parkinsons disease , Ayurvedic treatment options - #34425

This is an important area where a careful, integrated approach between your current allopathic treatment (L-Dopa) and a complementary Ayurvedic regimen can be beneficial.

1. General Ayurvedic Suggestions for Parkinson’s Disease

Ayurveda views Parkinson’s disease primarily as a Vata Dosha imbalance, specifically affecting the nervous system (Majja Dhatu) and the body’s movements. The core principles for complementary management involve:

Vata Pacification: Using warm, unctuous (oily), and grounding remedies and therapies.

Nerve Nourishment (Rasayana): Rejuvenating the nervous system.

Detoxification (when appropriate): Removing accumulated toxins (Ama).

Key Ayurvedic Herbs Often Discussed:

Kapikacchu Mucuna pruriens A natural source of L-Dopa. Used in some Ayurvedic formulations (e.g., Zandopa) for its anti-parkinsonian properties. Must be used with extreme caution and under strict medical supervision as it contains L-Dopa and will interact with your synthetic L-Dopa medication. The dosage may need significant adjustment.

Ashwagandha Withania somnifera A nerve tonic (Rasayana). May help with stress, fatigue, and general nerve health. Generally considered safe, but check for any interactions with your current medication.

Brahmi Bacopa monnieri or Centella asiatica Supports cognitive function and acts as a nerve rejuvenator (Medhya Rasayana). Generally considered safe.

Bala Sida cordifolia Used for strengthening and nourishing the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.

Important Ayurvedic Therapies (Often Panchakarma)

These physical treatments are highly effective for Vata disorders and can be very beneficial for a 67-year-old patient: Abhyanga (Therapeutic Oil Massage): Regular full-body massage with medicated oils (like Mahanarayana Taila or Kshirabala Taila) to pacify Vata, improve circulation, and reduce stiffness.

Shirodhara: A continuous stream of warm oil, milk, or herbal decoction poured gently over the forehead. It is profoundly calming to the nervous system and can help reduce anxiety and tremors.

Basti (Medicated Enema): Considered the best treatment for Vata disorders. Oil or decoction-based enemas help balance Vata from its main site in the colon, which is said to have a powerful effect on the nervous system.

2. Role of Ayurvedic Herbo-Mineral Treatment (Rasa Aushadhis)

Herbo-mineral (or Rasa Aushadhis) formulations are a distinct and potent category of Ayurvedic medicine that combine herbs with purified and processed minerals and metals (like mercury, gold, silver, iron, copper, etc.).

Role in Parkinson’s Disease: Higher Potency and Bioavailability: They are used for chronic and complex diseases because, once properly processed (Shodhana, Marana), the minerals are believed to become micro-particles (bhasmas) that enhance the efficacy, bioavailability, and nerve-nourishing (Rasayana) effects of the herbs. Targeted Action: They are often prescribed to act quickly and directly on deep tissue levels, such as the nervous tissue (Majja Dhatu), which is key in Kampavata. Boosting Overall Vitality: They may be used to improve general health, immunity, and strength.

3. Safety and Duration of Herbo-Mineral Consumption (The ‘Metal’ Question)

The concern about heavy metals (like lead, mercury, and arsenic) in Ayurvedic medicines is valid and a subject of ongoing discussion and regulation.

Traditional Processing is Key: In classical Ayurveda, metals are never used in their raw form. They undergo extensive purification (Shodhana) and incineration (Marana) over several days to create bio-assimilable, non-toxic preparations called Bhasmas (ashes). When prepared correctly by a reputable manufacturer or pharmacy following classical texts, these bhasmas are traditionally considered safe and effective. The Safety Concern: The safety concern arises when: Formulations are made using improper or shortcut purification methods. Products are sourced from unregulated markets, particularly outside of India, where quality control and testing for heavy metal content may be lacking. Duration of Consumption: Consultation is Paramount: The duration for herbo-mineral consumption is highly individualized and must be determined by your Ayurvedic doctor based on your specific condition, response to treatment, and overall health status (especially kidney and liver function).

No Universal Rule: Unlike many purely herbal formulas that can be taken for a long time, Rasa Aushadhis are powerful and often given for specific periods (e.g., 1 to 6 months) followed by periodic breaks or rotation with purely herbal formulas. Mandatory Monitoring: Since you are 67 and combining treatments, if a herbo-mineral compound is prescribed, your Ayurvedic doctor should recommend regular monitoring of blood parameters, including kidney function tests (e.g., Serum Creatinine and Urea) and liver function tests (LFTs) to ensure safety during consumption.

You can pair

Cap. Palsinuron (S.G.Phytopharma) 2 caps twice a day with a cup of cow milk. for 6 months

Sesame seed oil pulling for 10-15 mins will help.

Pranayam and Meditation will also help.

Parkinsons cannot be cured completely but you will get a small amount of relief with this treatment.

HELLO RAJ,

Parkinson’s disease is a long term brain condition that affects movement and coordination. It happens when certain brain cells that produce dopamine start to degenerate

Dopamine helps control smooth, balanced muscle movement - when level drops, tremors, stiffness and slowness occur

COMMON SYMPTOMS -tremors -muscles stiffness or rigidity -slowness of mvoement -imbalance or tendency to fall -soft or slow speech -small handwriting -constipation -disturbed sleep, depression or fatigue

In Ayurveda, this condition is called kampavata

According to ayurveda -vata governs all motion, nerve impulses and coordination -when vata becomes vitiated or disturbed , it cause shaking, weakness, and mental fatigue -the brain and nerves are weak or depleted -poor digestion and toxin buildup can worsen symptoms

So, kampavata= vata imbaance + weakness of brain tissue + toxin accumulation

TREATMENT GOALS -pacify aggravated vata dosha -nourish brain and nerves -enhance digestion and metabolism -remove accumulated toxins -support mental calmness and emotional stability -improve quality of life and reduce medication side effects

EXTERNAL THERAPIES (panchakarma)- these balance vata and strengthen the nervous system

1) ABHYANGA= full body massage with warm medicated oil like Mahanarayana, ksheerbala taila =improves circulation, relaxes muscles, calms vata

2) SWEDANA= steam therapy after massage =reduces stiffness, and rigidity

3) SHIRODHARA= continuous pouring of warm oil on forehead =ccalms the mind, improvs sleep, reduces tremor

4) SHIROBASTI= retaining warm oil on head inside a cap =deep nourishment of brain tissues

5) BASTI= enema with herbal decoction or oils =the most effective for chronic vata disorders

6) NASYA= nasal drops with anu taila =clears head channels, supports brain

INTERNAL MEDICATIONS

HERBAL POWDERS/ TABLETS

-ASHWAGANDHA CHURNA= 1 tsp with warm milk daily

-KAPIKACCHU CHURNA= 5 tsp twice daily after meals =natural source of L-dopa , supports dopamine levels

-BRAHMI = 500mg twice daily capsules =enhances memory, calmness

-GUDUCHI GHAN VATI= 2 tabs I morning =anti inflammatory, supports immunity

MEDICATED GHEE/ RASAYANA -KALYANAKA GHRITA= 1 tsp in warm milk daily morning =brain rejuvinator, enhances memory

ARISHTA -SARASWATARISHTA/ ASHWAGANDHARISHTA= 15 ml twice daily after meals =improves speech, strength , sleep

HERBO MINERAL PREPARATIONS

-VATAGAJANKUSHA RAS, SMRITISAGAR RASA, EKANGAVEER RASA= 1 tab 125 mg once =controls tremors, and righty (use for short course)

GENERAL LIFESTYLE -maintain a regular daily routine sleep and wake up same time -avoid excess stress, overwork, loud noise, anger, anxiety -take adequate rest and good sleep -prefer warm oil self massage daily before bath -avoid cold, dry, windy, or stress full environments -gentle sunlight exposure helps mood and bone health

YOGA helps improve balance, fexibility, and calmness -tadasana -vrikshasana -trikonasana -pawanmuktasana -bhujangasana -shavasana

PRANAYAM -anulom vilom -bhramari -ujjayi -deep diaphragmatic breathing

DIET -warm, soft, freshly cooked meals -ghee, milk, almonds soaked, sesame seeds -cooked vegetable -fruits like banana,dates, figs, papaya -herbal teas= ginger, cinnamon, tulsi

AVOID -cold,dry, leftover, or processed food -raw salads, excess pulses like chana, rajma -tea, coffee, alcohol,smoking -sour or fermented foods in excess curd at night, pickles

DRINK= warm water or herbal teas, avoid ice cold drinks

HOPE THIS MIGHT HELPFUL

THANK YOU

DR. MAITRI ACHARYA