Agent Orange, Viet Nam and Parkinsons Disease

I have just joined your remarkable “Rosetta Stone” that will help me understand my disease on 6/3/2011 (Your approach is the 1st that includes laughter as a pathway to recovery). I am requesting “Where to Start” information on this web site.

I have been exposed, almost on a daily basis for 8 months, to Agent Orange spraying while serving with the 1st  Infantry Division. I am presently receiving disability benefits from the VA. I  was “diagnosed” in 2003 @ age 62. My CranioSacaral Therapist has told me that many Vietnam Vets require a good “cleansing” of their body of  toxins that have “resided” there  since exposure.

Until I joined your group I have not been able to nail down research-wise this aspect of recovery or specific 1st hand “stories” of how other Vets are handling the Holistic” natural approach” to recovery. In order to save  time could you point me in the right direction?

“Time is of the essence” as I have my first appointment with a nutritionist who alleges experience with PD patients  on Tuesday PM 06/07/2011. I need to do some reading so I know what to ask her.  Please forgive me for this intrusion on your time with such a short response time. Thank you for you good work and consideration.

Charles

Response:

Congratulations. You have unearthed a primary cause of symptoms you are currently experiencing. Research definitively confirms that exposure to agent orange (which can be from service in Vietnam or through exposure to pesticide applications on farms) does significant damage to the neurological system. Symptoms of Parkinsons are a likely outcome.

Even the VA now recognizes the compelling evidence on agent orange and – as you note in your letter – now offer benefits to veterans who were exposed. Once the agent orange toxin has been cleared from your body (and there may be other toxins as well) and damage to your delicate neurological system repaired – your state of health will improve dramatically.

A consultation with a nutritionist is an excellent choice. Detox diets can help your body detox. I would also  recommend that you pursue this further by exploring various detox protocols that will facilitate the release of the agent orange toxin in your body. Be circumspect in the choices you make. Some detox protocols chase the toxins into the brain.

There are medical doctors (for example, Dr. Daniel Newman, MD, ND,  in Vancouver, Washington who works with people who currently experience the symptoms of Parkinson’s) and various naturopath doctors who specialize in detoxing the body. I suggest that you start your journey by exploring options for treatment in addition to those prescribed by your nutritionist.

I suggest that you detox slowly. Toxins cannot be cleared quickly. It is not like getting an oil change for your car.

I also suggest that you continue to pursue ways to release trauma as you are currently through your treatments with a craniosacral therapist. When toxins are present, it is usually the case that the person has experienced significant trauma that is unresolved. The mere fact you served in Viet Nam suggests that focusing on releasing trauma will be needed to release the toxins. The body will refuse to release the toxins as long as trauma remains trapped in the tissues of your body.

When many people detox from a toxin like agent orange their symptoms flare. This is because the trauma is now presenting itself to  be released. I discuss the connection between toxins and trauma at length in my book, Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease
http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me

2 thoughts on “Agent Orange, Viet Nam and Parkinsons Disease

  1. My brother was in Vietnam and exposed to orange agent. He has an intense case of Parkinson Disease and is suffering. I am trying to help him. He is going to the VA but the medications he is receiving are having a negative affect on him. How can I help him?

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