Ayurvedic management of Parkinson’s Disease - A Case Study

Abstract

Parkinson's disease is a movement disorder characterized by the degeneration of neurons in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system, with its etiology remaining unknown. An imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine neurotransmitters, involving either an increase in acetylcholine or a decrease in dopamine levels, is observed. Clinical features of Parkinson's disease are an expressionless face with a staring look and infrequent blinking, along with characteristics such as greasy skin, soft and rapid monotonous speech, and a flexed posture known as universal flexion. The gait of individuals with Parkinson's disease is characterized by walking with short steps, a tendency to run, delayed initiation of walking, shortened stride, rapid small steps, and a phenomenon known as festination. Other gait-related issues include reduced arm swinging, impaired balance during turning, propulsion and retropulsion, as well as lateropulsion and kinesia paradox. Resting tremors, rigidity and hypokinesia are common symptoms experienced by patients with Parkinson's disease. In a case study involving a 54-year-old male diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, treatment included Basti, Abyanga, Swedana, and Shamanaoushadi. Significant improvement in symptoms was observed, highlighting the beneficial effects of Shodana and Shamana therapies in enhancing the patient's quality of life.