Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson ’s Disease and Chinese Medicine
Parkinson ’s Disease may be caused by genetic factors, toxins, and/or free radicals; the debate continues over the possible contributing causes of Parkinson’s disease. Traditional Chinese medical (TCM) theory has its own way of delineating this progressive degenerative disease and is effective at addressing symptoms of Parkinson's and slowing declining health and mobility. This is considered a complicated, chronic health disorder. For best outcomes using self-care, combine associated Aroma Acu-Sticks® to acu-points, topical remedies, and good lifestyle practices.
Acupressure Points for Parkinson's Disease
Learn How to Use Acupressure Effectively Linked Here!
- Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Gallbladder 34
- Apply the Wood Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Liver 3
- Apply the Metal Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Large Intestine 4
- Apply the Earth Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Spleen 6
- Apply the Water Element Acupressure Stick to Acupressure Point Kidney 3
Causes of Imbalances and Related Symptoms of Parkinson's
Liver Yin Deficiency and Parkinson’s Disease
Tremors and spasms are an indication of Internal Wind according to Chinese medicine. When Liver Yin is consumed, the Liver energetic organ begins to heat up; rising heat creates Wind. This phenomenon can be seen in nature where forest fires create their own weather patterns that can be treacherous for pilots trying to douse the fire. The same laws of nature that apply to the world around us also apply to our bodies. Symptoms would include erratic movements, pain made better by movement, and dark circles under the eyes. Additional indications of Yin Deficiency such as thirst, insomnia, and a feeling of heat in the body may also be present.
Liver Qi Stagnation and Parkinson ’s Disease
Just as Liver Yin Deficiency results in Internal Heat and Wind, so do Liver Qi constraints. The Liver is responsible for the free flow of Qi throughout the body; according to Chinese medical theory, where Qi goes, Blood goes. Long standing Liver Qi Stagnation can therefore result in generalized Qi Stagnation and Blood Stagnation. Hand, foot, and head shaking would be accompanied by fixed, possibly sharp pain and numbness throughout the body. Trouble sleeping and irritability would be common with this pattern.
Qi and Blood Deficiency and Parkinson ’s Disease
Physical tiredness along with loss of strength and spontaneous sweating would indicate Qi Deficiency. Dull eyes lacking spirit and a pale complexion would indicate Blood Deficiency. The two conditions are often seen together in Parkinson’s Disease with a patient who is likely uninterested in speaking or moving.
Spleen Qi Deficiency with Internal Dampness and Parkinson ’s Disease
Internal Dampness creates a feeling of heaviness in the body, such as a heavy head that is hard to hold up. Pain may be deep and achy with Internal Dampness as it blocks the free flow of Qi in the body. Cold limbs and a desire for warm covers would be likely with this imbalance. Loose or sticky stools and general fatigue would likely be present also.
Many serious chronic disease patterns can be alleviated or reversed utilizing Chinese medicine; Parkinson’s disease would be an unlikely candidate for this type of optimism. However, Chinese medicine has been shown to be a valuable adjunct therapy in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and can be used to help lessen the severity of symptoms associated with this complicated condition. Many times, lessening suffering by only 20-30% can make life tolerable for an individual coping with chronic pain and immobility.
Cheng FK. The use of acupuncture in patients with Parkinson's disease. Geriatr Nurs. 2017 Jul-Aug;38(4):302-314. doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2016.11.010. Epub 2016 Dec 29. PMID: 28041638.
Yeo S, Choe IH, Van Den Noort M, Bosch P, Jahng GH, Rosen B, et al. . Acupuncture on GB34 activates the precentral gyrus and prefrontal cortex in Parkinson's disease. BMC Complement Altern Med. (2014) 14:336. 10.1186/1472-6882-14-336
Chen FP, Chang CM, Shiu JH, Chiu JH, Wu TP, Yang JL, et al. . A clinical study of integrating acupuncture and Western medicine in treating patients with Parkinson's disease. Am J Chin Med. (2015) 43:407–23. 10.1142/S0192415X15500263
Dan R, Ruzicka F, Bezdicek O, Ruzicka E, Roth J, Vymazal J, et al. . Separate neural representations of depression, anxiety and apathy in Parkinson's disease. Sci Rep. (2017) 7:12164. 10.1038/s41598-017-12457-6
Aroxa FH, Gondim IT, Santos EL, Coriolano MD, Asano AG, Asano NM. Acupuncture as Adjuvant Therapy for Sleep Disorders in Parkinson's Disease. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2017 Jan;10(1):33-38. doi: 10.1016/j.jams.2016.12.007. Epub 2017 Jan 11. PMID: 28254099.
Subramanian I. Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Exercise in Nonmotor Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. Int Rev Neurobiol. 2017;134:1163-1188. doi: 10.1016/bs.irn.2017.05.037. Epub 2017 Jul 14. PMID: 28805568.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.