Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of central nervous system. The early symptoms included but are not limited to shaking, rigidity, slowness in the general movements, and difficulty in walking, cognitive and behavioural problems which normally occurs in the advanced stages.
Ayurvedic View Of Parkison’s Disease: Kampa Vatam
Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda Parkinson’s disease is denoted as “Kampa Vata”; by name we can clearly understand the nature of the symptoms such as shaking. The word “Kampa” means Shaking and “Vata” means Bio – Humour which is AIR. Currently this is affecting almost 1% of the population who aged 65 and above. This is fourth most common neurological disorder affecting elderly.
Causative factors: (Nidana and Samprapthi )
According to conventional system this condition is idiopathic (No Know Causative factors). But the latest medical research has determined the possible cause of the condition to be a impaired function of specialized cells in the brain stem which normally stimulates the production of Dopamine (a neurotransmitter). The reason for the function disturbance is not known yet.
Whereas, in ayurvedic medicine the Nidana and Samparapthi (Cause and Pathology) was explained on the basis of Bio- Humors. The aggravation of “VATA” is due to many factors such as excessive physical activity, lack of proper nutrition, severe constipation etc. The aggravated VATA disturbs the “RASA” Dhatu (Tissue) which cause the early symptoms of dryness in the skin (Purva Roopam) and then later relocated to other Dhatus, affecting MAMSA (Muscular) and MAJJA (Brain tissue) causing the muscle stiffness, rigidity, alerted behaviour and tremors.
Ayurvedic Treatment
Main emphasis in Ayurveda is prevention. The main aim of Ayurvedic medicine is First maintain the health state of individual and secondly treat the disease” “ Swastaysa Swatya Rakshanam Aturasya Viakra Prasamanam”
Ayurvedic medicine offers some treatment options in case of Parkinson’s. Ayurvedic treatment for this condition mainly based on the treatment of unbalanced VATA. Internal and External Oleation (Snehanam) and fomentation (Sednam) form the basis of the constitutional treatment. Oleation can be done by internal consumption of medicated oils and Ghee. External Oleation can be done by Massage (Ayurvedic Abhyangam). The important procedure that is mentioned in the books of Ayurveda for the treatment of KAMPHA VATA is Basti or Vasti treatment. Vasti (Anal enema) is the best purification method in order to balance the disturbed Vata. Ayurveda also offers wide range of herbal supplements to help the patients of Parkinson’s. Recently many studies conducted around the world has proven the existence of L-dopa (Which is precursor for Dopamine) is present in some of the Ayurvedic herbs. Moreover, following regular Ayurvedic diet and life style principles and practicing yoga will give be always a best way to prevent further disease progression.
You may ask your personal query to Dr Kumar via Email drkumar@jeevahealth.com.au or by phone 0402 282 745/ 03 9440 5091 or 02 6156 0618 regarding any of your health problems. You will be offered authentic Ayurvedic information and an opinion, as to what best can be done pertaining to your ailment.
By Dr Kumar CRS BAMS (GOLD MEDALLIST), MPH, MHP, Consultant Ayurvedic Physician and Panchakarma Specialist JEEVA HEALTH PTY LTD
