Table of Contents
Table of Contents

Parkinsonism

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder affecting 1% of the population over age 65 and is the fourth most common neurological degenerative disorder found in the elderly. The defining feature of parkinsonism is bradykinesia, or slowness with decrement and degradation of repetitive movements (“fatigue”), but Parkinson’s presents with tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia. In Ayurveda Parkinsonism is mainly known by Kampavata, Which is one among Vatavyadhi. Due to aggravated chalaguna of vatadosha the onset of disease begins and exhibits. Direct reference to Parkinson’s disease in the ancient ayurvedic literature is sparse and refers only to related symptoms including tremors. Thus, the condition is referred to in the modern ayurvedic literature by various names for tremors: Kampavata (tremors due to vata), vepathu (shaking, as in being off track or out of alignment), prevepana (excessive shaking), sirakampa (head tremor), spandana (quivering), and kampana (tremors). Parkinson’s disease is most commonly called Kampavata.

The three main physical, motor symptoms are:

1.Tremor: this can affect the hands and feet. Tremor is most marked at rest and actually improves when performing a task. Another condition known as essential tremor (ET) is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s as it too causes a tremor, but one which is absent at rest and most marked when performing a task

2.Muscular rigidity: this causes stiffness during movement

3.Bradykinesia: this causes slowness and tends to make initiating movements very difficult.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common recognizable symptom of Parkinson’s disease is known as a “pill rolling tremor.” In this condition, the thumb and fingers move uncontrollably in a manner resembling the rolling of a pill between the fingers. Tremors most commonly appear in the hands, arms and legs, though other areas may be affected. Small movements of the hands and fingers may eventually be difficult. Another symptom is stambha (rigidity), in which movement becomes slow and difficult to initiate. Patients usually have to look at their feet to begin, shuffle forward to and occasionally, inadvertently break into a trot (festination). The arms do not swing in coordination with the usual stride. The face may appear without expression (mask face), dull or depressed, though no depression may be present. Reduced blinking is an early symptom. The voice becomes monotone and expressionless, further causing some to mistake this as depression. Fifty percent of patients will develop dementia- (1)Vishada (depression), can accompany the disease but the symptoms of mask face and monotone voice occur as a part of Parkinson’s disease and should not be confused with depression.

Ayurveda Treatment for Parkinsonism

In Ayurveda Parkinson’s disease is known by KampaVata. It is a vatavyadhi, and the diagnosis can be arrived based on vitiated vatadosha. Due to chalaguna of vata, tremors are seen in hands, even at rest. The word ‘kampa’ means shaking or shivering. Numerous factors can be thought to aggravate vata. The vitiated vata in turn vitiates the rasa dhatu (plasma), and is later localised into mamsa and majja, which can be taken as the brain. The above-mentioned symptoms can be observed as a part of this shift, leading to the complete manifestation of kampavata.

Ayurvedic treatment for this condition centers around the treatment of vata disturbance. Oleation and fomentation form the basis of the constitutional treatment (4). Oleation through massage (abhyanga) and enema (basti) are indicated as well as the ingestion of oils. Naturally, jatharagni must be strong enough to support such as a heavy regimesn. If the patient exhibits significant ama and is strong enough, gentle purification procedures should be administered first.

Oils medicated with ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and bala (Sida cordifolia) are commonly used to pacify vata and build ojas. They are known to be rejuvenative with a strong nourishing action on the nervous system. The herb atmagupta (Mucuna pruriens – also known as Kapikacchu) has received a lot of attention historically and again in recent years. Ayurveda teaches that a holistic treatment regimen offers the greatest chance of success with Parkinson’s patients.

Apollo AyurVAID offers comprehensive and personalized Parkinson’s Disease treatment in HRBR Layout, Hebbal, Basavangudi, and Shankarapuram.

Diet and regimen –

A vata pacifying diet and proper dietary habits are essential to long term success. Additional vata pacifying regimens including daily oil massage (applied by the patient or practitioner) and sensory therapies complete the treatment.

Our Approach

Apollo AyurVAID focuses on precision classical Ayurveda treatment protocols, following the fundamental principles of Ayurveda in addressing the root cause of diseases, including Parkinson’s Disease. After an in-depth assessment of the symptoms, detailed history taking, and understanding of the patient and the disease thoroughly on Ayurveda parameters, a definite Parkinsonism treatment protocol is designed.

Apollo AyurVAID offers comprehensive and personalized Parkinson’s Disease Treatment in Bangalore, Domlur, HRBR Layout, Hebbal, Basavangudi, Shankarapuram, Delhi, Gurugram, Kochi, Kadavanthra, and other locations in India. The treatment aims to achieve the management of pain by breaking the pathogenesis of the disease, thereby correcting the root cause and arresting further progression.

Our whole person-centric approach will help you regain your happiest and healthiest state of life. Our rehabilitation specialists will also provide advice on ergonomics, nutrition, and lifestyle changes to help you better manage Parkinson’s Disease. Patient centricity is at the core of the Apollo AyurVAID approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medical Case Studies

How successful is Ayurveda in managing Parkinson's?
Ayurveda has been very successful in managing Parkinson's, though no complete cure is found in any system of medicine. Through the above-mentioned procedures, proper administration of medicines, cleansing therapies, and a healthy lifestyle and diet, yoga, and pranayama, the symptoms can be curbed to a great extent. The quality of life is almost restored, and the patients were found to be easily engaging in activities they found impossible before.
Is Parkinson's only seen in older people?
No. Though the common age of onset is 60, there have been reported cases of patient's from the age of 40. As a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, it tends to progress with age. If the age of onset is young, the disease is said to be more severe.
Who is more vulnerable to the disease? Males or females?
Males are about 50 percent more susceptible to be affected with Parkinson's. The reasons are not clear yet, but the incidence in females is comparatively less. There are theories that cite the influence of estrogen in Parkinson's disease treatment as the reason for the same.

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