Parkinson’s disease is disorder of nervous system that affects movement of the body. It is mainly characterized by tremors all over the body or head or specific part of the body like hand. It occurs because brain stops producing enough quantity of dopamine. According to Ayurveda, this phenomenon may be co- related with Kampavata, which occurs due to vitiated Vata Dosha in the body.
The Ayurvedic view:
Vata Dosha dominance is seen in old age. This Vata is responsible for energy, regulation and co-ordination of body movements. It governs all nerve impulses and subtle vibration. For regulation of all activities in the body, Vata Dosha plays an important role. This Vata Dosha imbalance is seen due to improper diet and lifestyle changes. This vitiated Vata Dosha relocates in the brain tissue and dries up it’s cells. This leads to tremors and instability. Also, this massive vitiated Vata Dosha occupies all channels in the body and weakens digestive fire. Hence hamper digestive system.
Understanding the root cause:
According to contemporary medicine, exact cause is not known. May be involvement of genetic factor but not proved yet.
According to Ayurveda, Understanding the root cause is very important in treating the patients, as it makes treatment easier.
Common causes include:
- Excessive fasting or irregular eating habits. Over consumption of dry, cold or light food.
- excessive physical or mental exertion.
- Stress, anxiety.
- Aging (naturally Vata is increased in old age which causes Dhatu Kshaya to mean degeneration of body tissues)
How to diagnose –
- Symptoms start gradually, starting with barely noticeable tremors.
- Stiffness/ slowness of movements.
- Muscle stiffness – causes limitations in movements.
- May have balance problems.
- Speech becomes monotonous.
- Handwriting becomes small.
- Over a period – simple task becomes difficult and time consuming.
Ayurvedic healing approaches:
Ayurvedic treatment mostly focuses on balancing Vata Dosha and nourishing the nervous system. Also rejuvenate brain tissue, which improves the disease condition. Along with this treatment, some digestive herbs also administer to correct the digestive fire. Nerve tonics administered which restores the function of brain cells.
This treatment involves Panchakarma therapies, internal medicines, local applications, diet as well as lifestyle modifications.
Basti procedure – It is the most important treatment for Vata Dosha. In which medicated drug’s decoction or oil is administered through the rectal route. It causes the balance of Vata Dosha and also nourishes the body.
Shirodhara and Abhyanga – continuous warm medicated oil is poured over the forehead of the patient. It gives a relaxing and calming effect. Daily Abhyanga, with medicated oil stabilizes Vata Dosha.
Shiroabhyanga (head massage) and Shirovasti (with the help of special cap, oil is held over the head) – it relaxes & revitalizes the CNS, regulates emotional behavior and improves sleep.
Swedana therapy – In this therapy whole body steam or rice bolus fomentation is given which loosen stiffness, improve movement and give strength back to the body. As Vata Dosha is increased naturally in old age, this therapy balances Dosha and gives strength to the body. Shashtik Shali swedana gives Brihana effect (nourishment) to body tissues. It helps medicine to get absorbed through the skin.
Nasya therapy – an oil is administered through nasal route. According to Ayurveda, this therapy has good effect on brain tissue. Hence, helps to improve this disease.
Internal medications –
Herbal medications such as:
Ashwagandha acts as neuroprotective and strengthens nervous system. Brahmi improves cognition and nerve function whereas Kapikacchu contains natural L-DOPA like compound. Thus, all these herbal drugs help in improving the function of nervous system. Ayurvedic formulations such as Ashwagandharishtha, Brahmi vati, Bala taila for Abhyanga etc. Used according to body constitution. Dashmularistha acts as tonic and balances the Vata Dosha.
Rasayana treatment (Rejuvenation) – Neuro-rasayana stimulates neurotransmitter also helpful in relaxing mind.
Is it curable-
It depends on severity and complications of the disease. If patient comes in early stage of the disease, it can be controlled.
Lifestyle modifications –
Ayurveda suggests some lifestyle changes which helps to balance all Doshas in the body, keeping individual healthy. Such as –
- Maintain regular food times and sleeping schedule.
- Eat warm, unctuous food like ghee, properly cooked grains, milk and fruits. Ghee and milk products will pacify Vata Dosha and give strength to the body.
- Stay hydrated with coconut water, Nimbu Pani. Avoid frequent consumption of tea and coffee.
- Regular Yoga Asana practice like Utkatasana, Tadasana, Navasana, Supta Vakrasana – it will improve balance, posture and gives stability.
- Meditation like deep breathing, yog nidra and relaxing music hearing will improve focus and reduce anxiety.
- Pranayama like Bhramri, anulom vilom useful in soothing nervous system, balance and relaxation.
