Ayurvedic Name- ‘Kampavata’

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.

In general, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neuro-degenerative condition, an illness that affects nerve cells in the brain that control movement.

Parkinson’s disease is also known as ‘The Shaking Palsy’, James Parkinson described three major symptoms Tremor, Muscular rigidity, and Hypokinesis. Here shaking palsy is the same as Parkinson’s disease, a nervous disorder characterised by a trembling of the limbs at rest, lessened muscular power, and a stooped posture associated with a propulsive, festinate gait (deficiency of dopamine in the basal ganglia circuit leading to motor deficits).

Hypokinesis is described as slowness in initiating and repeating voluntary movements, despite normal muscular strength, there is either defective release or impaired postsynaptic response to the neurotransmitter in the corpus striatum.

With Dopamine deficiency, there is acetylcholine hyperactivity. This may be a mechanism for Parkinson’s symptoms.

The neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) plays a critical role in brain circuits mediating motor control, attention, learning, and memory. Cholinergic dysfunction is associated with multiple brain disorders including Alzheimer’s Disease, addiction, schizophrenia, and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Parkinson’s disease may be compared with the disease ‘Kampavata’ described in Ayurveda texts. Parkinson’s disease treatment in Ayurveda is aimed at strengthening the nervous system as well as rejuvenating brain tissues for an overall improvement in the condition.

Possible causes of Parkinson’s disorder are:

The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown and the significance of genetic factors is being debated. Research has shown that MPTP (methyl-phenyl-tetrahydropyridine) caused severe Parkinsonism in young drug users. This has generated a belief that the disease might be occurring due to environmental toxins, some evidence also suggests that Parkinsonism is more common in country areas.

Common Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Signs & Symptoms may include:

Tremor: A tremor, or shaking, usually begins in a limb, often your hand or fingers. You may rub your thumb and forefinger back and forth, known as a pill-rolling tremor. Your hand may tremor when it’s at rest.

Slowed movement (Bradykinesia): Over time, Parkinson’s disease may slow your movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. Your steps may become shorter when you walk. It may be difficult to get out of a chair. You may drag your feet as you try to walk.

Rigid muscles: Muscle stiffness may occur in any part of your body. The stiff muscles can be painful and limit your range of motion.

Impaired posture and balance: Your posture may become stooped, or you may have balance problems as a result of Parkinson’s disease and Loss of automatic movements. You may have a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, including blinking, smiling, or swinging your arms when you walk.

Speech changes: You may speak softly, quickly, slur, or hesitate before talking. Your speech may be more of a monotone rather than with the usual inflections.

Writing changes: It may become hard to write, and your writing may appear small.

Ayurvedic Concept with Management

In Ayurveda literature, Parkinson’s is co-related with ‘Kampavata’
Here Kampa means Tremors, caused by vitiated Vata Dosha.

According to Ayurveda, Vata Dosha is more predominant in the body during old age. This Vata relocates in the brain and dries up the brain cells leading to tremors and instability. Parkinson’s disease reflects massive vitiation of Vata which occupies almost all channels of the body. Weak digestive fire, disturbed digestion, and presence of toxins (Ama) are generally observed in the patient at gastrointestinal as well as cellular levels, which provide a conducive environment for vitiation of Vata.

Ayurvedic Medicines like digestive herbs, in conjunction with nerve tonics, are administered to restore digestive function both in the gastrointestinal tract and at a cellular level. Specific diets and regimens are advised. Parkinson’s disease treatment in Ayurveda provides special Neuro-Rasayanas which stimulate neurotransmitters and helps in overcoming problems as well as relaxing the mind.

At Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic, to arrive at a precise Parkinson’s disease treatment, our doctor considers all of these causes and consists of a combination of internal and external applications of Ayurvedic Medicine.

Internal treatments at Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic

Usually, a set of decoctions (herbal medicinal drinks) is given. In the beginning, Decoction should contain ingredients to achieve a balance of Vata Dosha; later the decoctions should have nutritious or rejuvenating value. The decoctions contain Masha (Phaselolusradiatus), Bala (Sida cordifolia), etc., and are very effective.

Dasamoolarishta, which contains several ingredients, including herbs and roots such as Dashamoola, Ashwagandha, Bala, and other herbs, is also given orally to balance the Vata Dosha and as a tonic.

Ashwagandha Choorna – orally taken an herbal powder. Dosage: one teaspoon, twice a day with milk. It contains a medicinal plant named Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), which has a mainly rejuvenating property and acts as a nerve tonic.

External Treatments at Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic

Following treatments are also given depending on the patient’s condition.

• Shiro Abhyanga and Shareera Abhyanga (special head and body oil application)
• Shiro Dara Treatment (special head oil treatment)
• Pinda Sweda Treatment (Mild oil massage is administered to the patient with the help of special milk rice medicinal bundles made of cheesecloth.
• Shiro Vasti treatment (Keeping oil over the head with the help of a special cap)
• Nasya karma (drops inhaled through the nose)
• Rasayana karma (Rejuvenation)

Prospects of cure depend on the severity and complications of the disease. If in the early stages, the disease can be retarded, and symptoms can be controlled. A minimum period of treatment to see improvements should be more than 8-10 weeks.

To find out more about how Ayurveda can help with the above condition, visit Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic or call 0208 907 7902 to book an appointment with an expert Ayurvedic Practitioner.