Parkinson disease, also called primary parkinsonism, paralysis agitans, or idiopathic parkinsonism, a degenerative neurological disorder. Parkinson's disease (PD) is a type of movement disorder. It happens when nerve cells in the brain don't produce enough of a brain chemical called dopamine. Sometimes it is genetic, but most cases do not seem to run in families. Exposure to chemicals in the environment might play a role.

Symptoms begin gradually, often on one side of the body. Later they affect both sides. They include

1. Trembling of hands, arms, legs, jaw and face
2. Stiffness of the arms, legs and trunk
3. Slowness of movement
4. Poor balance and coordination

As symptoms get worse, people with the disease may have trouble walking, talking, or doing simple tasks. They may also have problems such as depression, sleep problems, or trouble chewing, swallowing, or speaking.

Ayurvedic view and Treatment option :-
Parkinson’s disease is commonly referred to as ‘Kampa Vata’(tremors). Based on the principles of Ayurveda, Parkinson’s disease develops due to the aggravation of Vata Dosha in the brain’s nerves. This leads to drying of nerves with effects including shaking of hands and fingers, stiffness in muscles and inability to turn at once. Ayurveda works on the principle of achieving balance among three main Doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. According to Ayurveda, Vata governs the air and body movement, and Parkinsons disease is caused by an imbalance of the Vata Dosha. In the course of time, the aggravated air damages the area of the brain that controls involuntary movements, giving rise to Parkinsons symptoms.The existence of Parkinsons disease has been suggested in ancient Ayurvedic scripts dating more than 3000 years ago.

Causes of Parkinson's Disease or Kampa vata according to Ayurveda :-
The potential cause for Parkinson is believed to be a faulty lifestyle which aggravates the Vata Dosha in the body, for instance, improper Aahar and Vihar regimen. This excess Vata travels in the body through Srotas (microchannels) and occupies available free spaces. Gradually, after some time such unhealthy accumulations of Vata Dosha in the body lead to the development of the symptoms of Parkinson (Kampavata).

Ayurvedic treatment of Parkinson's Disease or Kampa vata :-
Ayurveda treatment for Parkinson's disease is primarily targeted to normalize the vitiated Vata Dosha. Oilation and fomentation therapies followed by rejuvenation therapies are advised for the complete healing as under :

1. Fomentation and oilation form the basis of constitutional treatment. Ingestion of oils, oleation through massage (abhyanga) and enema (basti) are also indicated for Parkinson’s treatment.
2. Medicated oils containing ashwagandha and bala are frequently used to pacify vata and build ojas. To relieve symptoms of Parkinson’s, certified organic virgin cold pressed coconut oil has shown good results.
3. Another popular herb that has shown effectiveness in treating Parkinson’s- kapikkachhu, cowhage or Mucuna Pruriens, contains Levodopamine or L-dopa within its seeds, used in western medicine to treat the disease.
4. Brahmi, also known as Bacopa, this Ayurvedic herb has been used for centuries for memory enhancement, improving circulation to the brain cells and even protect them from damage.
5. Studies have shown that the polyphenols present in green tea protect dopamine neurons and the neuroprotective agent in green tea reduces neuronal death by half.
6. Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, may aid in combating symptoms of Parkinson’s by preventing aggregation of and disrupting proteins that are responsible for the disease

Dietary tips for Parkinson's disease treatment :-

1. It is vital for the patients to remember that they have to control their diet in order to get a better grasp on their weight. Being healthy and being the right weight can go a long way when it comes to keeping the body ready for the medication it takes in every day.
2. It is good for people with Parkinson's to include high fiber foods in their diet. Some of the most important foods with high fiber include legumes like peas and beans, whole grain bread and food, vegetables, cereals, bran, pasta, rice, fresh fruits etc.
3. It is important for these people to also avoid food that has a lot of cholesterol or saturated fat.
4. It is best to reduce the amount of milk or yogurt a person consumes as well. Sugar intake should also be severely limited.
5. Salt intake should also be limited.
6. High water intake would be an important aspect of Parkinson's disease treatment. At least 8 glasses of water should be consumed per day. However, people have to make sure that they don't severely increase the intake of water for they might end up losing important minerals from their body.
7. It is better for people to avoid alcohol when they are on medication to treat Parkinson's for the alcohol might interfere with the medication.

At the early stage it is found that Ayurvedic Herbs and Panchakarma treatments do give considerable results. It is noticed that the progression of the disease is arrested and gradual relief from symptoms happened. Pain, numbness, stiffness etc. are reduced and to a certain extent the tremors are also controlled. It is assumed that both internal and external medicines and treatments in the Ayurvedic system help to check the dopamine loss in the brain cells and the neurodegeneration process is thus delayed and diluted. Gradually the patient gets power to withstand the symptoms.
At the advanced stage of the disease also Ayurveda has an effective role to play. Prolonged inpatient treatment with counseling helps the patient to recover gradually. When they get both physical and mental power from these treatments, usually the discomforts are experienced to be coming under control. The percentage of relief is dependent upon the age of the patient, chronicity of the symptoms and also duration of the onset of the disease.
For further detailed & personalised treatment plans, please consult expert Ayurveda doctors at Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal Clinic as early as possible







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