Ayurvedic management of Parkinson’s disease - A Case Study

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease is defined as Chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by both motor and non-motor features. The most important signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease occur when the nerve cells in basal ganglia, an area of brain that controls the movement become impaired or die. When these neurons die or get impaired, they tend to produce less amount of important chemical in the brain called as Dopamine which causes various symptoms like Tremors, Rigidity in muscles, Akinesia and postural disability associated with various Cognitive, Behavioural and other Psychological symptoms. In Ayurveda presentations of this disease can be corelated with the Kampavata in which both Sarvanga Kampa and Shiro Kampa are important Lakshanas that are seen. The Vata that is responsible for controlling the various functions of the body is responsible for causing the disease Kampavata and hence Kampavata is also mentioned in 80 types of Nanatmaja Vikaras. The Chala Guna of the Vata is pathologically increased leading to the Kampa. Treatment mainly aims at reversing the imbalance of Vata Dushti through various Shamana and Shodhana Chikitsa, Here a case of 58 year old female presenting with the symptoms of Severe Tremors, Postural instability and difficulty in performing daily activities who was provisionally diagnosed as Kampavata was successfully treated with Snehana and Brihmana line of management in the form of Sarvanga Abhyanga, Shali Pinda Swedana and Rajayapana Basti.