Parkinson's Disease
Parkinsons disease is caused by the very gradual deterioration of nerve junctions, popularly known as ganglia. These junctions are situated at the base of the brain and affect muscle control and movements of the body. Tremors begin in a hand or limb when the muscles are at rest. Parkinsons disease ay be compared with the disease kampavata described in Ayurveda texts.
Causes :
The cause of Parkinson's disease is unkonwn and significance of genetic factor is being debated. A research has shown that methyl-phenyl-tetrahydropyridine caused severe Parkinsonism in young drug users. This has generated a belief that the disease might be occuring due to environmental toxins.
Symptoms
Depression
Tiredness
Rigidity in muscles
Tremors in extremities
Aching limbs
Mental slowness
Slowness in movements
Small hand writing
View Of Ayurveda
Parkinsons is co-related with kampavata in ayurveda. In old age vata dosha is more predominant in the body. This vata relocates in the brain and dries up the brain cells leading to tremors and instability. Parkinsons disease reflects massive vitiation of vata which occupies almost all channels of body. Weak digestive fire, disturbed digestion and presence of toxins (ama) are generally obsereved in the patient at gastrointestinal as well as cellular levels, which provide conducive environment for vitiation of vata. Digestive herbs, in conjunction with nerve tonics are administered to restore digestive function both in the gastro intestinal tract and at a cellular level. Specific diets and regimen are advised.
Diet & Lifestyle Advice
As environmental toxins are suspected to be behind the disease, avoiding them as much as possible is the only way to minimize risk of the disease.
Junk food, packed food, stale food, food items grown with chemicals, pollution etc should be avoided as much as possible.
Food and activities which aggravate vata should be avoided as much as possible. As against it, eatables like almonds, walnuts etc nourish the nervous system and control vata. Including them in diet is therefore meaningful thing to do.
Ayurvedic massages, nasya, karnapuran, basti etc help in minimizing vata diseases and maintaining health of nervous sytem. Their regular practice can help in minimizing risk of the disease.
Practice of Yoga to has always proved its efficacy in minimizing vata diseases and maintaining health of nervous system.
With the help of proper treatment, panchkarma, yoga, diet & life-style management & ayurvedic medicine, The management of Parkinson's Disease disease can helps the patient to enjoy happier & healthier life.