Archive for June, 2009

Jun 30 2009

Massage and Parkinson’s Disease

Published by admin under Massage

Question:

Is there any evidence or information about the benefits of massage for people with Parkinsons?

John

Response:

What a large question which consumes one tiny sentence! I talk with people with Parkinsons who get massages regularly to help them release stress. To the extent that any therapy helps you release trauma and stress, you can rest assured your symptoms will become less bothersome.

Keep in mind that massage is a general term for many different therapies. People have told me that deep tissue massage is not helpful. The reason? I suspect that it is much too invasive. The body clamps down muscles in response to the intrusion.

If massage is coupled with energy healing (reiki, healing touch, energy healing), the therapist is much more likely to be gentle with the body’s response to the treatment  as they invite the trauma and stress to be released. In my own experience. everything depends on the therapist.

I would say this very simply: There is a massage therapist out there in the universe who can be of benefit to you. Your job is to find them. You will know them when you get a first treatment.

So, even if you experiment with a massage and feel it did not help, stay on the lookout for someone else to get a treatment from. You will recognize the right person for you when you see them.

The bottom line is this: If the massage is intended to relax you – it will have benefits. If the massage is intended to release stress and trauma – it too will have benefits.

There is another benefit as well. Asking someone to help you is very therapeutic. I believe we can’t heal ourselves from the traumas of life. We have to ask for help from others. Besides, it is a great gift to give yourself.

What follows is a brief summary of some of the research and current thoughts about massage:

A study on massage:

Parkinson’s disease symptoms are differentially affected by massage therapy vs. progressive muscle relaxation: a pilot study

Maria Hernandez-Reifa, Tiffany Fielda, Shay Largiea, Christy Cullena, Julia Beutlera, Chris Sandersa, William Weinerb, Dinorah Rodriguez-Batemanb, Lisette Zelayab, Saul Schanberc, Cynthia Kuhnc

Abstract

“Sixteen adults diagnosed with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (M age=58) received 30-min massage therapy or progressive muscle relaxation exercise sessions twice a week for 5 weeks (10 sessions total). Physicians rated participants in the massage therapy group as improved in daily living activities by the end of the study. The massaged group also rated themselves as improved in daily functioning, and having more effective and less disturbed sleep. Urine samples revealed that at the end of the 10 sessions, the massage therapy group had lower norepinephrine and epinephrine (stress hormone) levels, suggesting they were less stressed. The progressive muscle relaxation group had higher dopamine levels, which is interesting in that Parkinson’s is associated with a decrease in dopamine. The relaxation group also showed higher epinephrine levels, suggesting that although the relaxation exercises might have been beneficial, some Parkinson’s participants might have found the relaxation technique stressful.”

A research article on massage:

http://www.massagemag.com/Magazine/2003/issue105/research105.php

This study reports that spa therapy involving massage is beneficial for people with the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Website on massage:

http://www.integrative-healthcare.org/mt/archives/2007/03/parkinsons_dise.html

This website specifically addresses the benefits of massage for people with the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Also: http://www.awakeningnuenergy.com/id18.html

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

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Jun 28 2009

Psychic Healing for Parkinson’s?

Published by admin under healing, psychic readings

I am always on the lookout for ways people with the symptoms of Parkinsons can feel better and get relief from their symptoms. No possibility goes unnoticed. No option is left unexamined. On the radio program this week (Thursday at 11:00 am pacific time) a psychic gives a reading to me!

Yes, you read that last sentence correctly. I put myself on the line and ask a psychic from New York City, Lenore, to give me a reading. I will play the reading on the radio program Thursday.

Oh, and by the way, I did not edit anything out! You will hear the full reading from start to the end.

If you are curious whether a psychic might be a resource for you, join us Thursday. You will learn a lot about you can make wise choices for yourself by asking your body for guidance.

Listen to Parkinsons Recovery on Blog Talk Radio

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Jun 28 2009

Dyskinesia and Parkinson’s

Published by admin under dyskinesia

Comment:

I have enjoyed your web site. I have been trying many new  things in order to feel better. I have decreased my PD meds tremendously.  My dyskinesias  are 90% better.

For now I wish to discontinue my membership.  Let me explain. I live in Central New York. This past winter was brutal, and  being stuck inside for what seemed forever, is how and why I found your web site.  Spring has come and gone – a very rainy one I might add.

Now summer is here. I’m feeling more like myself again.  My husband and I have started a  garden and we really enjoy working in the yard.  He just bought me a  bicycle and we are boaters. So to be perfectly honest I don’t have  time to sit in front of the computer.  I need to move and enjoy the  sunshine for the short amount of time we have it.  I will see you again next winter.

By the way I love your news letters. I hope those don’t stop.  Thank-
you for your support.

Sincerely,

Patricia

Response:

Thanks so much for sending me the exciting news about your recovery. Many people will be thrilled to learn your symptoms are better after trying new things. The best medicine anyone can give themselves is sunshine and exercise. They are both freely available in the summer. The more you get of both, the better you will feel. I cannot transmit sunshine through the website and it doesn’t do much for the exercise side of things!

I too lived in New York as a child and remember the long and challenging winters. The good news that after the long winter, summer is such a welcome gift.

If you get the chance, call in during any of my weekly radio programs and tell us all what you have been doing to feel better. It will be motivating for many people. The phone number [347-945-5358] always stays the same. The show airs 11:00 am pacific time every Thursday.

As for the free newsletters – the best is yet to come! Stay tuned.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

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Jun 27 2009

Music and Parkinson’s

Published by admin under music and Parkinson's

Comment:

I have a little experience with music therapy. Last Winter, I happened to meet someone who studies music therapy, and he believed that it can help any condition. I did a little search on this and found that lively music is good for people with Parkinson’s.  This particular article said not to expect results right away.

I found a radio station that had lively music most of the time and listened in the car for a few months. That was a start but not a very satisfactory one because I didn’t enjoy the music. Then, someone gave me a CD of dulcimers and string band, which I liked and found delightful. Much of it is “toe-tapping”, so I would want to tap my foot, my left foot, which is my affected side, drawing forth a response.
 
I believe that the tapping got better over time because it was uncomfortable at first, and then it gradually became more fun. My neurologist had given me an article about music and Parkinson’s. It made one point: that the responses to music are spontaneous, and that the “letting go” response is different from the attempt at conscious effort. People with Parkinson’s can get up and dance when asked (if they like dancing), whereas the same people might have difficulty doing many things.

I did some conscious toe-tapping in the car to the dulcimer music, but it was better when it “just happened,” giving that automatic response some exercise. One of my neurologist’s tests is lifting the (left) heel off the floor rapidly. I did that better for him on my last visit, and we both noticed that I did it more strongly and more easily. Thanks for always empasizing symptoms instead of a disease.

I received encouragement today on my walking. For the last two times going out, I noticed some “going back” of my left arm as well as the little bit forward. The back swing was new. Today, some REAL forward motion, that I did not produce, kicked in.
 
I so appreciate the doors that you have opened to me.
 
Alan

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Jun 26 2009

Parkinsons Recovery Newsletter

Published by admin under Free Newsletter

Question:

I have missed your daily emails! Have they stopped?

Beverly

Response:

My daily e mails have been interrupted the past several weeks for several reasons. I have been working on finishing my book, The Road to Recovery. On top of the doing the weekly radio program and answering all the questions that are submitted, there was no time left to write the newsletter. I am discovering new and exciting things every week which I will reveal in future newsletters.

Rest assured that the daily e mails will resume soon. Anyone can claim their free Parkinsons Recovery newsletters by entering their email address in the space at the top right of this page.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

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Jun 25 2009

Music Therapy

Published by admin under music and Parkinson's

Ever wonder whether music can help give relief from the symptoms of Parkinson’s? The answer is yes! There lies the potential that music therapy can provide a huge benefit which can help sustain health and wellness.

Listen to Parkinsons Recovery on Blog Talk Radio

On my radio program this morning I interview Dr. Wendy Magee, international expert on music therapy from the Institute of Neuropalliative Rehabilitation in London. The website links she refers to in the interview are listed below.

Information on Music / Music Therapy and Neurology

http://www.rhn.org.uk/institute/musictherapy

The Institute of Neuropalliative Rehabilitation is home to an informative website about the use of music and music therapy for people living with acquired neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke and other acquired brain injuries. The website outlines the work of the Music Therapy Neurology Network, a global virtual network which shares information and knowledge about music and neurology. Anyone is welcome to join this network – whether music therapy professional, person with neurological illness, carer or research/clinical professional interested in music and neurology. Although the website content is currently largely geared to professionals, new pages will be added in the near future specifically for people living with neurological illness and their carers. The website has a a wealth of information on published research on Music Therapy and neurology, links to Music Therapy organisations around the world, and links to other websites on music and neurology.

http://www.musichaspower.org

This is the website for the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function based at Beth Abraham Hospital in the Bronx, New York, directed by Dr. Connie Tomaino. This website has a wealth of information about music therapy in neurology for professionals, people with neurological illness and their careers.

http://www.colostate.edu/depts/cbrm/

The Center for Biomedical Research in Music. This website has useful information for those interested in research and evidence-based practice in music therapy and neurology, including lists of publications in areas of related research. It also has information about the Neurologic Music Therapy training (NMT) at the ‘Robert F. Unkefer’ Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy.

http://www.neurosong.com/index.php

Neurosong Music Therapy aims to continuously use music as an innovative treatment tool grounded in scientifically-validated, neurologic-based research. The website provides useful information and strives to enhance the public awareness and credibility of music therapy as a necessary and unique treatment modality.

http://www.neuromusica.org

Neuromúsica es el primer sitio referencial en español dedicado a difundir los beneficios de la neuromusicoterapia (NMT) y los efectos y estudios de la música en el área de las Neurociencias. Fue creado en el año 2008 para desarrollar el crecimiento de la MT y promover la cooperación entre países de América Latina, siendo un sitio para el intercambio de la información y las experiencias internacionales. Asimismo, para colaborar en la educación y especialización en NMT.

Neuromusica is the first website in Spanish dedicated to outlining the benefits of music therapy in neurology and the study of music in the neurosciences. It collaboration across the South American countries, it aims to exchange information and experiences in music therapy and neurology.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

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Jun 23 2009

Parkinson’s Supplements

Question:

You must be most certainly aware of Dr. Mukesh Paneri,an ayurvedic doctor from Ahmedabad, India. His website is www.drpaneri.com

He claims to have cured more than 50 patients from Parkinsons Disease and 122 well on their way to recovery. I would like to know how genuine and authentic are his claims before progressing further. I am eagerly waiting for your reply.

Srinivasan

Response:

I have been trying to arrange an interview with Dr. Paneri for a year but I have thus far not succeeded. I have talked with several people who have received his treatment. Results of my investigations to date are reported in my book, Pioneers of Recovery.

This is the first I have heard that he reports specific numbers of persons who are symptom free. It would be wonderful if he is now meticulously tracking the recovery of his patients.

My own feeling about “cures” is that no one else cures us of anything. We cure ourselves. I do know from my interview with Nathan Zakheim (who reports a full recovery from Dr. Paneri’s treatments in Pioneers of Recovery) that Dr. Paneri uses an Ayurvedic approach which requires a very strict dietary intake of food. His treatment involves much more than simply taking herbs or supplements which he sends his patients from his clinic in India.

He is the fifth generation in his family of people who have worked with people with Parkinson’s. You are clearly dealing with someone who has intimate knowledge of the symptoms. I understand that he does consultations with his patients by phone.

I do not know whether the claims you report above are “valid” or documented. I have talked with people who have used his services who report feeling  better as a result. I suspect that like all possibilities, some people respond favorably to his therapies and some do not. I have no direct evidence to this effect. I only have results of my own investigations on many other therapies and treatments.

Everyone has to find the path of recovery that works for them.  I have not found a therapy yet that has a positive impact on everyone. I do know that if you commit to working with Dr. Paneri, you have to have a strong commitment to get better and you must be willing to make significant changes in your diet and life style. I suspect a reason people do feel better is because they begin to watch the food they eat much more mindfully.

If you decide to receive his treatments, please let us all know how it turns out! We would all love to hear from you.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

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Jun 21 2009

Life with Parkinson’s Disease

Comment:

I tuned into the recorded version of your interview with Leif last night. I could not listen to it for very long as the part where he experienced much difficulty moving around and talking, and when he apologized– it really bothered me. So I exited the show.

I can honestly say that he dashed my hopes somewhat. I felt somewhat frightened and depressed. I was  hoping  to hear the voice of the motivated, and strongly positive author, “Leif”. Didn’t  expect ‘off times”. It recalled to me  the supposed later stages of this condition, and of how dreary a future  this condition could prove to be for me. ( Now maybe I should have stayed on line and listened to all — but I couldn’t.)

However a good thing. It re- emphasized to me how very important it is for me  to listen to my own body and deal with it day by day, and not fixate on what may/may not happen to me in the future, down the road. Each case of Parkinsons Disease seems to be different depending on so many influencing factors. Everyone seems to go through this neurological condition differently.

Now for me after my diagnosis in’ 98 , I am fairing well, all things considered. But it takes effort to stay well and it takes time, and it takes attitude! I used to  receive mail from the Parkinson’s organizations here, inviting me to attend meetings having to do with: falling, drooling,  freezing, depression, suicide, support for spouses, making a will etc. Talk about gloom and doom. So I  unsubscribed to such mail.

I make a practice of staying away from websites, articles, presentations of the same persuasion, because they are NOT helpful at this time and may never be– who knows. It is just more positive for me to practice and adopt a lifestyle that channels my energy and thoughts in a more positive way, to surround myself with people and circumstances that celebrate life — sunshine, nature, spirituality, music, friends, travel, vegetarian food, exercise, breathing, laughing yoga. Some may say that I have my” neck stuck in the sand” , “to face the music”, “to accept my disease”. I think not.

In the days and weeks  following  my diagnosis in ‘98, I spent many a day and dark hour, dwelling entirely on this “di sease”. I found myself buried  in a very dark place, a deep hole, thankfully I was able to crawl out. I  never wish to return there!

So sorry( my opinion), that Leif experienced  ‘off times’ during his talk, because he had a wonderful message to convey. I did read some excerpts from his book, and I do share in, and believe in much that he writes. Now maybe  the  rest of the show was entirely different, but….

Just someone sharing her thoughts having and dealing with” Parkinson’s” recovery.

Linda

Response:

What a fascinating report of your reaction to my interview with Leif this week, author of I Have Parkinsons But Parkinsons Does Not Have Me. Your experience is a true testament to how easy it is to be sucked into the dark and dreary negative belief template about Parkinsons that continues to linger out there in the ethers. As you so eloquently describe, it is so easy to be trapped by the negative belief template. Crawling out of it can sometimes feel like the challenge of breaking out of jail.

I think the actual experience of listening to my interview with Leif patterns your same experience over the years since your own diagnosis eleven years ago. Deep depression initially followed by a determination to engage the activities that help you feel great everyday. You are probably wondering what happened in the second part of the interview?

Leif took a mere ten minute break in the interview to meditate by breathing and grounding. His symptoms vanished. When you hear the second part of the interview you hear a voice of strength and power (though of course English is not his native language). It is a true testament to the reality that by setting his intent to move out of fear and paying attention to his body, his symptoms vanished in a flash. Healing happens in the moment. You do not have to wait years.

His symptoms were up during the first ten minutes of the interview because it was a stressful experience. After all, he was not just have a friendly chat with me. The interview was being recorded. Thousands of people will hear the interview. Once he was able to relieve the stress of doing the interview, all of his symptoms resolved.

Listening to the process of my interview with Leif is really the same experience you have had over the years as you successfully were able to shift from being trapped in the belief template of fear into a belief template of health and wellness. You both are doing quite well indeed now, but it was also a struggle for both of you in the beginning. I suspect this is a familiar process for many people.

If it ever feels right to you, you can always download the interview and fast forward the recording about 12 minutes. You will be delighted with what you hear in the second part of my interview with Leif.

Thanks again for sending in your thoughts. You have helped so many people by telling us all about your own experience with Parkinsons.

Here is where you can download the interview if you every decide to give it a second try:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

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Jun 20 2009

Stress and Parkinson’s Disease

Comment:

I know stress is a major player in my Parkinson’s symptoms.  I have chronic pain and suffering from a surgery to my face that developed into what is referred to as a central pain disorder.  Meaning, the central nervous system has become involved.  I think it interesting that where this takes place is in the vicinity of the Substantia Nigra area of the brain where Parkinson’s develops.  I’ve always thought there might be a connection.

I take 2 anti-epileptic (dangerous) drugs in order to function but this still leaves me with unbelievable discomfort that registers on my consciousness at all times. This, I see, as  one of my greatest challenges to any kind of recovery.  The others are :

1) Subtle stress in most everything I do (I just realized this) and

2) Negative thought patterns even though I see myself as a positive person.

I had childhood trauma and trauma as a young woman. I developed an autoimmune disease at age 22 that most often is not manifested in anyone younger than 50.  I attribute this to a sensitive body that could not handle the devastation of estrogen packed birth control pills manufactured in the early 70’s.

Anita

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Jun 19 2009

Magnets for Healing Parkinson’s

Published by admin under aquas, hydration, magnets

Question:

My dentist of many years retired, & I needed dentist shortly before I moved to my present location.  When I explained that my unsteady gait was from Parkinsons Disease, he told me that he had cared for his mother who had had Parkinsons Disease. He said he did hours of research & found the most helpful thing was using magnets & good hydration.

He said  that he had a patient come in that shook so badly the walls were shaking.  He told her of the magnets & his research.  When she came the next week for a follow-up, he gave her magnets & had her put them on her forearms.  He said they had to be pretty strong.  He said in about 20 minutes or so her shaking had pretty much stopped.  He saw her  again about 6 months later, & she had a new car & was able to return to a fairly normal life. I assumed she was still on medications, but the tremors had stopped.  He told me to find the info on the Internet, or he & his wife would even make the 2 hour drive to my new location to tell me more about it.  I do not find that much about magnets helping PD.

Do you know where to find more information? Or do you know of anyone else having a good experience with them? When I left, he repeated to keep the magnets on the forearms & stay hydrated.

Sylvia

Response:

This is the first report of magnet use I have received. What an interesting story! Too bad you do not have the specifics. I could interview the people involved on my radio program.

First, I do hear over and over from people with Parkinson’s symptoms that good hydration makes a big difference. Some people are getting good results from taking a homeopathic treatment that was designed to help their bodies become better hydrated called the Aquas.

Second, magnets alter the field which surrounds the human body. I do know there are companies which promote magnets as a device to clear blockages in the human energy field and thus help to restore energy and heal illness. I do not have any evidence from people with Parkinsons on the effectiveness of such devices.

I do know that the many forms of energy healing (reiki, healing touch, energy healing, acupuncture, etc.) also help to clear blockages in the human energy field. Magnets are one approach to achieving this same goal.

The problem as I understand it is that if you get the poles reversed when you apply the treatment, the treatment can backfire. Instead of opening chakras and clearing the blockages, the chakras can shut down and blockages can be solidified. I have heard Barbara Brennan (a famous healer) warn against use of magnets because of the pole reversal problem. Apparently, use of magnets can either  work big time or backfire big time.

I have an intuition that in the years ahead, such machines will be much more sophisticated than today. I can also add that of the many therapies that we now know help give symptom relief, I know of no therapy that helps everyone. Just because it might have helped someone else does not mean necessarily that it will help you out.

Anyone out there have any experience with magnets as a treatment option for Parkinsons? Let us hear from you!

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Parkinsons Recovery
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

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