Natural Options to Reverse Parkinsons Symptoms

Month: July 2009

Resistance to Change

There is usually one black sheep in any family. Black sheep insist on doing things differently. Their family believes their way is weird, unsafe, unsound and just plain stupid. Resistance to change in all families is strong.

I am the black sheep of my family. I am always trying out new therapies of one type or another. My current goal is to reverse the color of my graying hair back to black.

New therapies are continuously being introduced. It is likely that some of them will help. I figure, why not give them a try? They are natural, noninvasive and safe to try. What is there to lose? I have only one life to live and it does not last forever.

Reactions I get are blank stares and questions.

Is there any research to indicate this will help?

Why do you want to pursue a therapy that your doctor
does not even know about?

In short, there is usually significant criticism from family members if the black sheep of the family decides to branch out and try out treatments or therapies other than prescription drugs and/or surgeries. Resistance to change is indeed usually very intense.

Are you the black sheep of your family? If so, I need to clue you in to the reactions you can expect from your family when you announce you are pursuing therapies that re not familiar to medical doctors or approved by the FDA.

So you are going to try tai chi? Isn’t that a weird
eastern thing?

You want to eat differently? What is this? You don’t like
my cooking?

You really shouldn’t exercise. You may hurt yourself.

Sound familiar?

From my extensive interviews with persons who have the symptoms of Parkinson’s, a family drama often unfolds when the black sheep announces they are branching out of the family mold and trying other things.

Why do family members get so upset with the black sheep of the family in such cases, especially when the treatments they have been trying are not working? My answer to this puzzle is that you are challenging their limiting beliefs about illness and recovery.

Family members may very well have bothersome symptoms of their own. They hopefully have taken the smart step by seeking the advice from the specialty of western medicine. If they are not considering other specialties that have the potential to provide relief however, they have given up their power of control over their own destiny. They have resigned themselves to being told what to do.

It is frighting for anyone to acknowledge they have given up the power of choice, especially when it comes to their own health and well being. Learning that someone else in the family
is stepping up to the plate and taking responsibility for their own health elicits deep questions about the decisions they have made regarding their own health care. It is tough for all of us to face the truth of our actions. Denial runs deep in everyone.

Of course people in your family will react strongly if a black sheep of the family branches out of the grip of mainstream medical care and begins to take control over their own health. This act in itself raises questions about the power of choice everyone else has given up with regard to their own health care. No one likes to confront the reality they have given up all power of choice to someone else.

The secret to recovery is to take control over your recovery program. Defy resistance to change. You know the best way to proceed. Other people – whether family or friends – do not. We are all different with different needs.

Incidentally, the color is my hair is turning back to black from gray. I am doing it naturally – no dyes involved. Isn’t that cool? I suppose I could turn it back to black with hair dyes, but then I would be giving myself an overdose of toxins.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Medical Specialities for Parkinsons

There are many alternatives to consider when searching for therapies and treatments that provide relief from the symptoms of Parkinson’s. I will preview both Western and Eastern medical specialties for Parkinsons several by way of opening up ideas for where you can search to find relief.

Western Medical Specialities for Parkinsons

Western medical specialties for ParkinsonsOne of the places that is familiar to most people today is western medicine, a specialty among many other possible specialties that can be considered. Western medicine treats symptoms with prescription drugs and surgery. This approach for treating illness has become a commonly accepted method of treating disease for about 100 years now.

It is losing some of its popularity because of the side effects of the medicines and the consequences of surgeries. It is important to remember, however, that the mainstream medication specialty is precisely what some people need to jump start their recovery program.

Thank goodness the western medicine specialty is stringently regulated. Prescription medicines make molecular changes to the cellular structure of the body. Most prescription medicines have side effects. This is why Federal Drug Administration (or a similar agency in other countries) legally regulates the prescription and sale of all prescription drugs. Stringent certifications are required for the medical doctors who prescribe the meditations and for the pharmacists who sell them.

The standard treatment approach in western medicine is to perform diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the symptom. Unfortunately administration of the tests can of course take months and require considerable expense. Unfortunately, the diagnostic tests sometimes cause illnesses in their own right.

After determining a diagnosis, the standard approach is to prescribe medications or surgery. If the medications and/or surgery succeed in alleviating the symptoms, the treatment is declared a success. If unsuccessful, the treatment is suspended in search of an alternative drugs or surgeries that are hoped will provide relief. Sometimes medical doctors have to go back to the drawing board to consider other diagnoses. Some people have a long list of diagnoses for a variety of symptom sets.

The western approach to medicine works beautifully for some people and some symptoms. For other people and other symptoms, such treatments can be disappointing. Many people prefer this specialty over other alternatives. Others use both.

Eastern Medical Specialties for Parkinsons

There are also a wide variety of other specialties that offer the potential to provide reliefEastern Medical specialties for Parkinsons which rely on natural methods to heal the body. An advantage of such specialties is that they have been practiced for many thousands of years with great success. The worst side effect you are likely to experience when using natural therapies is improved health on some level.

The number of specialties other than western medicine is extensive: homeopathy, acupuncture, herbs, meditation, energy healing, physical therapy, tai chi, qigong, naturopathy, exercise, hypnosis, counseling therapy, nutrition, body work – you name it. This is the short list.

Most of these specialties have been practiced for thousands and thousands of years. The standard approach to illness in the United States was to use homeopathic remedies until the beginning of the 20th century, a time when most of us today were not living.

Many people get a huge advantage when they use a combination of specialties. Why? When used in combination, the benefits from using the treatments from more than one specialty are usually synergistic.

In the countless interviews I do with individuals who have the symptoms of Parkinson’s I am overwhelmed with what people do that helps – not just a little – but a lot.

May you open the door to consider what all specialties have to offer. That is what I have been doing with my own research strategy and I am unearthing unbelievable discoveries which you can read about in the Parkinsons Recovery blog.

Join me with investigating other specialties that have the potential to help you feel a lot better. The people who are getting great relief from their symptoms are willing to experiment with many different specialties. The sky is the limit. The potential for healing is limitless.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

ADA Protections for Parkinsons Disease

Hi Robert,  I am currently overwhelmed with an urgent problem which occupies all my time. My employer is going to fire me no later than September due to a combination of factors and my illness. I am interested in learning about  ADA protections for Parkinsons disease

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease two and half years ago; but the employer doesn’t know what my diagnose is. I have received a very bad but unfair performance evaluation this week to obviously lay grounds for my firing. So I need to urgently find out what options may I have under the circumstances: am I protected by the ADA, can I stay or should I go, can I get the employer’s permanent disability insurance, and so on.

I am currently looking for a good lawyer in the disability/job problem area preferably with experience in PD cases. I wonder if different Parkinson foundations/associations may have appropriate attorneys. Excuse me for bothering you with my problem, at the same time I would very much appreciate your advice.

Thank you very much.

Best regards,

Gene

Thanks so much for your e mail. What a formidable challenge the universe has concocted for you! I do know that the provisions of the American Disability Act provide strong protections. The employer must have 15 employees. If they are large enough, they must provide special equipment if needed, extra breaks, alter the work environment, adjust schedules, etc.

If you haven’t already done so, type in the words “ADA protection Parkinsons Disease” in your search engine and see what comes up. I sense getting the assistance of a lawyer at this point would be strongly advisable.

I also know that there are advocates who have Parkinsons and have become experts in this area. If you would like, I can post your question on the blog. Maybe we will get a comment or two from advocates.

The best outcome is to resolve the symptoms so that the issue becomes mute. Stress aggravates them, so with the stress you are under, it will be a challenge to see relief from your symptoms until you see relief on the horizon.

It feels like you have sunk into the template that you are stuck with the symptoms. It is easy to sink into that dark and dreary place. Use your intention to shift into a better place, a place where you know in your heart that you can heal.

Of course, the other issue the universe may be confronting you with – is this the job of your dreams? Or, is there something else you are being called to do?

All the best,

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery®

 

 

Pain and Parkinsons Disease

Although the topic of pain and Parkinsons disease may have come up before, we haven’t gotten yet a satisfactory answer. The question is whether you have found pain to be a significant symptom in people with other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and if so, what they do to find relief.

The second question is whether in people who take L-dopa, it is common for them to feel worse 20-45 min after taking the medication before finding relief.  Any suggestions or information you have on these two related questions would be very much appreciated.

Pain and Parkinsons Disease

Yes, I have received many reports from people who report pain is a very troubling symptom for them among others. First, from what I have learned, people get relief from pain by meditating. Meditation allows them to override all of the thinking that surrounds the “meaning” of the pain. We all put a head on top of our head, which makes the experience worse. That is one reason I have been motivated to record the weekly series of meditations for Parkinsons Recovery members.

Second, my observation is that there is typically a thought form that is buried beneath the pain. Once that is cleared and released, the pain resolves.

Third, a source of the pain is often unreleased trauma. Using one body therapy or another (we use craniosacral) helps with releasing trauma. Other therapies are helpful as well. Once the trauma is released, the pain resolves (if trauma is the primary causal factor)

Timing of Medications

As for the timing of the medications – this is a tough one. Your doctor of course is the go to resource when it comes to questions about medications.  Most people tell me that when they work closely with their doctor, they can adjust their medications so that the down time is minimized. People I have interviewed tell me they experience symptom relief after taking medications, not pain.

I wonder about the reason for the emergence of pain before the meditations kick in. Perhaps the body is in a suspended state of withdrawal until the new dose starts to work. Perhaps there is a temporary flare up of inflammation

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

 

Toxicity

Our bodies got sick because of some type of toxicity at least that is my belief.

That is certainly my belief too. it’s not for 100% of the individuals who have Parkinson’s but from our extensive work it is clearly true for a pretty significant proportion of individuals there are toxins that directly contribute to the symptoms.  A huge body of research has unequivocally shown that toxins do contribute to the symptoms of Parkinson’s.

How do we get rid of the toxicity that is making us sick?

That’s actually a question that I am addressing in my interviews with naturopath doctors and other health professionals who have sharp insights into how we can eliminate the toxins in our bodies. There is no a simple answer to the question.

In part it depends on the nature of the toxicity that is present in the body. When you know what toxin(s) are most troublesome, you will have a better idea of what detox approaches are going to be most successful. Once the toxins are eliminated, the neural pathways can be rejuvenated. Toxins do a good job of glogging them up.

Detoxing is not a one-day event. It is not a one-week event. I believe it needs to be a lifetime event. Eliminating toxins from our bodies is something that we need to work on continuously. The good news is that there are many possibilities that can be very effective. Your body will thank you for detoxing and show its appreciation through a reduction in symptoms.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

12 Steps to Recovery

On Parkinsons Recovery RadioI interviewed John Coleman, ND. John is a naturopath doctor from Australia who was diagnosed with an advanced stage of Parkinson’s in 1995, but is symptom free today. Here is a replay of my interview with him where is also discusses his 12 steps to recovery.

Below are questions from members of the Parkinsons Recovery audience that John answers:

1. I live in Brazil and my mother, 81 years old, was recently diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease. She has Polycythemia Vera too. I would like to know if I can give her B2 Vitamin (riboflavin), 20mg/three times daily, with no risk of increase her hematocrit (actual level is 46).

2. My wife has been slightly anemic for over 5 years, just after she was afflicted with PD. Her hemoglobin, iron content and % saturation have been all below the minimum recommended range, despite valiant efforts to increase it, like taking iron pills and eating iron rich foods. Her Dr says that taking FE pills is not efficient, as it is poorly absorbed. Apparently, a lot of PD patients have this problem. What steps should she take?

3. How do you deal with the orthostatic hypotension? I take florineff and midodrine. I hate them – side effects are horrendous.

4. I have tried almost every therapy and treatment over the past five years, but that darn PD still seems to progress. This included two stem cell treatments, UCB by IV out of the country…. Improved over the first six months, but them benefits faded away! What supplements have you fond help the most?

5. Could you tell me – have you come across very many people who can link their Parkinsonism to taking Lipitor?

6. How can I get the best movement possible with the least amount of meds?

7. What will c/l dopa help and what won’t it help? What can I expect to be improved?

8. Are there any preventive measures my Mum (who has Parkinsons) should be taking with regard to the swine flu?

9. What are the 12 steps to recovery that you recommend that support the recovery process?

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

Five Steps to Recovery

Your Five Steps to Recovery book is terrific.

“Recovery will happen for me” is my new mantra.

My body is responding. Also, your suggestion for remembering the feeling from past times I made non wishy washy decisions and the outcome was never seriously in doubt. At first I couldn’t recall such decisions. Then it came later that I had indeed made 4 of them, all life and death decisions based on how I thought and moved in a very short time span.

In my experience as a helicopter pilot I had 4 engine failures over a 30 yr period. One from 500 feet with a student, one from 15 feet over a helipad one at night, over a city from 500 feet, and the last over the ocean from 200 feet with 6 on board. Each one the feeling deep down was that I knew the end result would be successful.

That same feeling is the same feeling I have about recovery. I also have been using the TV screen meditation with interesting, positive results.

I also have to give credit for 5 sessions of EFT with Bernadette Hunter. Y

. It’s all coming together slowly for me. Soon my Aquas will be arriving…

Monica

Response:

This is certainly an exciting report for everyone to hear. I am so happy to learn you found Five Steps to Recovery useful. Thank you for sending it me and giving permission for others to read it. There are clearly exciting developments happening in your life. When you are on the road to recovery, it becomes so clear great things are beginning to happen.

Energy is running. A new and powerful life force begins to re-emerge. Of course, the process is seldom smooth sailing, but at least you know something important is happening.

We all have a tendency to focus on symptoms that are troubling and do not celebrate improvement in symptoms that have resolved or become much better.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

Mercury Amalgams

Karen gave me permission to post her email below concerning issues related to the removal of mercury amalgams.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Today, I had two old, mercury amalgam patched gold crowns removed. They said they took out a LOT of Mercury amalgams from under the crown. They will replace them with Zirconium crowns that the man who analyzes the Clifford tests suggested to my dentist.  That man at Clifford would also be very interesting to interview. He has a wealth of info about compatible dental materials.

Another issue is the difficulty that epinephrine can cause. One woman new to our support group never had a tremor until recently when she was given pain killer containing epinephrine and she has not stopped having tremors since that dental appointment. 

Another woman said her “Parkinson’s” began at a dentist appointment. Our group leader asked his dentist who had been to a special conference where they said not to use Novocaine with epinephrine with people who have neurological challenges. Another man was given a copy of the printed info that comes with both kinds of pain killer. Today my dentist gave me plain Novocaine without epinephrine. After 2 hours of sitting while they worked I was shaky all over but it did go away. It felt like it might be my body adjusting to the big clump of amalgam leaving. I feel much better tonight.

I strongly feel people with Parkinson’s or a pre-disposition (heredity) should be informed about this issue and choice. My dentist said they keep both kinds of pain killer available because there are people who are sensitive. (Also, the dermatologist uses pain killer with epinephrine and could be asked to use a non-epinephrine alternative.)

Karen

Electromagnetic Sensitivity

I am totally convinced – and other practitioners have also felt the same – that my Parkinsonian symptoms are because of certain factors, especially  electromagnetic sensitivity to magnetic fields and microwave radiation. My condition is much worse than anyone else I have met. Being on this computer is making me really ill.

My house was badly affected by electro magnetic fields and geopathic stress. I moved but still got worse. Eventually five years ago Professor Burn at Newcastle General told me I had Parkinson’s Disease.

My partner of 10 years left me two weeks later. I was given dopamine agonist pramipexole. I initially saw some improvement. I moved from my house and got a computer, wifi and phone. My condition deteriorated. I moved again, but continued to get worse.

By accident I clicked onto the website electrosensitivity.uk (http://www.es-uk.info) A lady called Sandy was convinced my illness was caused by my sensitivity. A hair sample was sent to Gary Johnson who told me I did not have Parkinson’s Disease but electrosensitivity.

I checked where I was living. Five masts (90 yds from me) a lady called Georgi  came to my house. She had traveled 14,000 miles all over the UK to find a safe place. She settled in Rothbury in Northumberland. They then built two masts above house 3 miles from my floor. She was affected in the house and could hardly breath. Gary Johnson said if I stayed  there I would die.

Prior to this nutritionist Gwenda Jones tested my urine and told me I did not have Parkinsons Disease but lead poisoning from paint, mercury amalgam and sensitivity to electromagnetic fields. I started a detox program which was associated with horrible side affects. I searched for safe place to live out of the house.

Both Gary and Gwenda felt that the drug Pramipexole was enhancing my sensitivity. I slowly came off but was taken into the hospital very ill. Professor Burn increased my meds and l felt better the next day. He upped again.

Over the last four years I have become more and more affected by electromagnetic Sensitivity. From the age of 10 I lived in a house bedroom 25 ft from an electric sub-station which is 2 miles from the airport. An incidence of early deaths in the houses near me was scary. By council initiative, all houses were built with all electric heating under the floors. My father died at age 53.

Next door two 49 year old males had heart attacks; Alzheimer’s two doors away; two cases of MS; cancer in a 14 year old boy. For the first time I had enuresis nose bleeds. My parents argued all the time.

I recently went back to the area where I grew up. They had put a roof on the sub-station, but illnesses have gotten worse, especially among children. I left that house in 1972 to train to be a PE teacher.

It was when I started my nurse training in 1993 that a rash appeared on my buttocks and has slowly gotten worse. Every doctor says eczema. Do I want cream, etc.? They laugh when I tell them how I can get it to go away. As my condition worsened I started to take a herb called kapikacchu (Mucuna).

This has saved my life.

As a good friend said, out of adversity comes strength

Alan

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery