PARKINSON’S DISEASE (PD)
Parkinson is slowly progressive diseases that cause degeneration in certain parts of the brain and is characterised by slow movements, rigid muscles, tremor and a tendency to fall easily. The effects of Parkinson’s disease also called paralysis and result are mainly from degeneration of nerve connections at the base of the brain. It is mainly a disturbance of voluntary movement caused by the degeneration of the inhibitory nerve in the basal ganglia of the brain. Mental faculties are also affected. Parkinson’s disease its incidence increases in elderly people; men are more affected than women.
Secondary Parkinson’s is the name given to the same symptoms when they develop as a result of other damage to these nerve connections caused by inflammation of the brain, Encephalitis, reduced blood supply to the base of the brain or disorders of nerve impulse transmission due to some drugs or poisons.
The first symptom is usually slight tremor or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head; which is worse when the limb is at rest more particularly in the hands but feels better when it is in use. As the disease worsens, more muscles on both sides of the body become affected by tremor, rigidity and weakness. There may be constant trembling of the hands and uncontrolled nodding of the head. Walking becomes stiff, shuffling and unstable and the back develops a rigid stoop. The muscles of the face tighten and the expression becomes fixed and mask like. Speech becomes softer, monotonous and stammering. The disease may be identified by a weakness and spasticity of the face muscles causing the characteristic mask like expression, also a tendency for the mouth to stay open with excessive salivation, muscle stiffness or aching, slowness of movement, small handwriting, rigidity of limbs and the characteristic shuffling gait that includes a tendency to lean forward, small quick steps as if hurrying forward (called festination), and reduced swinging of the arms. They may also have trouble initiating movement (start hesitation), and they may stop suddenly as they walk (freezing).
Parkinson’s disease symptoms often begin on one side of the body. However, as it progresses, the disease eventually affects both sides. Even after the disease involves both sides of the body, the symptoms are often less severe on one side than on the other. The intellect is not affected until late in the disease and because of this people with Parkinson’s disease often become depressed by their loss of mobility and independence.
Movement and coordination in the body are controlled in part by a chemical in brain called dopamine. In Parkinson disease, dopamine – producing nerve cells is damaged, gradually reducing dopamine levels in the parts of the brain thought to control movement. Without dopamine, the brain doesn’t send signals to the muscles so that they can function properly. Many researchers believe that PD may be caused by a combination of genetic factors and environmental factors, such as exposure to certain toxins. But not all movement difficulties are related to Parkinson’s disease.
Symptoms, and the intensity of the symptoms vary from person to person.
Depression. This is a common problem and may appear early in the course of the disease, even before other symptoms are noticed, such as Emotional changes, Difficulty with swallowing and chewing. Muscles used in swallowing may work less efficiently in later stages of the disease. In these cases, food and saliva may collect in the mouth and back of the throat that can result in choking or drooling. These problems also may make it difficult to get adequate nutrition.
Speech – language therapists, occupational therapists, and dietitians can often help with these problems, as speech often changes, urinary problems or constipation.
Skin problems. In Parkinson’s disease, it is common for the skin on the face to become very oily, particularly on the forehead and at the sides of the nose. The scalp may become oily too, resulting in dandruff. In other cases, the skin can become very dry. These problems are also the result of an improper functioning of autonomic nervous system. Excessive sweating, another common symptom, is usually controllable either with medications used for Parkinson’s disease or with other conventional concepts.
Sleep: A good night’s sleep keeps body and mind functioning properly, but PD can include symptoms that interfere with the sleep – such as vivid dreams, sleeplessness, or restless legs. Establish a regular routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Avoid oversleeping. Create a comfortable, peaceful environment in bedroom. Dementia or other cognitive problems are common.
Orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure when a person stands up from a lying-down position. This may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and, in extreme cases, loss of balance or fainting.
Muscle cramps and dystonia.
Pain, people with Parkinson’s disease develop aching muscles and joints because of the rigidity and abnormal postures often associated with the disease.
Fatigue and loss of energy, which is unusual demands of living with Parkinson’s disease often lead to problems with fatigue, especially late in the day. Fatigue may be associated with depression or sleep disorders, but it also may result from muscle stress or from overdoing activity when the person feels well. Fatigue also may result from akinesia – trouble initiating or carrying out movement. Exercise, good sleep habits, staying mentally active, and not forcing too many activities in a short time may help to alleviate fatigue.
Exercise: It can help make living easier by: Helping one feels more in control of self-movements. Reducing gait problems and muscle /joint injuries. Flexibility improves. Muscle strength increases and keeps it in balance. Simultaneously, it increases energy, stamina and cardiovascular health. Stretching, this will increase range of motion and relieve muscle tension. Tai chi, which may improve the energy balance and provide mind and body relaxation. Yoga that uses stretching and breathing techniques to promote wellness.
Nutrition: Good nutrition is one of the most important parts. Make these nutrition habits: Drink lots of fluids more of water that too during daytime, even if not thirsty. Eat natural laxatives – prunes, vegetables, and foods high in fiber – to prevent or relieve constipation. Eat something cold and sour – before a meal to help prevent dry mouth.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and other stimulants — especially in the evenings. Minimize fluid intake in the hours before bed time. Avoid watching TV, reading, or eating in bed. Exercise regularly. Remember that tending to your emotional health is as important as tending to your physical health.
Prognosis: Itself is not a fatal disease, but it does get worse with time. The average life expectancy of a Parkinson’s disease patient is generally the same as for people who do not have the disease. However, in the late stages of the disease, Parkinson’s disease may cause complications such as choking, pneumonia, and falls that can lead to death.
Stages of Parkinson’s disease: Stage one, Symptoms on one side of the body only. Stage two, Symptoms on both sides of the body may develop. No impairment of balance. Stage three, Balance impairment, mild to moderate disease, but still physically independent. Stage four, severe disability, but still able to walk or stand unassisted. Stage five, wheelchair-bound or bedridden unless assisted.
Overall, with the concept Onnuri ‘SuJok’ its acupuncture ‘color – seeds – energy’ concept define that Parkinson’s disease wherein a deformation starts, and all the joints are in coldness condition, the dominant energy is very strong, causing the nervous system responsible for it, not to function properly. If according to an individual’s constitution axial relations – in most of the cases there is an excess of wind, humidity and coldness and deficient of heat, hotness and dryness that may take longer time to have positive results, but it works effectively.
As acupuncture, itself is a powerful medicine, which aids in strengthening the immune system and serves to prevent diseases, control pain and increase both the ability to function and the quality of people’s lives. It has been shown to promote the health and improve the immune function. It has also helped many people who were not successfully treated through conventional western medicine. Several conditions can be dramatically improved or remedied in full including Parkinson disease. Or remission of the disease can be achieved and medicament’s therapy simultaneously can be reduced or eliminated altogether. The course of treatment should definitely be uneventful, if taken properly.
The beauty of Onnuri ‘SuJok’ is that each treatment is catered to the needs of an individual basis. Its energy concept of treatment is only on the hands/ foot, chosen for overall wellbeing with the objective of increasing circulation of the blood and vital energy.
smile notions; onnurimedicine.wordpress.com ‘Dr.Dinesh kapur’
To your wellbeing, smile life! Enjoy.
PARKINSON’S DISEASE (PD)