Effects Of Acupuncture According To Updrs
We conducted a meta-analysis of the study results based on the UPDRS used to the effects of acupuncture plus conventional treatment versus conventional treatment alone .2). UPDRS I had no significant effect on PD symptoms in two studies ).2). UPDRS II had a significant effect on PD symptoms in 2 studies ).2). UPDRS III had a significant effect on PD symptoms in 5 studies ).2). UPDRS IV had no significant effect on PD symptoms in 2 studies ).2). In 7 studies that used the UPDRS total score to compare the effects of acupuncture plus conventional treatment versus conventional treatment alone, it was seen that combined treatment had a significant effect on PD symptoms ).
What Are The Main Complementary Therapies Used By People With Parkinsons
The rest of this information looks at some complementary therapies you may find helpful. Please remember that although weve included them here, we cant recommend any particular therapy.
Our forum is also a great place to find out what people are trying and how they feel about different therapies.
Acupuncture is a form of ancient Chinese medicine. It involves a therapist inserting thin needles at particular points on your body.
Traditional practitioners believe that energy flows round the body through channels which, when blocked, can cause illness. The role of acupuncture is to unblock the channels.
Some scientists believe the needles act to stimulate muscles and nerves, which is what causes the effects.
Acupuncture needles are very fine so shouldnt cause a lot of pain. Your therapist will stimulate them manually using heat, pressure, electrical currents or laser light.
Best Physical And Occupational Therapy Exercises
Physical therapy exercises target your areas of concern. They can help develop your strength, balance, and coordination. Youll also enhance your functional mobility by improving concentration, flexibility, and range of motion.
Occupational therapy exercises are intended to help you perform daily activities related to work, school, or home with greater ease.
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How Might Massage Therapy Help
Research suggests that massage may help to reduce pain and anxiety and depression, although theres no conclusive evidence. Abdominal massage may also help with constipation.
Many people with Parkinsons and their carers have told us they find massage therapy useful as a way to relax and to have time to themselves.
How Might The Alexander Technique Help
Theres evidence from one scientific study of fewer than 100 people that the Alexander technique may help to relieve symptoms of Parkinsons, including pain, speech, tremor, depression and balance.
NICE clinical guidelines recommend that people with Parkinsons consider the Alexander technique to help with balance or motor problems.
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Acupuncture May Benefit Parkinson’s Patients
Acupuncture may help relieve some of the symptoms of Parkinsons disease, researchers from the University of Seoul, South Korea, reported in CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics. It appears that acupuncture reactivates parts of the brain that have become too deactivated, the authors added.
The scientists explained that several studies had shown that acupuncture treatment relieved symptoms of patients with Parkinsons disease in human and animal subjects. Some studies using fMRI had found that neural responses in extensive brain regions were much lower among Parkinsons patients compared to healthy individuals. Brain areas particularly affected by Parkinsons include the thalamus, putamen, and the supplementary motor area.
Scientists have been carrying out more and more studies on the possible therapeutic benefits of acupuncture. An article published in JAMA in September 2012 found that acupuncture may help in the treatment of chronic pain.
Yeo, S., Lim and team used fMRI to measure what the specific effects of needling acupuncture point GB34 were on parts of the brain that are affected by Parkinsons Disease.
Certain brain centers become too inactive in people with Parkinsons disease. The authors explained that acupuncture seems to reactivate them.
The authors divided the participants into two groups:
- The control group consisting of 12 healthy subjects. None of them had Parkinsons disease.
- The Parkinsons group consisting of 12 patients with Parkinsons disease.
Data Preprocessing And Calculations
The fMRI data analyser was also blinded to the group assignment. The resting-state fMRI data preprocessing was performed using DPABI based on MATLAB . After removing the first four volumes of each participant, the functional images were corrected for the intra-volume acquisition time delay using slice-timing and realignment. None of the participants were excluded based on the criteria of displacement > 2 mm or angular rotation > 2° in any direction. All corrected functional data were then normalized to the Montreal Neurological Institute space and resampled to a 3-mm isotropic resolution. The resulting images were further temporally band-pass filtered to remove the effects of low-frequency drift and high-frequency physiological noise. Finally, 24 head-motion parameters, white matter signals, and cerebrospinal fluid signals were regressed using a general linear model, and linear trends were removed from the fMRI data. Spatial smoothing was also performed before the ALFF analysis using a Gaussian filter , but after the ReHo calculation.
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How Might Reflexology Help
Reflexology is often used to promote relaxation, and to help with a wide range of problems, including digestive and hormonal issues, stiffness in the back and neck, and insomnia.
Theres no conclusive evidence that reflexology works for any medical condition. A very small study has shown that reflexology may help with the wellbeing of people with Parkinsons. However, a larger study is needed to confirm this.
Acupuncture Provides Parkinsons Disease Relief
- 07 July 2018
Acupuncture is an effective treatment modality for the alleviation of Parkinsons disease. Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers conducted a study comparing the effects of drug therapy as a standalone procedure with acupuncture plus drug therapy in an integrated treatment protocol. Based on the data, the researchers conclude that acupuncture plus antiparkinsonian drug therapy is significantly more effective than using only antiparkinsonian drug therapy.
Two groups were compared. In one group, Parkinsons disease patients received only levodopa-benserazide as a means to alleviate symptoms. In the second group, levodopa-benserazide was combined with acupuncture therapy. The acupuncture plus drug therapy group had a total effective rate of 89.4% after four courses of treatment, whereas the drug therapy only group had a 52.6% total effective rate for the management of Parkinsons disease.
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Foods Containing Saturated Fat And Cholesterol
Some studies suggest that dietary fat intake may increase the risk of Parkinsons.
Although having a higher intake of cholesterol can elevate a persons Parkinsons risk, having a higher intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids may reduce the risk.
Therefore, a person with Parkinsons may wish to reduce their intake of cholesterol to help control the symptoms of the condition. They may also wish to reduce the amount of saturated fat in their diet.
However, further studies are required to explore the link between dietary fat and Parkinsons.
How Is Parkinsons Diagnosed
Doctors use your medical history and physical examination to diagnose Parkinsons disease . No blood test, brain scan or other test can be used to make a definitive diagnosis of PD.
Researchers believe that in most people, Parkinsons is caused by a combination ofenvironmental and geneticfactors. Certain environmental exposures, such as pesticides and head injury, are associated with an increased risk of PD. Still, most people have no clear exposure that doctors can point to as a straightforward cause. The same goes for genetics. Certain genetic mutations are linked to an increased risk of PD. But in the vast majority of people, Parkinsons is not directly related to a single genetic mutation. Learning more about the genetics of Parkinsons is one of our best chances to understand more about the disease and discover how to slow or stop its progression.
Aging is the greatest risk factor for Parkinsons, and the average age at diagnosis is 60. Still, some people get PD at 40 or younger.
Men are diagnosed with Parkinsons at a higher rate than women and whites more than other races. Researchers are studying these disparities to understand more about the disease and health care access and to improve inclusivity across care and research.
Aging is the greatest risk factor for Parkinsons, and the average age at diagnosis is 60. Still, some people get PD at 40 or younger.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation has made finding a test for Parkinsons disease one of our top priorities.
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How Might Aromatherapy Help
Many people use aromatherapy to help them relax. There hasnt been much research on how aromatherapy may help with Parkinsons. Research suggests it can have a mild, temporary calming effect on anxiety, but another study said the evidence available wasnt good enough to prove aromatherapy could effectively treat any condition.
Aromatherapy is one of the more commonly offered therapies in NHS hospitals with complementary medicine programmes. Speak to your GP, specialist or Parkinsons nurse about availability in your area.
The Complementary And Natural Healthcare Council
The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council was established with government support to regulate some therapies.
Therapies regulated by the Council include:
- Alexander technique
- report any side effects when they happen
When you find a therapist, here are a few questions you should ask:
- What, if any, risks are associated with the treatment you offer and what steps will you take to prevent problems?
- What professional organisations are you registered with?
- How much does the treatment cost and how long will it last?
Finally, its important to find a therapist you feel comfortable with and who you like. This will help make your therapy more successful and enjoyable.
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Can I Use Complementary Therapies Instead Of Taking Parkinsons Medication
Complementary therapies dont work as a replacement for Parkinsons medication. Stopping or making changes to your Parkinsons medication can be dangerous without the guidance of your specialist or Parkinsons nurse.
Generally speaking, the complementary therapies listed in this information are considered safe. But before taking tablets, pills or capsules, applying creams or drops or drinking teas, you should talk to your GP, specialist or Parkinsons nurse. This is because some herbs and remedies may have side effects or clash with medications youre already taking. Your healthcare professional may also be able to recommend a therapist, or advise you on other sources of information.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is the government agency responsible for making sure that medicines and medical devices work, and are safe.
Some complementary therapies may not be safe during pregnancy. So its essential that you tell not only your GP, specialist or Parkinsons nurse but also your complementary therapist if youre trying for or expecting a baby.
Its not always easy to tell what is or isnt safe and many organisations offering therapy give the impression of being reliable even when theyre not.
These 7 Acupressure Points For Parkinsons Disease Help To Alleviate Related Symptoms
Parkinsons is a difficult disease to live with. Its symptoms often result in the need to change daily activities and it can be quite exhausting. Most people either know someone with Parkinsons disease or are experiencing it themselves and yet there is no simple cure. Luckily, there are a variety of effective acupressure points for Parkinsons disease treatment.
This disease is not new, and its ancient nature links it to the power of ancient medicine which is arguably one of the best treatments available, even during modern times. After extensive research about different medications and modern treatments for the onset of Parkinsons, nothing showed as much positive impact as these Parkinsons acupressure points.
Read the points below to learn this simple, free, and effective method for minimizing the symptoms of Parkinsons so you can take your life back.
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Demonstration Of Auxiliary Acupoints: Governing Vessel
Orthostatic hypotension occurs in a number of PD patients, and can be treated by filiform needle manipulation or fire needling of the Governing vessel acupoints. This patient did not display OH, thus only the acupoint selection is shown, with acupuncture treatment excluded.
Standard acupoints for treating OH include:
DU-14 Dazhui: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra.
DU-12 Shenzhu: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the third thoracic vertebra.
DU-11 Shendao: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the fifth thoracic vertebra.
DU-9 Zhiyang: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra.
DU-8 Jinsuo: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the ninth thoracic vertebra.
DU-6 Jizhong: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the eleventh thoracic vertebra.
DU-4 Mingmen: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the second lumbar vertebra.
DU-3 Yaoyangguan: Located in the depression below the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra.
Hand Shaking Tremor Symptoms May Be Improved With Acupuncture
Essential tremor often first affects the hands. The exact cause hasnt been discovered yet, even though scientists have been researching treatment for many years. There is, however, a relationship between Acupuncture and Essential Tremor. Uncontrollable shakiness, especially in the hands can be slowed down by Acupuncture.
Essential tremor is a neurological condition causing involuntary trembling with a rhythmic pattern. It is often more noticeable when affecting the hands, which is also the area that is usually affected first. Essential tremor progresses slowly and usually affects the hands, arms, head, larynx, tongue, and chin. Onset is typically gradual. Exacerbations of the condition may be triggered by lack of sleep, anxiety, fatigue, caffeine, and extreme temperatures.
Essential tremors are shown to affect approximately 1 percent of the general population, although that number increases to 5 percent in patients 65 years and older, which means it affects approximately 10 million people in the U.S. alone.
Conventional treatment of essential tremors, for are generally limited to lifestyle changes and medications. Drugs like Beta blockers, anti-epileptics, and electrical deep brain stimulations are the only routes of therapy that conventional medicine offers. These may or may not work, and sometimes come with undesirable side effects.
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Why Have You Included Therapies With No Scientific Evidence
The therapies in this information have all been chosen because theyre popular with people affected by Parkinsons.
Just because a therapy cant be proven to work in a medical trial, or there hasnt been enough research about whether it helps people with Parkinsons, it doesnt mean you wont find it useful. In fact, weve heard from many people who tell us they have benefited from using these therapies.
Many of our local groups organise complementary therapy sessions at their meetings to encourage members to give them a try.
Throughout this information, we highlight what scientific evidence there is to support the use of each therapy.
What Causes Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons disease occurs when nerve cells in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra become impaired or die. These cells normally produce dopamine, a chemical that helps the cells of the brain communicate . When these nerve cells become impaired or die, they produce less dopamine. Dopamine is especially important for the operation of another area of the brain called the basal ganglia. This area of the brain is responsible for organizing the brains commands for body movement. The loss of dopamine causes the movement symptoms seen in people with Parkinsons disease.
People with Parkinsons disease also lose another neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. This chemical is needed for proper functioning of the sympathetic nervous system. This system controls some of the bodys autonomic functions such as digestion, heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. Loss of norepinephrine causes some of the non-movement-related symptoms of Parkinsons disease.
Scientists arent sure what causes the neurons that produce these neurotransmitter chemicals to die.
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Are Acupressure Points For Parkinsons Disease Effective
Parkinsons Disease is complex and despite extensive studies, there are still many unknowns. However, acupuncture is also a well-studied field and its qualities have been proven on a number of occasions. In studies that combine the two topics of interest, it has been found that the activation of certain acupuncture points can improve mobility, comfort, and reduce fatigue in individuals with Parkinsons disease. Although acupuncture is considered to be an extremely effective option in combination with medications and exercise, activating acupressure points for Parkinsons Disease has been proven to be significantly effective in treating this condition as well.
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How Might Ayurveda Help
People may use Ayurveda to build and maintain an overall sense of good health and wellbeing.
Although there have been some small studies of Ayurveda, none have been of a good enough quality to prove its effectiveness. Larger, better-designed studies are needed before we can be sure how effective Ayurveda is.
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How Might Music Therapy Help
Its been suggested that music can improve movement and speech and help people to relax or talk about their feelings or ideas.
Some people with Parkinsons find that listening to strong rhythmic music can improve their walking, prevent hesitations and overcome freezing episodes.
In general, research indicates that music seems to help people with conditions such as Parkinsons improve their emotional sense of wellbeing.
Acupuncture For Parkinsons Disease
Acupuncture for Parkinsons Disease has been widely recognized as a leading solution for many patients. Parkinsons disease is an age-related progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Its clinical manifestation of motor symptoms includes bradykinesia, resting tremor, the rigidity of muscles and joints, gait and posture imbalance. Acupuncture can be used as a treatment to help to relieve some of the symptoms of Parkinsons. The non-motor symptoms of PD are found in the vast majority of patients with PD, consisting of autonomic dysfunction, neuropsychiatric disturbance, sleep disorders , gastrointestinal symptoms and many others.
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