Parkinson's and how Ayurveda can help

Parkinson's is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs the sufferers motor skills, speech and other functions. It belongs to a group of conditions called movement disorders and it develops from a loss of dopamine producing cells.

Parkinson's distinct triad of symptoms are

1. Bradykinsesia (slow physical movement)

1. Rigidity - muscle stiffness can occur in any part of the body

1. Tremor/ shaking - often occurs when the hand is at rest

In Ayurveda Parkinson's disease known as Kampavata or Vephatu and is considered to be a Vataja nanatmaja Vyadhi (diease of Vata). Kampavata can be translated as tremors due to Vata.

Reference from Madhava Nidana 22: 74

The whole body or head, hands, legs get tremors. This is called vepathu or kampa. This causes difficulty in movements and walking.

In the time of Charaka and Sushruta a cluster of symptoms (sanskrit words below) are described which can be seen as a description of Parkinson's disease.

Kampa = tremor

Sirakampa = head tremor

Stambha = rigidity

Cestasana = bradykinesia

Vakvikrti = disturbance in speech

Bhudhikshaya = cognitive impairment. depression, anxiety, change in mood

Nidranasha = sleep disturbance

The Ayurvedic treatment approach will involve Vata and Kapha reducing measures with diet , and herbs (e.g. Kapikaccu churna, Rasona,Ashwagandha and Bala churnam) and external treatment.

External therapies are:

Abhyangam (oil  massage)

Svedana (herbal steam)

Shirodhara

Patra Potali svedam (special prepared bolus of medicinal leaves)

Pizhichil (pouring medicated oil in a specific manner over the body)

Thalam (applying medicines over the centre of the head)

Udvarthanam (powder massge)

Basti (Anuvasanam = a type of medicated enema)

Nasya (administration of nasal drops)

Rasayana (rejuvenation treatment)

For more information or interest in a consultation please email: info@lakshmiayurveda.com.au