Parkinson's disease is a multi-system disorder with current research suggesting the cause is from the loss of dopamine neurons in the brain and a build up of Lewy bodies exist in the cytoplasm (Cheng, F.K. 2017). The motor system is affected with the major symptoms including resting tremors, muscle rigidity and bradykinesia (Cheng, F.K. 2017). Which ultimately affect gait and postural stability (Cheng, F.K.2017). Non-motor symptoms include issues with verbal communication, mood abnormalities, constipation and sensory dysfunction which all play a role in impacting life satisfaction (Cheng, F.K.2017).
A literature review (Cheng, F.K.2017) shows an increasing number of sufferers are using traditional Chinese medicine practices such as acupuncture, tui na (massage) and Tai Chi along with Anti-parkinsonian drugs to improve mobility and daily life activities, seen in China and Korea (Cheng, F.K., 2017). A systematic literature review in Korea (Lee, S.H & Lim, S.,2017) showed that a combination of acupuncture with Parkinson's medication had a significant positive effect on symptoms (Lee, S.H. & Lim, S., 2017).
A research review of the clinical trials (Zeng, B.Y. & Zhao, K. 2016) on Parkinson's disease showed that acupuncture (on the body or scalp) or electroacupuncture on the scalp for 30 minutes over 3 months (12 weeks) 3 times per week in combination with medication helped improve PD symptom scores (Zeng, B.Y. & Zhao, K. 2016). As well as assisting in managing the side effects from the medication (Zeng, B.Y. & Zhao, K. 2016).
Contact Womb to World today as we are here to support you in your journey. We have included research articles on the effects of acupuncture on Parkinson's disease which we hope you will find helpful or a start to your path to knowledge empowerment.
Reference
Cheng, F.K. (2017). "The use of acupuncture in patients with Parkinson's disease" Geriatric Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerinurse.2016.11.010
Lee, S-H. & Lim, S., (2017). "Clinical effectiveness of acupuncture on Parkinson disease: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis." Medicine. DOI:10.1097/MD.0000000000005836
Zeng, B.Y. & Zhao, K. (2016). "Effect of acupuncture on the Motor and Non-Motor symptoms in Parkinsons disease - A review of Clinical Studies". CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics. DOI: 10.1111/cns.12507