As with any disease, homeopathy may have some benefit to offer in Parkinson’s disease, although the use of homeopathic remedies should not detract from using allopathic medicines (drugs) as prescribed by a medical doctor. At the very least, if homeopathy is the placebo that many claim it is, it should do no harm. However, you should always consult with your doctor before commencing with any alternative therapy.

Homeopathic Remedies for Parkinson’s Disease

The main principle behind homeopathy is that ‘like cures like’. By administering substances that would otherwise cause the same symptoms in a healthy person, it is believed that the remedy can stimulate the body to overcome the disease. With homeopathic remedies the substance is not administered in its full strength or raw form. Instead it is diluted in a special process known as potentisation. The active ingredient may be at such a small concentration to be barely detectable or totally undetectable but it is believed that its energy signature remains in the solvent and carrier.  There are two systems of prescribing homeopathic medicine, which are broadly divided into classical homeopathy and clinical homeopathy.

Classical Homeopathy

This system of prescribing is often considered as the true system of homeopathy. A homeopathic practitioner will take a long case history looking at physical, mental and emotional characteristics and symptoms of the patient. In addition, modalities which are factors that may aggravate or relieve symptoms are also taken into account. Once this case history and physical examination is completed, the practitioner decides upon a single remedy or a few remedies that fit the disease picture that the patient has reported.

Due to the variation of the disease picture as a result of individual variations and assessments of each case, there is no single remedy that can be prescribed across the board for all Parkinson’s patients.

Clinical Homeopathy

In clinical homeopathy, the basis of the prescription does not focus on finding the entire disease picture but rather choosing the remedy based purely on the clinical presentation at the time. This is similar to some extent to the diagnosis and prescription of drugs as is seen in allopathic medicine. Multiple remedies may also be mixed together to form homeopathic complexes.

Many commercially available over-the-counter (OTC) homeopathic products are based on the approach adopted by clinical homeopathy. Therefore there will be a specific product or products for all Parkinson’s disease patients.

Some of the homeopathic remedies commonly prescribed for Parkinson’s disease in clinical homeopathy are the metals – Mercurius solubilis (mercury) and Plumbum metallicum (lead). These substances, in the undiluted form, is known to cause significant neurological and muscular symptoms. Other remedies for muscle weakness, stiffness and a lack of coordination include Natrum muriaticum (sodium chloride), Rhus toxicodendron (poison ivy) and Hyoscyamus niger (henbane). All these remedies contain a very dilute form of the actual plant, metal of salt. Use of most of the substances in the raw form is extremely toxic.

Always consult with your doctor and a qualified homeopathic practitioner before taking any remedy. There is currently a lack of scientific evidence and clinical trials to verify the efficacy of these remedies, or any homeopathic remedy, to provide any relief for Parkinson’s disease. Despite numerous reports by homeopathic practitioners and Parkinson’s patients, as well as the vast number of claims by homeopathic product manufacturers and distributors, the safety and efficacy of homeopathic remedies for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease has yet to be verified.

Energy Therapies

Energy therapies are based on the presumption of the existence of energy fields (universal life force) in and around the body. Treatment aims at balancing this energy by various means.

• Magnet Therapy. Magnets have been used for various symptoms, especially for pain relief, but effectiveness of treatment is yet to be proved. Treatment may carry certain risks, particularly in pregnancy, people on pacemakers or those using medicine patches, and people using insulin pump.

• Reiki. This is an ancient form of healing which uses universal energy to heal the body by balancing the 7 chakras (energy points) in the body. A Reiki healer channels “life force energy” to the patient through the hands, which are placed either on the part to be healed or slightly above it, without touching the body. A mild tingling sensation or a sense of warmth or coldness may be felt over the part being treated. Reiki may improve physical as well as emotional well being. Reiki can be self-administered after learning and taking initiation from a Reiki Master.

• Therapeutic Touch. This is similar to Reiki where the healer moves their hands back and forth over the patient to promote a feeling of well being. Actual touching of the patient may not be necessary.

• Yoga. Originating in India, yoga embraces both physical and mental concepts. It is a system of exercise which aims to control both body and mind by meditation, breathing exercises, and physical postures. It is a system of healing encompassing the person as a whole.

• Tai Chi. Having originated in ancient China, tai chi is a form of gentle physical exercise, done in a rhythmic, flowing pattern, which helps to bring the mind and body together, thereby healing both in the process.

Yoga and Tai Chi can improve muscle strength, balance, flexibility and range of motion in PD patients. As a result, the risk of falls and injury are greatly reduced. Reduced joint pain can help to increase mobility. Stress reduction and emotional well-being are added advantages.

Manipulative and Body Based Therapies

Certain illnesses are treated by manipulation of different parts of the body.

• Chiropractic. Spinal manipulation is the basis of this form of therapy since it is believed that the body’s structure (especially the spine) and its function are related. Pain relief is the main domain of this type of treatment.

• Massage. Different forms of therapeutic massage may be effective in relieving stiffness, rigidity and pain. An overall feeling of relaxation is evident too. Massage therapy works by increasing blood flow to the muscles.

• Reflexology. Various areas of the foot are supposedly related to different organs or systems of the body. By applying pressure on these areas, without the use of oils or lotions, changes are brought about that eliminate the blockage of energy believed to be responsible for pain or disease of that particular part.

• Physical therapy. While physical therapy is an established medical science, some therapists practice alternative techniques in conjunction with scientific therapies for a holistic approach to treatment.

• Postural re-education. Abnormalities in posture and balance are common in PD. This method uses movement and touch to help patients become aware of their body to improve posture and gait.

• Alexander technique is a practice to improve posture and movement and to use muscles efficiently. It may be used by osteopaths, chiropractors and some physical therapists.

Mind Body Techniques

Physical health and illnesses are dependent upon mental and emotional factors. This forms the basis of mind body techniques, which aim to improve physical health by improving mental and emotional status of a person by some of these methods :

• Meditation.
• Relaxation techniques.
• Hypnosis.
• Biofeedback – unconscious biologic processes, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension are brought under conscious control by making a person aware of them. Understanding the reasons for the changes may help people to regulate them.
• Guided imagery – mental images, such as a happy and healthy situation is conjured up, often with the help of a practitioner, to overcome certain illnesses and stress.
• Music therapy.

Biologically Based Therapies

Naturally available substances are used in this type of therapy either in the food or as separate supplements.

Nutrition

• Altering the type of diet taken or including certain substances in the diet have often been claimed to provide relief from various symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Of these, vitamin E (found in whole grains, seeds, and green leafy vegetables), vitamin C, and Coenzyme Q10 may have certain benefits, although this has not been definitively proven.
• Research has shown that broad beans (fava beans) are a natural source of levodopa. Varying doses and metabolism of fava beans may however impact on the therapeutic benefit.
• Proteins may interfere with the action of levodopa hence it is best to restrict protein intake two hours before and one hour after taking levodopa. Proteins are best taken with the evening meal.
• Caffeine may lower the risk of PD.

Herbal Remedies

Herbal medicine (phytotherapy) makes use of plants and their extracts to treat diseases. These may be prescribed according to the whole systems of medicine described below or based on the action of the pharmacologically active ingredients which have been scientifically verified.

• Herbs such as Ginkgo biloba and Bacopa monniera (brahmi) may be effective in PD by improving blood circulation in the brain.
• Mucuna pruriensis is an herb that contains levodopa
• Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort), a herb that has been used extensively in Europe for many years, may be helpful in treating depression and insomnia that is often associated with PD.
• Aromatherapy can be considered as part of herbal therapy, where essential oils of plants are used for treatment. Passion flower or oil of evening primrose has been claimed to be helpful in alleviating various symptoms of PD.

Whole Medical Systems

Ayurveda

Considered by many as the oldest healing science, ayurveda is an age old method of treatment practiced in ancient India since nearly 5000 years. The body is treated as a whole, with equal emphasis on diet, herbs, enema, meditation, massage, and exercise (yoga). PD has been mentioned in old ayurvedic texts as Kampa (tremor) vata (energy controlling body functions). Mucuna pruriens is an herb used in ayurvedic medicine for treating PD that has effects similar to levodopa but with less side effects.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, massage, diet, and exercise comprise traditional Chinese medicine which has been practices for over 2000 years in China. It includes the concept that two opposite principles, yin and yang, is in balance within our body. Illness occurs whenever there is imbalance of yin and yang due to improper flow of life force and this balance needs to be restored to achieve health. In acupuncture, very fine sterile needles are inserted into specific points of the body. These are presumed to realign energy flow through the body and help in healing.

Homeopathy

The homeopathic system of medicine was developed in Germany over 200 years ago. The basic principle of homeopathy is “like cures like”, meaning that a disease can be cured by a substance which produces similar symptoms in healthy people. The body’s ability to heal itself is utilized by giving tiny doses of highly diluted substances known as potentized remedies. These remedies are derived from natural substances originating in plants, animals, or minerals. It may be effective in alleviating certain symptoms of PD. Medication will depend upon the individual symptoms.

Naturopathy

This is a system of therapy which relies almost totally on natural remedies such as air, water, and sunlight, along with diet and massage. The belief is that a healthy environment will cause the body to heal naturally. These days, homeopathic remedies, herbs and even acupuncture are often used by naturopaths in conjunction with traditional naturopathic principles.

]]> http://pdring.com/parkinsons-disease-natural-treatment-remedies-and-foods.htm/feed 2 http://pdring.com/complementary-alternative-treatment-for-parkinsons-disease.htm http://pdring.com/complementary-alternative-treatment-for-parkinsons-disease.htm#comments Tue, 24 Aug 2010 23:57:03 +0000 Dr. Chris http://pdring.com/?p=246 When considering any type of alternative treatment for Parkinson’s disease, one very important point needs to be kept in mind – there is as yet no cure for Parkinson’s disease. The various treatment options available can only help to treat the symptoms of the disease and provide some degree of relief.

Treatment by means other than conventional Western medicine (allopathic medicine) falls under the banner of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). These are considered as natural therapies. Many natural forms of treatment are based on ancient systems of healing as were practiced in India, China, Africa, Tibet, and the Americas.

The basic difference between conventional and alternative medicine lies in the understanding of disease. Conventional medicine considers health as absence of disease. Disease may be caused by aging, pathogens, or biochemical imbalances in the body and is normally treated by medication or surgery. Alternative medicine, however, considers health as a perfect balance between the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspect of a person. Any disturbance that upsets this balance results in ill health. Alternative treatment aims to restore this balance by enhancing the body’s own defenses.

Reasons for Trying Complementary Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease

When faced with a chronic, progressive, and debilitating illness such as Parkinson’s disease, which requires lifelong treatment with drugs, many people will consider alternatives. Some of the reasons for this include :

• Natural treatments are thought of as being safe.
• The considerable side effects due to conventional medicines.
• Conventional treatment is not providing much relief.
• Unwillingness to continue with long term treatment as is necessary in PD.
• The expense involved in long term drug treatment.
• The mistaken belief that drugs stop providing relief from PD symptoms when continued for too long.
• Unjustifiable claims in advertisements about the ability of natural products to cure the disease.

Caution in Treating Parkinson’s Disease with Natural Therapies

• Stopping conventional PD drugs to try natural therapies is never advisable. Refer to Quitting Parkinson’s Disease Drugs.
• Natural treatments may be tried along with conventional therapy only after consultation with the doctor.
• Treatment should be done only under the guidance of trained and experienced professionals in complementary medicine.
• Herbal and natural preparations should be taken with caution as they may contain toxic substances or ingredients which may cause interaction with the PD drugs.
• Some herbal preparations may contain natural forms of levodopa but this will not be in the purified form, neither can the exact dose be controlled.
• Contrary to belief, certain natural remedies do have side effects.
• Natural therapies that involve manipulation of the body may result in injury.
• Many claims made about complementary therapies have not been substantiated with reliable clinical trials. The possibilities of side effects and long term complications from using these natural remedies have therefore not been verified.

Types of Natural Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease

• Biologically based therapies include diet and herbal therapy.
• Energy therapies include Reiki, Therapeutic touch, yoga, tai chi, and magnet therapy.
• Mind body medicine and techniques include meditation, relaxation techniques, hypnosis, biofeedback, and guided imagery.
• Manipulative and body based therapies include chiropractic, massage, reflexology, physical therapy, and postural re-education. While physical therapy and chiropractic are based on sound medical principles, there are practitioners within these disciplines who practice alternative techniques that have not been scientifically verified.
• Whole medical systems include Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese medicine, Homeopathy, and Naturopathy.

What is Drug Interaction?

Medicines are used to treat certain conditions or illnesses, but when two or more medicines are used simultaneously, they may interact with each other and cause complications or unwanted side effects. Drug interactions may occur with prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, herbal remedies, or dietary supplements, so it is important that the patient realizes the dangers of mixing drugs without consulting a doctor.

Parkinson’s Disease Medicines

The drug therapy most commonly used in Parkinson’s disease usually consists of the following :

• Levodopa
• Levodopa + peripheral decarboxylase inhibitors such as carbidopa and benserazide.
• Dopamine receptor agonists – pramipexole, ropinirole, and rotigotine.
• MAO-B inhibitors – selegiline and rasagiline.
• COMT inhibitors – entacapone
• Anticholinergics – benzhexol and orphenadrine
• Amantadine.

Drug Interactions with Parkinson’s Disease Medicines

Levodopa

Since this is the most widely used medicine in Parkinson’s disease, its drug interactions should be understood by all Parkinson’s patients. Certain medicines decrease effectiveness of levodopa hence the dose of levodopa may have to be adjusted if used together. These include

• Anticholinergics – sometimes used in addition to levodopa for treatment of symptoms in Parkinson’s disease. Over-the-counter cough and cold medicines contain anticholinergics such as diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, and phenylephrine.
• Antispasmodics used for treating stomach or uterine cramps also contain anticholinergics such as dicyclomine and hyoscyamine.
• Anti-allergic medicines (like anti-histamines)
• Antiepileptic drugs such as phenytoin
• Sedatives such as diazepam, lorazepam and alprazolam.
• Multivitamins, specially vitamin B-6 or pyridoxine, and minerals such as iron.
• Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline
• Metoclopramide – used to control nausea and vomiting.

Certain medicines help to increase the effect of levodopa. They include

• Medicines containing acetaminophen, used for pain, headache, and fever.
• Antacids and other medicines containing aluminum, calcium, and magnesium.

The above medicines should not be used to enhance the effect of levodopa.

Levodopa may potentiate the action of antihypertensives, causing excessive lowering of blood pressure when used concurrently. Levodopa may cause severe hypertensive reactions if taken by patients treated with MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors such as furazolidone or procarbazine within the last 14 days.

Other Parkinson’s Drugs

Similar drug interactions are possible with all other medicines used in Parkinson’s disease. In addition,

• Alcohol intake may cause CNS depression when used along with Parkinson’s disease medicines.
• Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and ofloxacin may cause drug interactions with pramipexole, ropinirole, or rotigotine.
• Entacapone may react with antibiotics such as ampicillin, erythromycin, and chloramphenicol.
• Narcotic pain relievers such as codeine may react with entacapone or other drugs.
• Quinine or quinidine may interfere with renal clearance of amantadine.

Various other drug interactions are possible and you should consult with your doctor before taking any other medication or supplement, whether an OTC (over-the-counter) medicine, scheduled drug or a herbal remedy.

Stage 1 of Parkinson’s Disease (Mild)

• Symptoms are mild and may only affect one side.
• Daily functioning is not impaired although tremors create difficulty.
• Slightly evident changes in balance, posture, movement and facial expression.

Stage 2 of Parkinson’s Disease (Moderate)

• Symptoms are bilateral – affecting both sides.
• Mild difficulty in movement – walking, balance and posture.
• Impairment in completing daily physical activities.

Stage 3 of Parkinson’s Disease (Difficult)

• Difficulty in maintaining balance and posture.
• Impairment of walking or standing although sufferer is usually able to do so independently.
• Physical movements are noticeably slow.

Stage 4 of Parkinson’s Disease (Severe)

• Unable to maintain balance or posture.
• Instability when walking or standing and requires assistance.
• Tremors usually reduce in this stage although independent completion of daily physical tasks is usually not possible.

Stage 5 of Parkinson’s Disease (Advanced)

• Almost complete inability to function independently.
• Walking or standing usually not possible.
• Constant attention and nursing care required.
• Confusion, dementia and other mental disturbances may occur in some cases.

Differentiating stages of Parkinson’s varies among cases, with certain individuals showing signs of two stages simultaneously. Therefore the guideline is intended to outline and identify the progression of the disease in accordance with level of functioning rather than the onset of symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. In certain cases, a Parkinson’s sufferer may skip the first two stages especially if the condition was not being monitored closely. However the slow progression of Parkinson’s disease means that the shift to the latter stages does not occur overnight and may be delayed with effective treatment.

Dexterity and coordination are the primary factors for daily functioning in the life of a Parkinson’s sufferer. Changes in either factor may affect individual Parkinson’s sufferers to varying degrees with some coping better than others. However with time, the level of dexterity and coordination is sufficiently impaired to render Parkinson’s disease sufferers incapable of taking care of themselves.