Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
Last week we had several patient at the clinic suffering from Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that can impair the person’s 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. This is an ailment close to my heart as my ❤️grandmother (Oma) suffered with Parkinson’s and I often think that it would have been so wonderful if Ayurveda would have been available for her.
My memories of my grandmother are:
Her strong tremor, she spilled so much coffee ☕️ before she actually had a sip for herself.
It was difficult to understand her slurred speech and all that drooling.
A face with less facial movements and expression. The scientific term is hypomimia for this.
She was unable to sit straight and always slumped to one side.
She had a walking stick, later a walking frame then a wheelchair and then totally bedbound.
She had a big box of medication in smartie colours and I wondered what they would taste like.
I didn’t really know how to take all this.
Reflecting on this as an adult I can certainly say that this ailment (Parkinson’s) prevented me from getting to know my grandmother better. What a beautiful women suffered badly from this disease but never complained.
Parkinson’s distinct triad of symptoms are:
In Ayurveda Parkinson’s disease known as Kampavata or Vephatu and is considered to be a Vataja nanatmaja Vyadhi (disease of Vata). Kampavata can be translated as tremors due to Vata.
Reference from Madhava Nidana 22: 74 (a classical ayurvedic text book).
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.
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 body treatment. An initial consultation is required to establish a suitable treatment plan. Sam, Kelsey and myself are available for consultations Monday - Saturday.
Some more reading for the students of Ayurveda and Ayurveda professionals.
Avarana (overlapping doshas) is evident in Kampavata and avaranagna chikitsa needs to be applied. Kaphavrta Vyana, Kaphavrta Udana, Udanavrta vyana and Majja vrtta Vata.
The Samprapti ghataka / disease etio pathogenesis
Parkinson’s is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that can impair the person’s 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. This is an ailment close to my heart as my ❤️grandmother (Oma) suffered with Parkinson’s and I often think that it would have been so wonderful if Ayurveda would have been available for her.
My memories of my grandmother are:
Her strong tremor, she spilled so much coffee ☕️ before she actually had a sip for herself.
It was difficult to understand her slurred speech and all that drooling.
A face with less facial movements and expression. The scientific term is hypomimia for this.
She was unable to sit straight and always slumped to one side.
She had a walking stick, later a walking frame then a wheelchair and then totally bedbound.
She had a big box of medication in smartie colours and I wondered what they would taste like.
I didn’t really know how to take all this.
Reflecting on this as an adult I can certainly say that this ailment (Parkinson’s) prevented me from getting to know my grandmother better. What a beautiful women suffered badly from this disease but never complained.
Parkinson’s distinct triad of symptoms are:
- Bradykinsesia (slow physical movement)
- Rigidity – muscle stiffness can occur in any part of the body
- 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 (disease of Vata). Kampavata can be translated as tremors due to Vata.
Reference from Madhava Nidana 22: 74 (a classical ayurvedic text book).
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(slow movement)
- 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 body treatment. An initial consultation is required to establish a suitable treatment plan. Sam, Kelsey and myself are available for consultations Monday - Saturday.
Some more reading for the students of Ayurveda and Ayurveda professionals.
Avarana (overlapping doshas) is evident in Kampavata and avaranagna chikitsa needs to be applied. Kaphavrta Vyana, Kaphavrta Udana, Udanavrta vyana and Majja vrtta Vata.
The Samprapti ghataka / disease etio pathogenesis
- Doshas: all five types of Vata, Sadhaka Pitta , Tarpaka Kapha
- Dushya: Rasa, Majja, Shukra, Mamsa
- Updadhatu snayu and Ojas
- Srotas: Rasa, Shukravaha, Majjavaha, Mamsavaha
- Srotodushti: Sanga
- Agni: Jatharagni
- Manifestation: Sarvanga/ whole body.
External therapies are:
Abhyangam (oil massage) with Sahacharadi kuzhambu, Mashathailam, Prabanjanam thailam
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 massage)
Basti (Anuvasanam = a type of medicated enema)
Nasya (administration of nasal drops) with lasuna tailam
Rasayana (rejuvenation treatment) , Pippali rasayana, lasuna rasayanam
More than 20 years since my grandmother has passed, I often imagine what a difference it would have made for her on an emotional and physical level receiving Abhyanga treatments, Svedana/ sudation, Shirodhara treatments and a nurturing diet. I wished I could have made this possible for her
Ayurveda truly is a holistic system of medicine addressing all needs of a human being.
If you are suffering from Kampavata and would like to know more on the Ayurvedic treatment approach please email us on info@lakshmiayurveda.au
We look forward hearing from you,
With Love Karin and the Lakshmi Ayurveda team ❤️
#Parkinson #Parkinsondisease #vata #vatavyadhi #Ayurveda #ayurvedicmedicine #substantianigra #dopamine #tremor #rigidity #gait #balanceproblems #lakshmi #lakshmiayurveda #kampavata
Leave a comment
Comments will be approved before showing up.