This article is a continuation of the concepts discussed under the Complementary Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease and Natural Remedies for Parkinson’s Disease.

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.