Massage For Parkinson's

Question:

I've just been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and start my treatment next week. I would be grateful for advice on dietary supplements, exercise, etc. that would help the symptoms and, hopefully, retain the disease.

Answer:

The distinguishing characteristic of Parkinson's disease is tremor, or involuntary movement, which increases with the increase in emotion. At first it may affect a body part, then generalize. The problem with walking is very specific to the person has difficulty moving, but once they can not stop, and continue, even as they try to be even. It's like trying to push a huge rock round, you're struggling to get it moving and when you do, it stops rolling inexorably.

Parkinson's disease is a neurological condition caused by problems in the messages from the brain. Voluntary movements of the body (eg, those of your brain decides to make) are controlled by a part of the brain called the cortex. The activity of cortical cells is modulated by other cells in the midbrain called the substantia nigra (literally "black substance") which produce a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that transmits nerve impulses-messages-haired cell to another. In Parkinson's disease, substantia nigra cells have somehow become corrupted, so that messages are not properly transmitted. If messages to talk to your body when and how to move does not go through obviously, the result is uncontrolled and unpredictable movement.

Parkinson's affects the face and body, and the ability to speak and move. The mimic muscles around the eyes, expression, control, lose their tone, and the blink reflex is delayed which gives a blank stare. This may give others the impression that the patient is "stupid" and can not understand what is happening. In fact, Parkinson's disease patients does not affect intelligence to understand every word being said and respond in their minds, but it is frustrating that their condition worsens, they become increasingly unable to expression. It is important for you to keep in mind that the more stressed you are, the slower your reactions may be more difficult and the overall situation will be for everyone.

There are specific medications that can replace the neurotransmitters produced by the cells substantia nigra. These can be very useful in the same way that insulin is useful for diabetics or estrogen for women who experienced surgical menopause (removal of uterus and ovaries). Although there may be minor side effects of medication, including the possibility of addiction to drugs, the disadvantages can be compensated by the quality of life gained. It is important that you are a good specialist who can select the optimal dose of drugs to reduce side effects and optimal benefits.

Here are some things you can do for you

* Make sure your weight is under control. With a physical disability weight gain is an additional problem: you need to avoid sugar, cheese, butter, fatty meals and excessive oil in the kitchen.

* Potassium is useful for muscle function, to drink fresh organic carrot juice, apple juice and ginger (three or four carrots, topped and tailed, three or four apples, and an inch or so of fresh ginger, peeled) from two to three times a week.

* Relax! Play a tape of relaxation, meditation practice, be still. The more relaxed you are muddled, the sweetest of your movements.

* Take one capsule at bedtime of Biorelax; this ayurvedic supplement will help you relax and stay calm.

* Practice yoga therapy for coordination, which is explained in therapeutic yoga, which I co-wrote with Jiwan Brar.

* Before starting any activities.