“Aunty… Can you please add more sugar in my tea?” asked Naina. She was an Ayurvedic medical student who came to visit her aunt during her holidays. “Aunty… What’s there for breakfast? I am starving. I hate my hostel food. I am craving for your aloo parathas.”
“It’s your favorite aloo paratha itself for breakfast.” Said Aunt Meera while passing sugar.
“Why are your hands shivering?” asked Naina with eyes full of surprise.
“That might be because of the climate change beta… It’s t.. too… cc… cccold na..” said Aunty finding it difficult to complete a sentence properly.
“Are you sure you are okay aunty? Because this is not the way you spoke or behaved till the last time. You are finding it difficult to even pass a spoon to me without tremors. Tell me, since how many days have you been like this?” asked a concerned Naina. Naina saw tears filling up in her aunt’s eyes. “Hey, please don’t cry aunty… I am here. I am here to help you. Whatever it is, just tell me properly.” Said Naina by giving assurance by hugging her aunt.
“I have had these since the past few months. At first, the trem…ors tremors were very less. In fact, I didn’t even not…ice notice it. But as t… time passed, the tremors started to increase. I started to notice it when I could not hold the spoon properly. I could no longer pour water to the water bottle without g… getting it spil… spilled everywhere. I cannot handle anything Naina. Even when I speak, speak r… right now, I cannot say a sentence without breaks and rep… repetitions.” Now, the tears were overflowing from her aunt’s eyes.
“But why didn’t you tell your daughter or son about this?” asked Naina.
“I… I tried telling them..b…But they don’t have the t..ti…time to listen. They don’t get ti.. time to do a simple message on whatsapp. Ho..How can I expect them to come all the way from Saudi and London to see me? They… They have their ow.. own works to do.” Said Aunt Meera and sat near to Naina. “They, they did not noti…notice even my stam…stammering all these months.”
“How can your own children abandon you like that? If uncle would have been alive, he would not have let this happen. Its okay. Leave it…Now, I am here, I am just a medical student right now. But I doubt that you have a disease called Parkinson’s. I will take you to my hospital. There I will make sure that you get treated by eminent doctors. I am also calling my mom and dad right now. Let them also come.”
At the hospital, Naina and her parents were waiting along with her aunt Meera to see Doctor Shanti. She came with a sweet smile on her face greeting them.
“Hi… What made you visit the OPD today?” asked Dr. Shanti.
Naina explained all the stories that took place at her aunt’s home.
“Good that you have diagnosed it properly and have come to take a consultation. It shows your dedication as a good doctor and as a great family person.” Said Dr. Shanti to Naina.
“Your aunty has Parkinson’s disease. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It means that slowly your nerves and brains are undergoing damage. This is a kind of disease where you cannot completely cure the disease. But when found out in the early stages, it can easily be managed well. In this condition, aunty has only tremors now and along with speech difficulty. Some others might face bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity and postural instability. It may also present non-motor features. It means that symptoms can be manifested as depression, sleep disturbances, and even decline of cognitive abilities can occur. In Ayurveda, we call it Kampa vata. This is caused due to the excessive vitiation of Vata dosha. It particularly affects the majja dhatu. The term “kampa” means tremors are evident in this aunt’s case. As aunty is 59 years old, there is dhatukshaya (tissue depletion) that can cause impaired neuromuscular coordination.” Finished Dr. Shanti.
“Doctor, in Ayurveda do we have effective management for this Kampa vata?” asked Naina’s parents in concern.
“Of course, yes. Management in Ayurveda includes balancing Vata through different treatments. It starts with Deepana pachana where we correct the whole metabolism of the body through improving digestion. Then we go for snehapana (intake of medicated ghee), abhyanga (body massage), swedana (sudation) and shodhana karma. Basti (Medicated enema) is another procedure that gives good results. After that samana medications can also be given. This mainly includes the use of Medhya rasayana which can improve the quality of life of the patient. Some of the widely practiced medicines include Dhanadanayanadi kashayam , Maharasnadi Kashaya, Aswagandharishta, Balarishta, and Kapikachu churna with milk.
We also emphasise on managing proper diets. You should always have warm, freshly cooked foods like rice, dal, vegetables, ghee, milk, nuts, and seasonal fruits to nourish the nervous system and balance Vata. Meals should be taken at regular times, with emphasis on easy-to-digest, mildly spiced foods and adequate hydration. Avoid cold, dry, processed, excessively spicy foods, excess caffeine, and stale or refrigerated items as they aggravate Vata and worsen symptoms.
Yogasana and Pranayama are also important for aunty. Gentle yogasanas like Tadasana, Vrikshasana, Trikonasana, and Bhujangasana help improve balance, flexibility, and muscle coordination in Parkinson’s disease. Regular practice of Pranayama such as Anulom Vilom and Bhramari calms the mind, enhances oxygen supply, and supports nervous system function.
With a holistic approach combining proper diet, medicine, yoga, and timely management, Parkinson’s disease can be effectively controlled, helping women lead a healthier and more balanced life. It’s important to not get tense and get it treated now aunty.” said Doctor.
“Thank you so much Naina for bringing me to hospital. Thank you Doctor for explaining everything so well.” Said Aunt with a smile and folded hands.
“Get well soon. It’s all about managing the disease rather than neglecting it.” Said the Doctor.
