptoms:

• Panchakarma: Panchakarma therapy is a detoxification treatment that involves various therapies, such as massage, steam, and herbal enemas. This treatment is believed to help remove toxins from the body and improve overall health.
• Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic practitioners use various herbs and natural remedies to treat Parkinson's disease. For example, ashwagandha is an herb that is commonly used in Ayurveda to reduce inflammation and improve brain function. Brahmi is another herb that is used to improve cognitive function and memory.
• Yoga and Meditation: Yoga and meditation are integral parts of Ayurveda and can be beneficial for people with Parkinson's disease. These practices can help reduce stress and improve balance, flexibility, and coordination.
• Dietary Modifications: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet that is tailored to a person's individual needs and composition. A diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help improve overall health and reduce inflammation.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Ayurveda encourages lifestyle modifications, such as getting regular exercise, practicing stress management techniques, and establishing a regular sleep routine. These modifications can help improve overall health and reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Benefits of Ayurvedic Treatment for Parkinson's Disease

Ayurvedic treatment for Parkinson's disease may offer several benefits for people with the condition. Here are some ways Ayurvedic treatments can offer relief for Parkinson's symptoms:

• Reducing Inflammation: Parkinson's disease is characterized by inflammation in the brain, which leads to the death of dopamine-producing cells. Ayurvedic treatments that are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds may help reduce inflammation in the brain and protect dopamine-producing cells from damage.
• Improving Nerve Function: Ayurvedic treatments aim to nourish the nervous system, which can help improve nerve function and reduce symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement.
• Enhancing Cognitive Function: Ayurvedic herbs such as Brahmi and Shankhapushpi are believed to improve cognitive function and memory, which may be beneficial for people with Parkinson's disease who experience cognitive impairment.
• Improving Digestion and Metabolism: Ayurvedic treatments focus on improving digestion and metabolism, which can help reduce constipation and improve the absorption of nutrients. This is important for people with Parkinson's disease who may experience digestive issues and nutrient deficiencies.
• Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Ayurvedic practices such as yoga and meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety, which are common in people with Parkinson's disease. You can also use Cannabis Leaf Extract Oil (for stress & anxiety) from The Trost. It contains natural cannabis extract which helps to improve your focus, enhance mood, reduce stress, and activate neurotransmitters. Reducing stress can help improve the overall quality of life and reduce symptoms such as tremors and stiffness.  
• Supporting Overall Health: Ayurvedic treatments focus on promoting overall health and well-being, which improves the quality of life for people with Parkinson's disease. This includes dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies that can help boost immunity and reduce the risk of other health conditions.

Using CBD/Hemp Products for Parkinson's Disease

• CBD (cannabidiol) and hemp products have gained popularity in recent years for their potential therapeutic benefits. Some studies and anecdotal evidence indicate that using cannabidiol (CBD) oil may be helpful in alleviating certain symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Here are some potential benefits of using CBD/hemp products for Parkinson's disease.
• CBD/hemp products have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce inflammation in the brain and other parts of the body.
• One of the most common symptoms of Parkinson's disease is tremors, which can make it difficult to perform daily tasks. Some studies have found that CBD/hemp products may help reduce tremors in people with Parkinson's disease.
• Parkinson's disease can also cause sleep disturbances, which can have a negative impact on overall health and well-being. CBD/hemp products have been found to have a sedative effect, which may help improve sleep in people with Parkinson's disease.
• CBD/hemp products improve motor function in people with Parkinson's disease, which may improve their ability to perform daily tasks and maintain their independence.
• CBD/hemp products have been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system, which may help reduce anxiety and depression in people with Parkinson's disease.
• Overall, CBD oil is an effective ayurvedic medicine for Parkinson's that helps to cure the symptoms. However, it is recommended that you consult the doctor before considering CBD oil and hemp-based products for Parkinson's disease treatment. If you are looking to buy CBD oil or hemp-based products, then check out The Trost, where you can find hemp-based Ayurvedic medicine for Parkinson's. You can also contact the experts working in Ayurvedic medication for Parkinson's to get free consulting. 

Works Cited

• Nervous System - Parkinson's Disease, 15 June 2020, https://www.moh.gov.sa/en/HealthAwareness/EducationalContent/Diseases/Nervous-system/Pages/008.aspx. Accessed 15 April 2023.
• “Statistics.” Parkinson's Foundation, https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/statistics. Accessed 15 April 2023.

FAQs

Q.1. How effective is Ayurveda in curing Parkinson's disease?

Ans. Ayurveda may offer relief for Parkinson's symptoms. Ayurvedic treatments and therapies can help manage symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and anxiety and improve the overall quality of life.

Q.2. What does CBD oil do for Parkinson's disease?

Ans. CBD oil may offer relief for Parkinson's symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and anxiety, but more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.

Q.3. Where can I get CBD oils for Parkinson's in India?

Ans. CBD oils for Parkinson’s can be purchased online from certified and reputable companies. You can buy CBD oil from The Trost, a reputed brand offering hemp-based products directly sourced from the valley of Switzerland.