Parkinson’s disease is a clinical syndrome characterized by impairment of movement, rigidity and tremor, which results from damage to the basal ganglia. Its pathology consists in cellular loss and depigmentation of the substantia nigra. This is accompanied by biochemical changes in the corpus striatum where there is a decrease of dopamine. The substantia nigra and corpus striatum are connected by fibres where dopamine and acetylcholine act as neurotransmitters. In Parkinson’s disease there is an imbalance between these two neurotransmitters, with a decrease in dopamine accounting for the impairment of movement, and an increase in acetylcholine accounting for the rigidity and tremor.
The onset of the disease usually occurs between the ages of 50 and 60. The first sign is usually a tremor of the hand. It is a coarse tremor four to eight times per second. Difficulty in movement and rigidity follow the onset of tremor. The face also loses its expressive movements, giving the patient the typical staring look which is diagnostic of this disease. Automatic swinging of the arms when walking is decreased or lost and the patient walks taking small shuffling steps. The handwriting becomes progressively smaller.
In Asian medicine, Parkinson’s disease comes under the symptom of “Convulsions” and is always related to Liver-Wind. The “principles of Medicine”(1565) says: “Wind tremors are caused by Wind entering the Liver and the Qi of the channels rebelling upwards, this causes tics of the face and tremors of the limbs.”
With a combination of acupuncture and herbal treatment this disease can be controlled and its progress halted at best, but it cannot be completely cured. And the sooner the treatment is started after its onset, the better the results.
Generally speaking, the acupuncture and herbal treatment may be given in conjunction with Western medication. This is based either on anticholinergic agents which reduce tremor and/or L-Dopa to improve movement and reduce rigidity. After some weeks of treatment the dosage of the drugs could be reduced but this should be done very gradually.
As for prevention, any person over 50 who suddenly develops symptoms such as dizziness, stiffness, and an increasing difficulty in walking, should immediately change their life-style by working less, never getting exhausted, taking more rest, avoiding emotional stress and reducing sexual activity.
Both acupuncture and herbal treatment can be adjusted for the prevention. Acupuncture can balance the five elements of the organs and channels of the body, and herbs can tonify and nourish the sinews and tendons by boosting energy and blood.
Reference: The practice of Chinese Medicine. The treatment of Diseases with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs.
For more information, please call Ki acupuncture clinic at 661-251-5930.