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Overview

Parkinson’s Disease is part of a group of common neurodegenerative diseases that occur due to damage to specific brain neurons responsible for coordination and precise muscle control.

Neurodegenerative disorders affecting brain cells slowly damage the nervous system. These disorders develop over time, with symptoms usually appearing later in life.

Parkinsonism is a group of diseases that includes types of Parkinson’s Disease – Typical and Atypical, and Secondary forms of Parkinsonism. 

Parkinson’s Disease accounts for nearly 80% of all Parkinsonism and typically presents with symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slow movement (motor symptoms). Symptoms like constipation, a reduced sense of smell, sleep disturbances, reduced facial expressions, and a low voice (non-motor symptoms) can appear years before clinical diagnosis.

This disorder results from damage to the nerve cells that produce dopamine within the body. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter necessary for smooth and coordinated muscle movements. Degeneration in these neuronal pathways is due to the toxic accumulation of clumps of proteins known as Lewy bodies. The most common treatment modality for Parkinson’s Disease centres on increasing the levels of dopamine by providing its precursor Levodopa or inhibitors of dopamine breakdown. As the disease worsens, higher doses of Levodopa are needed, which causes motor side effects and abrupt changes as a response to Levodopa. 

Apollo AyurVAID uses the Precision Ayurveda approach to manage Parkinson’s Disease. It emphasises the root cause and the individual’s specific imbalances. This personalised treatment offers three significant clinical advantages:

Slowing Disease Progression: Ayurveda may help alter the neurodegenerative process from the early (prodromal) stage onward.

Reducing Side Effects: Ayurvedic interventions can effectively decrease the incident rates and the severity of these side effects associated with conventional Parkinson’s Disease therapies.

Improving Non-Motor Symptoms: Ayurveda manages many symptoms related to sleep disorders, constipation, anxiety, and even cognitive decline, thus uplifting the general quality of life.

Who Can Benefit and Who May Not: Ayurvedic Treatment Scope in Parkinson's

Who Benefits from Ayurveda Treatment?

  • Early-stage Parkinson’s Disease: It helps slow disease progression and manage symptoms 

  • Young-onset Parkinson’s Disease:  Parkinsonism is most commonly seen in older adults; however, approximately 10% of cases occur at or before the age of 50, termed as Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD).

  • Chronic and stable Parkinson’s Disease: Without any life-threatening deviations in vital parameters. 

  • Co-managed care (along with modern medicine) by AyurVAID may benefit individuals with:

    Chronic, Progressive Parkinson’s with life-threatening complications/significant deviation in vital parameters.

    Parkinson’s Disease who need immediate attention from multidisciplinary experts for the management of both the disease and comorbidities.

Special Consideration 

  • Patients with Atypical Parkinsonism: Atypical conditions are more complex, don’t respond well to standard Parkinson’s medications, and progress faster. Ayurveda can improve overall health, manage non-motor symptoms, reduce stress, and support palliative care.

Who May Not Benefit from Ayurveda Treatment?

🚫 Patients with severe cognitive decline or psychological disorders (e.g., dementia, psychosis, depression).
🚫 Extremely fragile patients who may not tolerate intensive Ayurvedic therapies.

Ayurveda scope

Key benefits

What Parkinson's Patients Can Expect from AyurVAID’s Approach

Conventional medicine focuses on managing motor symptoms by employing dopaminergic drugs like Levodopa to supplement the loss of dopamine levels in the brain’s striatum. However, if taken for a long time, Levodopa can produce side effects in the form of dyskinesias (involuntary movements) and dystonia (muscle stiffness) and doesn’t modify the course of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Patients may experience a wearing-off effect, whereby symptoms reappear before the next scheduled dose of medication, thus becoming more challenging to manage over time.

The Apollo AyurVAID treatment philosophy centers on a multi-modal treatment potential, including symptomatic relief, disease progression control, and improved quality of life. Outcomes may vary from patient to patient; however, most patients can expect the following outcomes:

  • Improved Parkinsonism-Related Symptoms
    Improved mobility, posture, gait, balance, speech, writing skills, and function
    Reduced rigidity and tremors 
    Reversal of slowed movement step by step 
    Improved and maintained mental sharpness
  • Delay in Disease Progression
    Slower progression of neurological symptoms
    Increased bioavailability of dopamine drugs, especially in wearing-off periods
    Potential delay in the need for invasive interventions.
  • Optimising Levodopa’s Therapeutic Window
    Ayurveda addresses variability in Levodopa’s effectiveness by:
    Using digestive herbs that improve its absorption and delay its gastric emptying
    Applying gut-balancing procedures like Basti for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
    Appropriate dietary modifications that address protein interference and improve Levodopa absorption
  • Improvement of Overall Health and Wellbeing
    Better digestion and better sleep, along with reduced stress and anxiety
    Simultaneous comorbidities management (Such as high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic inflammation, obesity, etc.).

Causes

Causative Factors (Nidanas) for Parkinson’s Disease

  1. Genetic Factors: The gene mutation GBA1 may potentiate the risk of Parkinson’s Disease, especially when combined with other factors such as age and environment.
  2. Environmental Toxins: Pesticides and herbicides can damage dopamine-producing brain cells and increase the risk of Parkinson’s Disease.
  3. Age: The degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain is one of the primary causes of tremors; thus, there are involuntary and rhythmic movements of limbs. Parkinson’s is seen in the elderly, usually above the age of 60, and increases in risk as people grow older, with a greater prevalence rate among men.
  4. Injuries and Infections: Multiple head injuries lead to chronic inflammation and neurodegeneration, thus increasing the risk of Parkinson’s Disease due to the destruction or disruption of dopamine-producing brain cells.
  5.  

Assured relief from joint pain, stiffness and numbness with Precision Ayurveda

*PROM Patient Reported Outcome Measures

Assured relief from joint pain, stiffness and numbness with Precision Ayurveda

*PROM Patient Reported Outcome Measures

Symptoms

Symptoms (Rupa) of Osteoarthritis

Pathogenesis

Samprapti (Pathogenesis) of Osteoarthritis

According to the Ayurveda perspective, Parkinson’s Disease is a palpable example of an aggravated state of Vata, particularly affecting the majja dhatu (nervous system) and srotas (subtle channels). All these changes correlate very well with the recent findings demonstrating that Parkinson’s Disease may originate in the gut. This realisation strengthens the Ayurveda view, wherein gut and neurological disorders are believed to be rooted in disturbed Vata in Koshtha. As a result, early gut-related symptoms like constipation act as alarm signs.

Progression of Parkinson’s Symptoms

Parkinson’s Disease has pre-disease symptoms that can appear months to decades before diagnosis. These include constipation (affecting nearly 80% of patients), loss of smell, reduced facial expressions, low voice, sleep disturbances, and dizziness. Constipation, in particular, often develops years before other symptoms emerge. 

Stages of Motor Symptoms 

  1. Symptoms are present on one side only (unilateral) 
  2. Symptoms are present on both sides, but no impairment of balance 
  3. Balance impairment and mild to moderate disease progression 
  4. Severe disability, but still able to walk or stand unassisted 
  5. Needing a wheelchair or bedridden unless assisted

SOURCE: Castilla-Cortázar, I., Aguirre, G.A., Femat-Roldán, G. et al. Is insulin-like growth factor-1 involved in Parkinson’s disease development?. J Transl Med 18, 70 (2020).

AyurVAID’s Approach

AyurVAID’s 4-Step Approach to Determine Root Cause and Create Individualized Treatment Plan

  1. Whole-Person Health Assessment
    Our specially trained doctors conduct this assessment to evaluate the present and past complaints, Nidana Panchaka (causative factors), and disease pathways through clinical methods such as Ashta Sthana Pariksha (8-fold examination), Dasha Vidha Pariksha (10 factors), and Srota Pariksha. Other evaluations include neurological evaluations, tremor assessments, and gait and postural stability testing, with necessary blood work and imaging like MRIs for a complete understanding of neurological health.

     

  2. Disease Tree 
    A disease tree, bringing forth the root causes, clinical signs, and symptoms, is developed from the causative factors and dosha imbalances with particular emphasis on Vata, affected Dhatus, and progression pattern. Such motor and non-motor symptom mapping elucidate the connections between neurological imbalances and their manifestations over the body.
     
  3. Personalized Protocol-Based Care Plan
    Based on the disease tree and assessments, we develop a personalized protocol-based treatment directed towards movement quality improvement, alleviation of tremor, enhancement of balance, and addressing non-motor symptoms. The treatment plan comprises classical Ayurveda medicines acting on neurodegenerative processes, special therapies such as Nasya and Shirodhara, and functional rehabilitation consisting of individualized exercises, dietary modifications, and techniques for stress management aimed at slowing disease progression and enhancing the quality of life.

     

  4. Disease Monitoring and Outcomes Tracking
    Treatment efficacy and disease progression are tracked using the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Dynamic Gait Index, etc. Improvement in specific symptoms such as tremor severity, gait mechanics, sleep quality, and cognitive function provide an objective measure of treatment efficacy.

Treatment Plan

AyurVAID’s Protocol-Driven Treatment for Parkinson's (Precision Ayurveda)

Ayurveda views Parkinson’s Disease (Kampavata) as a Vata-dominant disorder, necessitating a comprehensive approach to treatment. A cure for essential tremors may not be possible. An integrative approach can restore balance, improve digestion, enhance nerve function, reduce Inflammation, manage Parkinson’s Disease by reducing motor and non-motor symptoms, and optimise Levodopa’s Therapeutic Window. The general Ayurveda treatment for Parkinson’s Disease is structured in a three-stage systematic approach:

Purvakarma (Preparatory Procedures)

Deepana-Pachana (Enhancement of Digestion & Metabolism): The use of herbs to stimulate Agni (the digestive fire) and to reduce the effects of Ama (tissue inflammation).

Rookshana (Drying therapies): Medicines are used to negate the excessive involvement of Kapha in the first stage, wherein Kapha obstructs the normal functioning of Vata.

Snehana (Oleation Therapy): Abhyanga (External) uses Vata-pacifying oils to reduce rigidity and tremors and enhance flexibility. 

Snehapana (Internal administration of medicated ghee): This therapy nourishes the nervous system and supports brain function. In addition, it liquefies the stool and relieves constipation.

Swedana (Steam Therapy): Uses herbal steam for relaxing muscles, alleviating stiffness, and preparing tissues for the primary procedures.

Paschatkarma (Post-Treatment Care)

Medhya Rasayanas (Brain tonics): These medicines help sharpen memory, support cognitive functions, reduce strains, improve neuronal health, and ensure healthy mental clarity with neuroprotection.

Caution: Kapikachu (Mucuna pruriens), a well-known traditional Ayurveda herb, holds many possible therapeutic advantages over Parkinson’s Disease; however, it should be used within limits due to its extremely potent bioactive compounds, most notably Levodopa (L-dopa). Overconsumption can lead to neurological, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal issues; hence, herbal medication should not be self-administered. Use in pregnancy and lactation should also be avoided unless prescribed. 

Dietary Management

Ingest lighter, warmer food, and keep a regular meal time to avoid aggravating Vata.

Cumin, pepper, and ginger are good in aiding digestion and lowering nerve degradation.

Lifestyle Modifications

Establishing a regular sleep pattern and incorporating gentle exercise, pranayama, and yogasanas may help improve mobility and nerve stability.

Ayurveda manages the entire spectrum of symptoms in a person with Parkinson’s Disease while maximising the effects of levodopa. It uses a range of treatments, including panchakarma, herbal preparations, dietary changes, and lifestyle alterations, all aimed at ameliorating symptoms and improving the quality of life. These therapies require the supervision of a qualified Ayurveda practitioner and must be personalised to define patient preferences.

Outcomes Delivered

AyurVAID follows a structured, protocol-driven approach to ensure effective treatment and sustainable recovery. 

To ensure effective treatment and track progress, baseline values are taken using:

Disease Standard Scales: International scales such as UPDRS (Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale) and MDS-UPDRS (Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale) evaluate motor and non-motor symptoms and daily living activities.

Biomarkers and Imaging Techniques: To assess progress and improvements.

Patient-Reported Outcomes: To track improvement while maintaining transparency and avoiding bias.

Key Performance Highlights for Parkinson's Treatment at AyurVAID

Based on 45 recent patients who underwent treatment across AyurVAID centers. The shared data is for representative purposes only; actual outcomes may vary from patient to patient. Measured using standardized Parkinson’s assessment scales and patient-reported outcomes.
Key Performance Highlights1
  • 45% improvement on WOMAC2 scales for patients who took treatment with AyurVAID (16% improvement considered significant in conventional approach3)​
  • Patient reported improvements from Poor (1.3/5.0) to Good (3.3/5.0) in Pain, Stiffness and Numbness​
  • 94% of recent patients who took Ayurveda treatment could avoid TKR4​
  • 93% of patients expressed satisfaction with AyurVAID treatment of OsteoArthritis; 90% of patients are willing to recommend others for OA treatment​

 

1. Based on 212 recent patients who took treatment across AyurVAID centers; The shared data is for representative purpose only; the actual outcomes may vary from patient to patient
2. WOMAC-Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities OA index – Standard Scale used to globally to assess the severity of OA
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.
gov/articles/PMC3283484/#F2

4. Based on a survey done with 50 random patients who took treatment with AyurVAID between 2019 and 2024

Scientific Publications

Case Studies

Scientific Publications

  1. Management of Parkinson’s disease in Ayurveda: Medicinal plants and adjuvant measures; 2017, Review Article: The study suggests that Ayurvedic medicine may improve outcomes for Parkinson’s Disease (PD) by reducing side effects of conventional treatments, improving non-motor and motor symptoms, and offering neuroprotection. Mucuna pruriens, medicated enemas, nasal instillation of oils, Withania somnifera, and Curcuma longa are highlighted for their potential benefits in managing PD. 
  2. An Alternative Medicine Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease: Results of a Multicenter Clinical Trial.HP-200 in Parkinson’s Disease Study Group;1995, Research Article: The study found that HP-200, derived from Mucuna pruriens, was an effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease, as shown by statistically significant reductions in Hoehn and Yahr stage and UPDRS scores after 12 weeks of treatment. The adverse effects of HP-200 were mild, mainly gastrointestinal.
  3. Association of L-DOPA with recovery following Ayurveda medication in Parkinson’s disease; 2000, Research Article: In this clinical prospective study, Ayurveda treatment, which includes a concoction in cow’s milk of powdered Mucuna pruriens and Hyoscyamus reticulatus seeds and Withania somnifera and Sida cordifolia roots, improved activities of daily living and motor examination scores in Parkinson’s patients. This improvement was particularly noticeable in patients undergoing cleansing and palliative therapy.
  4. Personalized Response of Parkinson’s Disease Gut Microbiota to Nootropic Medicinal Herbs In Vitro: A Proof of Concept; 2023, Research Article: In this in vitro study, Ayurvedic medicinal herbs substantially changed the gut microbiota of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) patients, with each patient exhibiting a unique, personalized response. The study suggests that analyzing PD stool samples in vitro could help prescreening patients to determine which medicinal herbs are most likely to be beneficial for each individual.
  5. Metabolomics analysis highlights Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.)-mediated neuroprotection in a rotenone-induced cellular model of Parkinson’s disease by restoring the mTORC1-AMPK1 axis in autophagic regulation; 2022, Research Article: In a rotenone-induced cellular model of Parkinson’s disease (PD), Yashtimadhu, an Indian traditional medicine derived from licorice, demonstrated neuroprotective effects by restoring metabolites involved in nucleic acid, amino acid, and lipid metabolism, as well as the citric acid cycle. Yashtimadhu prevented the dysregulation of the citric acid cycle and restored autophagy and cell death processes, indicating its potential in modulating energy stress and autophagy in PD.

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Parkinson’s Disease as per Ayurveda?
Parkinson's Disease is a movement disorder commonly associated with a lack of dopamine in the body. In Ayurveda, it is called Kampavata, which is caused by a disturbance in Vata dosha and depleted Kapha dosha, leading to neurological dysfunction.
Can Ayurveda manage Parkinson’s Disease?
Ayurvedic interventions are frequently employed to balance Vata dosha, detoxify, and rejuvenate the nervous system. This helps relieve symptoms, slow its progression, and vastly enhance the quality of life.
What is the cause of Parkinson’s Disease?
As per Ayurveda, old age combined with rigors such as Viruddha Ahara (the wrong diet), imbalance in Vihara (wrong lifestyle), stress, and ama (various toxins) that aggravate Vata dosha and disrupt Majja Dhatu (nervous system) are some of the causative factors for Parkinson’s Disease.
How does AyurVAID diagnose and treat Parkinson’s Disease?
AyurVAID follows a 4-step process: Whole-person health assessment, detailed analysis of disease tree, individualised protocol-based care plan, and disease monitoring using standardised scales and tools.
What lifestyle changes are suggested in Ayurveda for Parkinson's Disease?
Recommendations include:
  • Regular oil massages to pacify Vata dosha. Eat a nourishing, warm diet rich in ghee and herbs.
  • Avoid cold, dry, and processed foods.
  • Gentle yoga and breathing exercises to improve function and calm the mind.
  • Is Ayurveda therapy for Parkinson’s Disease safe?
    Yes. Ayurveda therapy is safe, effective, protocol-driven, evidence-based, and personalised.
    Is Ayurveda effective in relieving tremors in Parkinsonism?
    Ayurveda therapies pacify the aggravated Vata dosha and rejuvenate the nervous system, thus alleviating motor symptoms such as tremors.
    Can Ayurveda lead to reversals in Parkinson's Disease?
    Although there is no reversal of the disease in a true sense, Ayurveda methods can slow down the progression and decrease dependency on medication, thus improving the quality of life.
    What is the duration of the Ayurveda treatment for Parkinson's?
    The duration of treatment varies based on the severity of the condition, but in general, significant improvements in symptoms and overall well-being are typically seen within a few months of regular treatment.
    What are the advantages of Ayurvedic treatment in the management of Parkinson's?
  • Addresses root causes, not just symptoms
  • Reduces the need for surgery or heavy medication
  • Improves the overall physical, mental and emotional well-being
  • Are there any side effects of Ayurvedic medicines for Parkinson’s disease?
    The Ayurvedic medicines prescribed under the direction of qualified practitioners like those at AyurVAID are safe and typically free from side effects due to their natural and time-tested formulation.

    References

    References

    Manyam BV, Kumar A. Ayurvedic constitution (prakruti) identifies risk factor of developing Parkinson’s disease. J Altern Complement Med. 2013 Jul;19(7):644-9. doi: 10.1089/acm.2011.0809. Epub 2013 Mar 7. PMID: 23819563.

    Mridula Chaturvedi, Abhishek Kumar Chaturvedi. Recent Advancement in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases by Ayurveda, Recent Advances in the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Disorders (2021) 1: 11. icon

    Gerson S. The Ayurvedic approach to Parkinson’s disease (Kampavata) [Internet]. Gerson Institute of Ayurvedic Medicine; 2019 Feb 12 [cited 2025 Mar 3]. Available from: icon

    Castilla-Cortázar Larrea I, Aguirre G, Femat-Roldán G, Martín Del Estal I, Espinosa L. Is insulin-like growth factor-1 involved in Parkinson’s disease development?. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2020;18. icon

    S Suraksha, S J Lolashri, Kiran M Goud. Ayurvedic management of Parkinson’s disease – A Case Study. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2023;8(1):194-200. Available From: icon

    Ansari S, Kodwani G. Role of incompatible food and regimen in neurological disorders. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2023;8(10):153-159. Available From: icon

    Dharmani G, Bhardwaj D. Management of Parkinson’s disease through Ayurvedic approach: A case report. Journal of Ayurveda Case Reports. 2022;5(4):183-186. icon

    Verma J, Mangal G, Garg G. Parkinson’s Disease: Treatment Approach Through Ayurveda (Based on Previous Studies and PubMed Articles). 2019;6:454. icon

    Kaviya Raghubala et al. The Role Of Ayurveda In The Management Of Parkinson’s Disease – A Review Article. Int Ayurvedic Med J. 2016. icon

    Nimmi M Menon, Manjunath Adiga, Amritha E Pady. Understanding Parkinson’s Disease (PD) In Ayurvedic Prospective. Int J Ayurveda Pharma Res. 2021;9(6):86-92. icon

    Choudhury B. Approach to neurological disorder in Ayurveda. Indian J Med Res Pharm Sci. 2015;2(12). icon

    Madhur S. 7 Ayurveda Ways to Manage Parkinson’s Disease. Apollo AyurVAID Hospitals. 2024 Dec 13. icon

    Halpern M. Parkinson’s Disease (Kampavata): Understanding the Ayurvedic Approach. California College of Ayurveda. 2017 Jun 30. icon

    Dr. Shereen Sreenivas, Dr. Muralidhara, Dr. Sindhura A. S. The purview of Parkinsonism in Ayurveda. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci. 2019;5:249-254. icon

    Byadgi PS. An Insight into the Conventional and Ayurvedic Therapies for the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease. J Clin Diagn Res. 2022. icon

    What Is Parkinson’s Disease | APDA. icon

    Shankar A. Parkinson Disease and Ayurveda. J Nat Ayurvedic Med. icon

    Jayaraj RL, Ravindar DJ, Manigandan K, Padarthi PK, Namasivayam E. An overview of Parkinson’s disease and oxidative stress: herbal scenario. Neuropathol Dis. 2012;1(2):95-122. icon

    Asmat Ullah Khan, Muhammad Akram, Muhammad Daniyal, Rida Zainab. Awareness and current knowledge of Parkinson disease: A Neurodegenerative disorder. Int J Neurosci. icon

    Kumari A, Gupta M, Rankawat G, Rankawat A. Parkinson Disease: A Review. Asian J Pharm Res Dev. 2023;11(5):35-40. icon

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    The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, Ayurvedic practitioner, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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    Medically reviewed by
    Dr. Sanila K
    Written by
    Dr Shobitha Madhur

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