Parkinson's disease is a nervous system disorder that affects more than 10 million people around the world. Tremors, rigidity of muscles, and coordination issues are the defining symptoms of this disease.
Ayurveda is an ancient medicinal practice that originated in India, and while conventional medicine offers many ways to manage the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, Ayurveda offers a unique perspective on understanding and managing this condition. In this article, we will discuss the Ayurvedic perspective on Parkinson’s disease.
Understanding Parkinson’s disease
Dopamine is a chemical messenger that influences many bodily functions such as motor coordination, mood, the immune system, heart rate, etc. The degeneration of nerve cells that produce dopamine is a key characteristic of Parkinson’s disease. In Ayurveda, Parkinson's disease is considered a disorder of the nervous system, which is governed by the Vata dosha. Vata is the dosha that is responsible for movement, communication, and coordination, and an imbalance of Vata dosha can lead to neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease. The imbalance of other doshas, such as Kapha and Pitta, can also influence the development of Parkinson's disease.
Symptoms and difficulties of Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson's disease is a nervous system disorder that causes many symptoms and difficulties. Some of the most common symptoms of Parkinson's disease include:
Tremors: Involuntary shaking and trembling that affects hands, arms, legs, or jaw is the most distinctive symptom of Parkinson's disease.
Rigidity: Muscle stiffness is another common symptom of Parkinson’s disease.
Balance and posture: Difficulty with balance, coordination, and posture is a common symptom of Parkinson's that can increase the risk of falls.
Difficulty with speech: People suffering from Parkinson's disease also often have difficulty with speech, with their voice sounding low and slow.
Bradykinesia: Bradykinesia is a symptom that denotes the slow movement and difficulty with coordination and balance suffered by Parkinson's patients.
Sleep disturbances: Sleeping disorders are also a common symptom of Parkinson's disease.
Fatigue: The continued exhaustion is another common difficulty suffered by patients who have Parkinson's disease.
Mood changes: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter known as the ‘happy hormone,’ associated with pleasure and happiness, and like we discussed before, dopamine deficiency is a key characteristic of Parkinson's disease. Patients who suffer from Parkinson's disease can also experience mood swings and more serious mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The Ayurvedic approach to managing Parkinson’s disease
The symptoms of Parkinson's disease can impact the quality of a person's daily life and make everyday tasks more challenging. In Ayurveda, Parkinson's disease is called ‘Kampavata,’ and it is associated with Vata dosha imbalance. Your lifestyle, the food you consume, and the environment you surround yourself with can create and impact the Doshic imbalance. The Ayurvedic approach to managing Parkinson’s disease is holistic and focuses on improving the Doshic balance of the patient and improving their overall health.
Diet: According to Ayurveda, a vata-balancing diet is essential for managing Parkinson's disease. So the patients should include warm, nourishing, and easy-to-digest food items, herbs, spices, and healthy fats in their diet and avoid cold, dry, and bitter foods.
Lifestyle: Establishing a regular routine that includes a consistent sleep schedule, physical activity, and stress-relieving exercises like yoga and meditation can do wonders for your body and mind.
Herbal remedies: Most of the Ayurvedic solutions are derived from nature itself; Ayurveda recommends herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, and Ginkgo biloba that can help you alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors and rigidity.
Panchakarma: Panchakarma is a famous Ayurvedic detoxification treatment that involves various therapies, herbal remedies, etc. It is highly effective in removing toxins and improving the Doshic balance in the body, which can help you manage Parkinson's disease better.
Conclusion
Parkinson's disease is a complex condition that can completely alter the way you live your life. Ayurveda is a medicinal practice that highly values the unique constitution of individuals and offers a unique perspective and holistic approach to managing Parkinson’s disease. A consultation with an experienced Ayurvedic physician can give you valuable insights on managing Parkinson's disease. Rasayana Ayurveda Centre is the best Ayurveda hospital in Kerala, and we are beyond happy to welcome you to this oasis of healing and relaxation! Connect with us to book an appointment and learn more about Ayurvedic treatment in Kochi.