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	<title>About Parkinson's Disease &#187; Bowen Therapy</title>
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		<title>Parkinsons Disease Treatment Options</title>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 04 Jan 2011 02:21:21 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[About Parkinson's Disease]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Angela Wensley was a guest on my radio show on October 28, 2010. You can listen to the show by visiting http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery.  Angela wrote a thorough update describing the treatment options she has pursued. Her update is posted below. Robert Rodgers, Ph.D. This update is intended not only for my friends and family, but also [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Angela Wensley was a guest on my radio show on October 28, 2010. You can listen to the show by visiting <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery</a>.  Angela wrote a thorough update describing the treatment options she has pursued. Her update is posted below. Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>This update is intended not only for my friends and family, but also for people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson&#8217;s disease (PD). Please feel free to pass this on to anyone that you may know who has a diagnosis of PD as they may find some of the information helpful. I was diagnosed with the symptoms of PD in May 2007, over 3 1/2 years ago at age 59. At the time of diagnosis, I was informed that not only was the cause unknown (&#8220;idiopathic&#8221;), but also that it was irreversible and progressive. Initially, I questioned the diagnosis but any doubts were resolved when I traveled to Los Angeles in September 2007 for a PET scan that confirmed (in medical-speak) that there was: moderately decreased dopamine accumulation into the posterior putamen on the left side of my brain, consistent with PD. Since then, I have come to accept the diagnosis as my symptoms have become rather &#8220;classic&#8221;. In particular, I have tremours in my right hand and these have become increasingly worse as the years have progressed.</em></p>
<p><em>The progression of my PD symptoms has not been linear, but instead I experience it in waves with definite peaks and valleys. The symptoms can be pronounced for a number of days interspaced by days of calm where I am almost symptom-free. Over time, however, the general trend has been a gradual progression downward (probably corresponding to dopamine depletion in the part of my brain responsible for motor activities) with the valleys becoming more savage and the peaks becoming shorter. In addition, there can be variations in my tremours during the day. When I am relaxed, I have no tremours. When under stress, or excitement, or cold, the tremours become more pronounced.</em></p>
<p><em>The worst situation is &#8220;White Coat Syndrome&#8221; whenever I visit a medical doctor or a neurologist. On those occasions, my tremours are effectively out of control. Other PD symptoms such as impaired arm swing, problems with gait, problems with balance, and constipation are so far in the mild category. Besides tremour, the other most bothersome PD symptom for me has been &#8220;micrographia.&#8221; As I can no longer move the fingers on my right hand, my ability to write has decreased to the point where I have ceased keeping a daily journal, something that I had been doing since the 1980s. Also, typing has become difficult and slow. Luckily, Dragon voice-activated software has come to my rescue and I now dictate most of my communications (such as this update).</em></p>
<p><em>I plot the progression of my PD every three months using the Parkinson&#8217;s Disease Rating Scale (PDRS) from 0 to 100 on the website www.PatientsLikeMe.com where my patient name is &#8220;Dawn Angel&#8221;. My current rating is 7. It has been as high as 14. My human tendency is to self-evaluate when I&#8217;m feeling good so it is possible that my PDRS is higher at some times.</em></p>
<p><em>So far, I have avoided taking any of the Parkinson&#8217;s medications (with a brief exception of one month after I was first diagnosed when I took Mirapex, a dopamine agonist that for me had dreadful side effects). To me, the PD medications are a last resort. Since they will only provide a certain number of years of effectiveness it seems reasonable to forestall taking them until it is absolutely necessary, that is, when having the symptoms is no longer preferable to the side effects of the meds. I have been able to work for three years post diagnosis but I&#8217;m at the point where it may not be possible to continue working as a freelance consulting engineer. I haven&#8217;t had any jobs since June 2010, so it is difficult to say if it is time for me to retire.</em></p>
<p><strong><em>RESOURCES</em></strong></p>
<p><em>I am fortunate to have two outstanding neurologists on my side, Andrew Wolfenden and Jon Stoessl, although I only see them once a year. Stoessl is the director of the Pacific Parkinson&#8217;s Research Centre. I see him at the Movement Disorders Clinic at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. With Western medicine offering only drugs that mask the symptoms of PD and unable to otherwise treat the condition, it is inevitable that a person diagnosed with PD will seek out alternative forms of medicine. My naturopath Caleb Ng </em></p>
<p><em>www.mountainviewwellnesscentre.ca/ </em></p>
<p><em>is a valuable part of my team. Ideally, a person diagnosed with PD should have a team of practitioners, including at least one neurologist, their GP, a naturopath, a physiotherapist, an herbalist, a massage therapist, a personal trainer, a psychotherapist, and others. The reality, however, is that no &#8220;team&#8221; really exists. My personal trainer may know my chiropractor, and my naturopath may have met my neurologist, but this is not team behaviour. The cold truth is that each patient is pretty well left to their own devices. So one must be proactive and become better informed, often more so then their practitioners. We are the keepers of the complete story.</em></p>
<p><em>There are many very good publications on PD available in book form. Some that I have found to be exceptional are:</em></p>
<p><em>1. Jill Marjama-Lyons and Mary J. Shomon, &#8220;What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Parkinson&#8217;s Disease,&#8221; Warner Books (2003).</em></p>
<p><em>2. Gretchen Garie, Michael J. Church, and Winnifred Conkling, &#8220;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061173223?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zerpoihea-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0061173223">Living Well With Parkinson&#8217;s Disease</a>,&#8221; Collins (2007).</em></p>
<p><em>3. David A. Grimes, &#8220;Parkinson&#8217;s: Everything You Need to Know,&#8221; Firefly Books (2004).</em></p>
<p><em>4. Geoffrey Leader and Lucille Leader, &#8220;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0952605694?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zerpoihea-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0952605694">Parkinson&#8217;s Disease: Reducing Symptoms with Nutrition and Drugs,</a>&#8221; Denor Press (2009).</em></p>
<p><em>5. Laurie K. Mischley, &#8220;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603810439?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zerpoihea-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1603810439">Natural Therapies for Parkinson&#8217;s Disease</a>,&#8221; Coffeetown Press (2010).</em></p>
<p><em>6. Abraham Lieberman, &#8220;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0763704334?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zerpoihea-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=0763704334">100 Questions and Answers about Parkinson&#8217;s Disease</a>,&#8221; Jones and Bartlett (2003).</em></p>
<p><em>7. David H. Anderson, &#8220;How to Tame Parkinson&#8217;s by Keeping Fit,&#8221; Authorhouse (2005).</em></p>
<p><em>8. John Ball, &#8220;<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=zerpoihea-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;asins=1420827898&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr">Living Well, Running Hard</a>,&#8221; Authorhouse (2005).</em></p>
<p><em>9. Arthur W. Curren, &#8220;<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=zerpoihea-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;asins=1425901859&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr">Dumb Bells and Dopamine</a>,&#8221; Authorhouse (2006).</em></p>
<p><em>Downloadable books from the Internet include:</em></p>
<p><em>1. John C. Coleman, &#8220;<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=zerpoihea-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;asins=0855723688&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr">Stop Parkin&#8217; and Start Livin&#8217;</a>: Reversing the Symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s Disease,&#8221; available for a fee from www.returntostillness.com.au</em></p>
<p><em>2. Robert Rodgers, &#8220;<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=zerpoihea-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;asins=0981976719&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr">Road to Recovery from Parkinson&#8217;s Disease</a>,&#8221; available for a fee from <a href="http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me">www.parkinsonsdisease.me</a></em></p>
<p><em>3. Janice Walton-Hadlock, &#8220;Recovering from Parkinson&#8217;s Disease: Understanding its Cause and Mastering and Effective Treatment,&#8221; available for free from www.pdrecovery.org/ (I do not necessarily endorse the concepts or opinions of the author but found it a compelling and worthwhile read; too bad she won&#8217;t converse with anyone that has been on PD meds such as Mirapex for a month!)</em></p>
<p><em>There are almost unlimited resources available on the Internet. By far the best PD website is <a href="http://www.patientslikeme.com">www.PatientsLikeMe.com</a> that has over 5000 members with PD.</em></p>
<p><em>My &#8220;Dawn Angel&#8221; profile there has been browsed over 7000 times at the time of writing this update.</em></p>
<p><strong><em>PD PREVENTATIVE MEASURES</em></strong></p>
<p><em>The various measures I have taken in my attempts to slow the progression of PD are listed below in approximate order of effectiveness (my perception). The regimen I am on is constantly changing but the overall goal remains the same: to feel as good as I can.</em></p>
<p><em>1. Exercise.</em></p>
<p><em>2. Physiotherapy</em></p>
<p><em>3. Neuroprotective supplements</em></p>
<p><em>3. Diet</em></p>
<p><em>4. Chelation</em></p>
<p><em>5. Brain therapies</em></p>
<p><em>Exercise</em></p>
<p><em>The initial diagnosis of PD scared me so much that I decided I had to get into the best possible physical shape to be able to combat the progression of PD. I also engaged a personal trainer, Julie Beenham, to keep me honest. I have seen Julie since June 2007 and would consider our sessions the single most effective measure I have taken against my PD. Within a few months, I had dropped over 40 pounds through a regimen that included running every morning for 5 miles (running for my life) plus extensive workouts in the gym in the afternoon in addition to my sessions with Julie. While my initial reasoning was correct in terms of my being better prepared to withstand the ravages of the disease, I have since found out that intense physical exercise can also have neuroprotective benefits. All the more reason to keep it up. I counsel other people with PD to start exercising and keep at it even when they don&#8217;t feel like it.</em></p>
<p><em>My exercise regimen has varied significantly over the years, particularly with the seasons, but exercise still remains the most effective method I have found for relief from the symptoms of PD. I have also had to accommodate changes to my body thanks to Mr. Parkinson. For example, I have nearly-constant pain in my right hip that now prevents me from running or from using certain equipment in the gym. When I find I can no longer do one thing (use an elliptical training machine) I do whatever I can to keep that it. A &#8220;toe crest&#8221; helped keep the toes on my right foot from curling under; I still use toe sleeves to prevent the formation of corns. When these measures weren&#8217;t enough I found something else that I could use: a stationary bicycle. I will continue with this practical approach as long as I am able. Whenever possible, I indulge in two of my favourite sports, tennis and kickboxing. Not bad for someone who&#8217;s 63 years old!</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Gym</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Currently, my gym workouts consist of roughly 30 minutes of cardio, 30 minutes of weight training, and 30 minutes of stretching. As mentioned above, the cardio originally was done on an elliptical machine but now I use an upright bicycle. Weights involved a number of machines but also free weights (dumbbells). I have found that stretching is an important component of any exercise regimen and worth the time taken for it.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Personal trainer</em></strong></p>
<p><em>I see my personal trainer Julie twice a week for one hour each time. In our ever varying routine, she has me attempt a number of balance exercises. I can balance on my left leg very well but balance on my right leg is problematic. Standing on a wobble board is possible but is becoming an increasing challenge for me. We do part of each session with my eyes closed which seems to be helpful. Each session ends with stretching, the best part!</em></p>
<p><strong><em>Tennis</em></strong></p>
<p><em>I had given up playing tennis in 2005 after a rotator cuff injury made it impossible for me to raise my right arm (I am right-handed) out to the side and overhead. Little did I know that a &#8220;frozen shoulder&#8221; is often a sign of PD. In 2008, on the advice of a friend who had seen an amputee play tennis again after switching to his left arm, I resumed playing tennis as a lefty. When my right arm finally came around in 2009, I morphed into an ambidextrous player with both right and left handed forehands. We bought a condo in a tennis community in Delray Beach, Florida that we visit twice a year for a month each time and were I can indulge my tennis habit. Back home in the relatively cold Northwest I see a tennis coach on a weekly basis and play indoors during the winter.</em></p>
<p><em>When I play tennis, my PD symptoms also take a vacation although videos show that I am clearly compensating for any impaired movement. Nonetheless, my footwork is good as is my ability to run and make shots from either side of the court. Why this is so is not really clear to me. Perhaps doing something that one really loves is conducive to generating dopamine, the neurotransmitter in short supply in the brains of people with PD. I suspect that it has something to do with the repetitive nature of the game and the delightful sense of vibration when the ball is well struck. For this reason, I prefer &#8220;tennis therapy&#8221; with a coach feeding me shots, to actually playing a game. I have noticed that on those rare occasions where I summon up extra energy through adrenaline (which consumes dopamine) I pay for it later in terms of a short-lived exacerbation of my PD symptoms. The trick is to learn how to stay relaxed while playing the game.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Kickboxing</em></strong></p>
<p><em>It was Julie my personal trainer who introduced me to kickboxing. The kickboxing I do is not in the ring (!) but rather with a partner holding pads or in a gym with a kickboxing circuit. In the summer I am able to set up a punching bag outdoors in the carport but most of the time I now go to &#8220;30 Minute Hit&#8221;, a local kickboxing circuit. There is something about the contact and the vibrations from the punches that help calm the symptoms of PD. Besides, it just feels good to hit someone! There is clearly some adrenaline production involved with kickboxing as my tremours are usually set off for several minutes after I complete the circuit.</em></p>
<p><strong><em>Physiotherapy</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Since my diagnosis with PD, I have seen a number of physiotherapists. I am relatively good at following orders and did whatever exercises they recommended, with satisfactory outcomes. Initially, my focus was to regain the use of my right arm. More recently, I have been addressing the progressive effects of PD on my body.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Prolotherapy</em></strong></p>
<p><em>As mentioned above, I had given up playing tennis in 2005 after a rotator cuff injury. After my diagnosis with PD in 2007, I worked very hard on regaining the function of my right shoulder. I underwent two months of prolotherapy from a naturopath where dextrose was injected into my tendons (hurt like hell) to promote improved blood supply and healing. In this regard, the prolotherapy was very effective, although I still had to follow up with more than a year of intense physiotherapy. There is still some residual pain in my right shoulder and a tendency for the femur to sit outside of its socket, but for all intents and purposes I have regained a full range of motion. I continue to receive physiotherapy on my right shoulder.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Intramuscular stimulation</em></strong></p>
<p><em>In 2009, I began to see Dan Sivertson, a physiotherapist who practices &#8220;Intramuscular Stimulation&#8221; (IMS), a therapy developed in Vancouver BC<a href="http://www.istop.org">www.istop.org</a>/. IMS is a form of &#8220;scientific acupuncture&#8221; where the needles are inserted into the problem area such as tight or shortened muscles, without application of electric current (I have little time for non-scientific or traditional acupuncture that relies on mythical meridians to determine where the needles should be placed.). The results of IMS have been amazing and muscles that I thought had been irrevocably tightened have loosened up. There has also been a significant reduction in pain, especially in my right hip. IMS must be considered as part of a complete physiotherapy package that includes myofascial release and massage.</em></p>
<p><em>Currently, Dan and I are working on improving my posture. One of the progressive features of PD is the gradual tightening of muscles that progressively cause a stooped posture. With weekly sessions of physiotherapy and daily posture exercises we are keeping the ravages of PD to a minimum at least as they affect my posture and mobility.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Chiropractic</em></strong></p>
<p><em>While some people regard chiropractic as a pseudoscience, my experience has been that it is very effective for treating lower back pain. I have had lower back pain for at least 30 years, well before my diagnosis with PD. Whenever I put my back &#8220;out&#8221; I see a chiropractor as soon as possible and usually a few adjustments set me right. In the past, I used to go for physiotherapy and it took over a month to get any benefit. Chiropractic is faster and more effective than physiotherapy for relief of lower back pain, in my opinion. In addition to chiropractic, exercises to strengthen my &#8220;core&#8221; help me to recover quickly from recurring back injuries.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Myofascial release</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Deep tissue massage is another form of physiotherapy that I have found to be beneficial for PD. In 2010, I had a package of 10 sessions of Hellerwork. Over a couple of months, my Hellerworker Melissa Patton accessed and massaged all accessible fascia of my body. Despite the intensity of the bodywork, the sessions were soothing and felt heavenly. </em><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Air splint</em></strong></p>
<p><em>I am currently experimenting with an inflatable splint of the kind used for retraining of stroke patients by immobilizing spastic limbs. The splint is used to straighten my right arm and eliminate the crook in the elbow. I use it three times a day for 10 minutes at a time. It feels good to have my arm straightened.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Minimal contact therapies</em></strong></p>
<p><em>There are a couple of therapies that have reportedly had good effect on people with PD. One of these is Bowen Therapy. I have had several sessions of Bowen and found them very relaxing but did not experience any lasting effects. I did, however, find that osteopathy was effective. I have seen in osteopath in New Zealand on a few occasions when I was working there and found his techniques to be effective in reducing lower back pain as well as being very relaxing. If there was a local osteopath, he or she would be in my &#8220;team&#8221; of caregivers.</em></p>
<p><strong><em>Neuroprotective supplements</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Neuroprotective supplements are also referred to as &#8220;anti-aging&#8221; supplements or &#8220;mitochondrial enhancing agents&#8221; and are taken in addition to the conventional antioxidants (such as vitamin C, beta carotene, vitamin E, and selenium). Most of these supplements are taken orally; the very powerful antioxidant glutathione must be taken intravenously. While I am normally very skeptical of practices that come across as pseudoscience, I can appreciate the rationale for taking supplements that could protect the brain.</em></p>
<p><em>The first neuroprotective supplement I began taking (in 2007) was co-enzyme Q-10 after I read that a small clinical trial had revealed that it slowed the progression of PD. Subsequent, larger, studies have not found any beneficial effect on PD but I was willing to go with at least the chance of a good result. I have since learned that the ubiquinol form of co-enzyme Q-10 is superior to (and more expensive) the ubiquinone form.</em></p>
<p><em>In 2008, I chanced upon &#8220;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594480931?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zerpoihea-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1594480931">The Better Brain Book</a>&#8221; by neurologist David Perlmutter http://renegadeneurologist.com. The book contains a chapter on maintaining brain function using antioxidants and other compounds that facilitate the functioning of existing neurotransmitters. The protocol recommended by Perlmutter for PD patients is more extensive than that recommended for normal people who simply wish to improve their brain function.</em></p>
<p><em>I am currently taking the following neuroprotective supplements:</em></p>
<p><em>– Alpha lipoic acid* (time-release) 1200 mg per day.</em></p>
<p><em>– N-acetyl cysteine* 600 mg per day.</em></p>
<p><em>– Phosphatidylcholine 420 mg per day.</em></p>
<p><em>– Phosphatidylserine* 100 mg per day.</em></p>
<p><em>– Acetyl l-carnitine* 500 mg per day.</em></p>
<p><em>– Co-enzyme Q-10* (ubiquinol) 600 mg per day.</em></p>
<p><em>– NADH 5 mg per day.</em></p>
<p><em>– DHA + EPA (omega-3*) 660 mg +330 mg two times per day.</em></p>
<p><em>– Glutathione* (intravenous) 2500 mg per week.</em></p>
<p><em>* Recommended by David Perlmutter.</em></p>
<p><em>The glutathione IVs are administered by my ND, Caleb Ng. The protocol is that recommended by David Perlmutter. By the way, there is a video with David Perlmutter showing the near-miraculous effects of glutathione injections on people with PD <a href="http://www.glutathioneexperts.com/benefits-glutathione.html">http://www.glutathioneexperts.com/benefits-glutathione.html</a></em> that to me seems to be a startling example of the &#8220;placebo effect.&#8221; I have never experienced anything even remotely resembling the improvement rapidly shown by the people in the video but again, my PD symptoms are not as advanced as those shown in the video. If glutathione has any effect on my symptoms, I believe that glutathione has produced a small (1-2) decrease in my PDRS.</p>
<p><em>In addition to the special mitochondrial enhancing supplements, I take vitamin C in both in time-release form and also as mixed ascorbates (total 4800 mg vitamin C per day), vitamin D drops (4000 IU per day), selenium drops (260 mcg per day), and zinc drops (30 mg per day) and others. I have my blood work checked regularly and have near-ideal results (all parameters within reference ranges). For years my cholesterol was chronically high and required meds for regulation; now it is excellent (high HDL and low LDL) without meds. Also, I used to be on meds for high blood pressure; now my blood pressure is close to ideal (typically 110/65) and I no longer take meds.</em></p>
<p><em>Although it is difficult to say whether all of these supplements are having any effect on my PD, I figure that at least I am extending my life!</em></p>
<p><strong><em>Diet</em></strong></p>
<p><em>The first alteration to my diet was to eat mostly organic foods to minimize the amount of pesticides that I was incidentally ingesting. Pesticides have been implicated with PD in some cases so I was not about to take the chance that my PD was unrelated to pesticides. I also began eating more fish and less red meat. In 2009, I heard about Donnie Yance, an herbalist in Ashland, Oregon, who had a protocol for treating patients with PD. I read his paper, &#8220;<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=zerpoihea-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;asins=0879839686&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr">Parkinson&#8217;s Disease and the Use of Botanical and Nutritional Compounds</a>&#8221; and was impressed withhis knowledge. In July, 2009, I traveled to Ashland and saw one of his associates, Jason Miller who has become my herbalist.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Botanicals</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Jason provides me with a number of proprietary botanical formulations marketed under the Natura brand from the Centre for Natural Healing in Ashland, Oregon <a href="http://www.centrehealing.com">www.centrehealing.com.</a> These contain botanicals that have been known to have a beneficial effect on PD, including:</em></p>
<p><em>– Mucuna pruriens (a natural source of levodopa)</em></p>
<p><em>– Hyoscyamus niger (henbane)</em></p>
<p><em>– Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha)</em></p>
<p><em>– Turmeric</em></p>
<p><em>– Green tea extract</em></p>
<p><em>– Piper methysticum (kava kava)</em></p>
<p><em>– Panax ginseng</em></p>
<p><em>– Bacopa monniera</em></p>
<p><em>– Scutellaria lateriflora (skullcap)</em></p>
<p><em>Of these botanicals, the first two on the list are perhaps the most potent. Mucuna pruriens is a natural source of levodopa and has been found to be more effective than synthetic levodopa in clinical trials. I have experimented with not taking the Mucuna and not noticed any difference, although perhaps I am not yet at the stage of my PD were levodopa is necessary. I am currently in a trial of titrating in with Hyoscyamus niger that is supposed to be effective against the tremours of Parkinson&#8217;s. So far, at 30 drops a day of a 1:10 tincture, it seems to have appreciably mitigated my tremours but it is too early to confirm it as effective at this time. Any beneficial effect is overwhelmed if stress rears its ugly head. Stress trumps hyoscyamus every time in the tremour department.</em></p>
<p><em>In addition to the above botanicals I also use products such as Natura &#8220;Beyond Whey&#8221; and &#8220;NanoGreens&#8221; that, amongst a host of other ingredients including frozen blueberries, make up a morning smoothie that I make every day. The Centre for Natural Healing also prepares a custom &#8220;tonic for me that I take twice a day. The tonic contains ginkgo, gotu kola, milk thistle, orange peel, kava kava, liquorice, skullcap, and other botanicals.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><em>Gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free diet</em></p>
<p><em>In 2009, I traveled to Melbourne Australia where I met <a href="http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com/startliving">John Coleman</a>, a naturopath who has recovered from PD. Of course, I was very interested in doing whatever he did to recover. Amongst his recommendations was a change in diet to gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free (and others). I saw John again in 2010 and he said that I was doing well and to stay the course. He said the last of his symptoms to go was the tremour. This gives me some heart as tremour is the most bothersome of my symptoms.</em></p>
<p><em>In their book, &#8220;<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=zerpoihea-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;asins=0952605694&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr">Parkinson&#8217;s Disease: Reducing Symptoms with Nutrition and Drugs</a>,&#8221; Geoffrey and Lucille Leader advocate a gluten-free and dairy-free diet for people with PD. I am not lactose-intolerant nor do I have a gluten intolerance (this has been confirmed by genetic testing with www.23andMe.com) but their reasoning is compelling. It is possible that people with neurological disorders such as PD are much more sensitive to lactose and gluten than are people without those disorders. Luckily for me, we live in an age where it is possible to btain gluten-free and dairy-free foods readily. My favourite gluten-free bread is &#8220;Udi&#8221; available from Whole Foods in the US (but alas not in Canada). I substitute almond milk for regular milk. Dining out can be a problem; however, I travel a lot in my work and have found that the chefs in hotel and other restaurants are more than willing to meet my dietary requirements.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Adrenal support</em></strong></p>
<p><em>In early 2010 I had a saliva test to determine my free cortisol rhythm. Samples were taken at 8 AM, noon, 5 PM, and at midnight. My cortisol levels for morning, noon, and afternoon where all markedly depressed (only the midnight sample was normal), indicating (according to the report) marginal HPA (hypothalamuspituitary-adrenal) performance. I purchased an excellent book, &#8220;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1890572152?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zerpoihea-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1890572152">Adrenal Fatigue,</a>&#8221; by James Wilson that help to explain the significance of my results. Low cortisol, or hypoadrenia, is normally characterized by fatigue, difficulty rising in the morning, a desire for caffeine, feeling run down and stressed, etc. Other than perhaps a desire for a daily cup of coffee, I have none of these symptoms. Indeed, I seldom experience fatigue and still consider myself as a high-energy person. Yet, people with hypoadrenia have a reduced ability to cope with stress. Interestingly, people with PD report that their symptoms are aggravated in times of stress. There has to be some sort of connection between the symptoms of PD and impairment of HPA performance, but so far discussions with my neurologist and endocrinologist have not revealed any knowledge by them of any connection.</em></p>
<p><em>The danger is that people with hypoadrenia are on the borderline of having adrenal fatigue (no cortisol). When cortisol reserves are too low, and a stressful situation occurs, one may not be able to produce enough cortisol to handle it. Adrenal fatigue has been responsible for high-performing individuals &#8220;crashing&#8221; and becoming effectively bedridden for months or years, too fatigued to do anything. Not wishing to come down with adrenal fatigue, I have begun taking an adrenal support botanical supplement (&#8220;Restorative Formulations Adrenal Px LOPB&#8221;) and have also tried adrenal cortex extract (&#8220;Adrenal Stress End&#8221;).</em></p>
<p><strong><em>Hydration</em></strong></p>
<p><em>I have tried the<a href="http://www.aquas4life.com"> Aquas</a> formulas available from John Coleman in Australia. These homeopathic remedies are supposed to enhance cellular hydration. I have a problem with homeopathy. If an infinitely diluted amount is good for me, then not taking it all should even be better! Yet, John Coleman swears by the Aquas and he has recovered from PD, so there may be something to it.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Red wine</em></strong></p>
<p><em>Geoffrey and Lucille Leader recommend elimination of alcohol from the diet. John Coleman, sensible man that he is, recommends 1 to 2 glasses of vintage red wine a day. I am on John&#8217;s side. Drinking fine red wine has been a passion of mine since the 1970s and one that I am loath to give up especially since I have a wine cellar containing approximately 2000 bottles! Of course a big part of the enjoyment of red wine is the bouquet. Reportedly, loss of the olfactory sense is a common complaint in people with PD and is liable to occur early in the progression of the disease. I noticed no such impairment (and can still guess in a blind tasting that a bottle of Bordeaux is a fine old Burgundy!). For now, I enjoy each bottle of fine wine as if it were my last. To me, joy = dopamine. Also, there must be some benefit from the resveratrol!</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Constipation</em></strong></p>
<p><em>As PD also affects the autonomous nervous system, constipation can be a severe problem. Since my diagnosis with PD I have had some problems in this regard especially when I travel over multiple time zones and upset my daily rhythms. Currently, I have it under control with the simple addition of one or two rehydrated prunes to my morning smoothie plus a level teaspoon of organic psyllium fibre. These seem to be enough to keep me regular.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Hedonism</em></strong></p>
<p><em>I stayed strictly on my gluten-free and dairy-free diet for over a year, but recently had the opportunity to travel to France for a combination of business and pleasure. I temporarily abandoned my diet and indulged myself for a full week in French gastronomy, eating foie gras, croissants, baguettes, rich cheeses, and just about everything else that the French are famous for. The consequence was that I had not felt better in over three years! Now, I am not so strict about my diet and allow myself the occasional indulgence.</em></p>
<p><strong><em>Chelation</em></strong></p>
<p><em>In 2008, a urine test for heavy metals revealed excessive concentrations of lead and mercury and other metals such as manganese. I have been undergoing chelation off and on since then and currently receive one treatment per week from my ND Caleb Ng. The treatments involve a small IV of EDTA solution. For any benefits to be realized, numerous treatments are necessary. Heavy metal poisoning (especially manganese) has been implicated in PD and welders are one profession that is at higher risk for PD. Since I spent many years working closely with welders and breathing welding fumes, I have no doubt ingested my fair share of iron, manganese and other metals. Interestingly, a CT scan of my brain failed to reveal any abnormal concentration of manganese. Note: the claimed benefits of chelation for PD have yet to be established through rigorous clinical trials.</em></p>
<p><strong><em>Brain therapies</em></strong></p>
<p><em>This section covers a number of therapies that may be useful for maintaining mental functioning and postponing the dementia that may occur as PD progresses.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Positive attitude</em></strong></p>
<p><em>It is difficult to remain positive when confronted with a disease of no known cause and inevitable progression, yet this is precisely what must be done. Depression is one of the predominant symptoms of PD. If necessary, it may be necessary to take an antidepressant. One that has been recommended to me is duloxetine.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Body-mind psychotherapy</em></strong></p>
<p><em>For several years in the 1990s, I had training in Hakomi body-mind psychotherapy arising out of the deep desire to know myself. I still keep in touch with my teacher, Ron Kurtz http://hakomi.com/. I regularly see a therapist,Mahmud Nestman, a Sufi who is familiar with the methods of Hakomi. In our explorations one useful technique is called &#8220;taking over&#8221;. In one session I had Mahmud take over (literally, with his hand) a tightness I felt around my heart.</em></p>
<p><em>When he did so, I was able to go in deeper into my own unconscious and to gain some valuable insights as to why the tightness was there in the first place. I have invariably noticed that during our sessions my tremours at first become almost uncontrollable but then they disappear, leaving me in a most serene and quiet and still place. Stillness is priceless.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>The science of happiness</em></strong></p>
<p><em>For several years I was an active member of the Ken Keyes community based in Coos Bay, Oregon. Ken was the author of the &#8220;<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1870845242?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=zerpoihea-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1870845242">Handbook to Higher Consciousness</a>,&#8221; &#8220;<a href="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=zerpoihea-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as1&amp;asins=B002FL5J3K&amp;fc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;lt1=_blank&amp;m=amazon&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;bc1=000000&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;f=ifr">The Power of Unconditional Love</a>,&#8221; and many other books. For a number of years, I taught &#8220;Living Love&#8221; workshops in the US, Canada, and New Zealand. These teachings have served me well, particularly now that I have the symptoms of PD. I take responsibility for my own feelings. Nothing or nobody has ever made me upset are unhappy: I do it to myself. This is good news as the only person I am capable of changing is myself.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Neurofeedback</em></strong></p>
<p><em>I have had six sessions of neurofeedback, also referred to as biofeedback from Mike de Jong, a PhD psychologist. During the first session and EEG was done to determine those parts of my brain that had abnormal brainwave patterns. Mike determined that my dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was deficient in theta wave output. Subsequent sessions (one hour each) involved application of a single electrode at the position on my head corresponding to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. I was provided with headphones to listen to the sound of surf while my eyes were closed. Whenever my brain produced Theta waves I could hear the surf; when no theta waves were being produced all I heard was static. At first, I struggled to hear the surf, but later just let my brain do all the work of figuring it out. After six sessions, some progress is being made. If I didn&#8217;t think there was some benefit to this I wouldn&#8217;t continue. Typically, it takes 20 sessions to realize any permanent benefit, so I have some time to go.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Meditation/relaxation</em></strong></p>
<p><em>For many years, I was an adept meditator and meditation was the most important part of my day. Since my diagnosis with PD, however, I have found it very difficult to get into a meditative state. Sitting cross-legged is agonizing. Instead of stillness, I have tremours. By re-casting meditation as relaxation, I can derive some of the benefits, primarily reduction in tremours and tension. I have found that electro-cranial stimulation (see below) is a good substitute for meditation.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Electrio-cranial stimulation</em></strong></p>
<p><em>In electro-cranial stimulation, a small electric current is passed through electrodes attached to my earlobes that produces a mild tingling sensation. Sessions are either 20 minutes or 60 minutes and are very relaxing, almost to the point of putting me to sleep. Tremours also appear to take a nap.</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Neurocognitive screening</em></strong></p>
<p><em>In 2010, I participated in a neuropsychological screening evaluation at the Movement Disorders Clinic at the University of British Columbia. These tests revealed that my cognitive functioning was &#8220;broadly average to superior&#8221; depending on which test was being administered. I take this as a sign that I have experienced some cognitive impairment as I would have expected all the tests to result in a &#8220;superior&#8221; rating!</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p><strong><em>Defiance</em></strong></p>
<p><em>If I had one final piece of advice for anyone who has been diagnosed with PD, it is to defy it. If it is a fight that Mr. Parkinson wants, it is a fight that he will get. The worst thing one can do is to deny it. As long as one remains in a state of denial, the PD will continue to progress. But as soon as you turn to face your tormentor and fight back, the PD will lose its grip over you. Mr. Parkinson may win in the long run but it will be a protracted fight and you will win many of the rounds. And, who knows, you may just beat him!</em></p>
<p><em>Afterward I hesitate to call this section &#8220;Conclusions&#8221; as my protocol is very much a work in progress, and the effectiveness of many of the measures has not yet been verified. I do not have time to wait for the development of a &#8220;cure&#8221; from conventional Western medicine. I will be dead long before any such treatment has passed through all the hoops and clinical trials necessary for its approval.</em></p>
<p><em>Currently, the treatment of last resort for PD is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) but it is only done when a PD patient is essentially incapacitated with an advanced form of the disease. How humiliating! For people with tremour-dominant PD the option is thalamic surgery, either in the form of thalamic DBS or thalamotomy. Canada&#8217;s medical system is unable to cope with the (growing) numbers of PD patients, so in the meantime I will do everything I can to prevent the progression of my PD to the point where surgery is even an option.</em></p>
<p><em>I am doing the best that I can to not be a burden on the medical system. What I am doing is also expensive. Canada&#8217;s medical system pays for my neurologist visits and little else. The PET scan, physiotherapy visits, naturopath visits, botanicals, and supplements are not covered. Yet if there was ever a time to start spending what I have saved, it is now. I would rather have quality of life than a fat bank account anyway. I&#8217;m currently working my way through my &#8220;bucket list&#8221; and having the time of my life.</em></p>
<p><em>Angela Wensley<br />
</em></p></blockquote>
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		<title>A Cure for Parkinson&#8217;s at the Forefront?</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/a-cure-for-parkinsons-at-the-forefront</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/a-cure-for-parkinsons-at-the-forefront#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Dec 2010 05:42:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[acupuncture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[aquas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bowen Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[causes of Parkinson's]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[craniosacral therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cure]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[detoxes]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[radio program]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=2963</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Question: I have a question regarding the symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s disease. A close relative of mine is suffering from what it appears to be a symptom of Parkinson&#8217;s.  She is at the initial stages right now. E.G: - resting tremors - tremors get slightly worst in mid air (whether or not she&#8217;s holding onto something) [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Question:</strong></p>
<blockquote><p><em>I have a question regarding the symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s disease.</em></p>
<p><em>A close relative of mine is suffering from what it appears to be a symptom of Parkinson&#8217;s.  She is at the initial stages right now. E.G:<br />
</em></p>
<p><em>- resting tremors<br />
- tremors get slightly worst in mid air (whether or not she&#8217;s holding onto something)</em></p>
<p><em>She is exercising regularly now which is a definitely a good thing, however, I have noticed that when she does alot of housework or work in general the tremors would get slightly worst&#8230;is that a regular symptom of Parkinson&#8217;s?</em></p>
<p><em>At this point, she is going to be taking the anti-tremor pills prescribed by the doctor which hopefully will reduce or eliminate the tremor for the time being.</em></p>
<p><em>She is also not quite receptive to the idea of having to change the hygienic needs (e.g. shampoo, soap etc) to the herbal ones as was suggested in the e-book.</em></p>
<p><em>Are there any other suggestions you can provide aside from drinking 8 cups of water a day and more exercise to reduce the tremors?  Acupuncture at this point did not seem to help very much&#8230;We haven&#8217;t tried massage or Bowen Therapy nor have we tried the Aqua therapy (simply coz we don&#8217;t know much about it)</em></p>
<p><em>Do you know whether there is a cure for the disease with the invention of a new pill at the forefront?</em></p>
<p><em>Any suggestions or feedback would be appreciated.</em></p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Response:</strong></p>
<p>You ask whether doing a lot of housework or work in general are regular symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s? It is not the housework in itself or work in particular that fuels the symptoms. The issue turns primarily on the presence or absence of stress. When work &#8211; no matter the form &#8211; is stressful, symptoms will flare up. The more your relative can acknowledge the stress she is under and find ways to release it, less problematic will be her symptoms.</p>
<p>Is sounds like she has decided to medicate her symptoms. An alternative approach is to acknowledge her body is sending her a strong signal that something different needs to happen. Other symptoms will rear their ugly head if the cause of the current challenge is not addressed.</p>
<p>Exercise will certainly make a huge difference. Also consider doing more disciplined exercise like Tai Chi or perhaps yoga. Yes &#8211; body therapies that release stress such as craniosacral therapy and Bowen therapy have the potential to help offer her relief from her symptoms because they help her body release the stress that is trapped at the cellular level. Why not give them a trial run? With medicines you incur side effects (which may well be worth the cost). Body therapies are noninvasive and safe.</p>
<p>The Aquas are recommended by Naturopath Doctor John Coleman who himself is now fully recovered from the symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s disease. Aquas are a homeopathic approach which helps reprogram the body&#8217;s mechanism to signal thirst and distribute water throughout the body which gets disabled as we age. You can discover more information at: <a href="http://www.aquas.us">http://www.aquas.us</a>.</p>
<p>Will there be a cure for the symptoms? No, there will never be a cure because the conditions that create the symptoms are multi-faceted. Each person&#8217;s situation is entirely unique to them. That is why the symptoms vary so widely across individuals. If there were a single cause, then it might be possible to see a &#8220;cure&#8221; down the road, but there is no single factor that causes the symptoms associated with a diagnosis of Parkinson&#8217;s disease.</p>
<p>Trauma creates havoc with the neurological system. Stress damages neural connections. Toxins blow the neurological system up.</p>
<p>I note that your friend does not seem to be worried about toxins. Toxins affect everyone who is alive today. If we do not take the effects of toxins seriously, we will eventually become ill in one form or another.</p>
<p>Do I have a suggestion for you? Yes. Make a habit of listening to the weekly Parkinson&#8217;s Recovery radio show.<br />
<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/parkinsons-recovery</a>. You will find at least one suggestion in every show that will &#8211; I repeat will &#8211; help your friend get relief from the symptoms she is currently experiencing. It is free to listen.</p>
<p>You can download any of the previous shows for free. I have aired 90 shows. Your relative  can download any of the previous shows to an MP3 player and listen while they exercise.</p>
<p>From my contact with hundreds and hundreds of people who currently experience the symptoms of Parkinsons I have observed the following. The people who are hoping for a cure or for someone out there to fix them are feeling worse and worse with each passing week. The people who are taking responsibility for their health and take it upon themselves to figure out what their body is telling them are feeling better week by week.</p>
<p>The bottom line: Take responsibility for your life and you get better. Expect someone or something to fix you and you get worse.</p>
<p>Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.<br />
<a href="http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com">Parkinsons Recovery</a><br />
<a href="http://www.parkinsonsdisease.me">Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease</a></p>
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		<title>Difference Between Craniosacral Therapy and Bowen Therapy</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/difference-between-craniosacral-therapy-and-bowen-therapy</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/difference-between-craniosacral-therapy-and-bowen-therapy#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 19:16:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bowen Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[craniosacral therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=2876</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Question: What is the difference between craniosacral therapy and Bowen therapy? Marilyn Response: Bowen Therapy: Moves, positions and holds hands, feet, arms or legs into various positions for releases Gently rolls the body or positions the body for releases Focus is on the release if trauma and tension throughout the entire body body Craniosacral Touch [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Question:</strong></p>
<blockquote><p><em>What is the difference between craniosacral therapy and Bowen therapy?</em></p>
<p><em>Marilyn<br />
</em><strong><br />
</strong></p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Response:</strong></p>
<p><strong><em>Bowen Therapy:</em></strong></p>
<ul>
<li><em>Moves, positions and holds hands, feet, arms or legs into various positions for releases</em></li>
<li><em>Gently rolls the body or positions the body for releases </em></li>
<li><em>Focus is on the release if trauma and tension throughout the entire body body</em></li>
</ul>
<p><em><strong>Craniosacral</strong></em></p>
<ul>
<li><em>Touch is very gentle &#8211; more so than Bowen Therapy. </em></li>
<li><em>The therapist may work on or off the body </em></li>
<li><em>Focus is on cranial sacral system &#8211; the system that comprises the brain, spine and sacrum. </em></li>
</ul>
<p><em><strong>Differences Between Bowen Therapy and Craniosacral therapy:</strong></em></p>
<p>The difference between cranial sacral therapy and Bowen therapy depends in large part on the practitioner. Some cranial sacral therapists are more technique oriented. They are trained to move through a standard serious of adjustments.</p>
<p>Other cranial sacral therapists are trained to listen to the person&#8217;s body and allow the body to communicate how it needs to release the trapped trauma. There is no standard protocol that is used with any particular patient.</p>
<p>My personal experience with Bowen therapy involved a treatment I received from Naturopath doctor John Coleman and his associate four years ago at a workshop in Tacoma, Washington. Bowen therapy originated in Australia in the 1980&#8242;s.</p>
<p>I loved receiving the  Bowen treatment from John. It clearly allows for gentle releases of stress, trauma and tension.</p>
<p>Bowen therapy is a wonderful therapy, as is craniosacral.  Either one will work for some people and not others. It is more physical than craniosacral therapy, but both can generate similar outcomes. If one therapy does not help you, try the other!</p>
<p>John Coleman recommends Bowen therapy to persons with Parkinsons Disease because it was so helpful to him personally.  Some people report back to me who have had Bowen therapy that is indeed the case for them. Others report they  did not receive the releases that they had hoped for. Still others report relief is maintained for several days after the treatment, but symptoms tend to return.</p>
<p>Many therapists &#8211; whether Bowen or Craniosacral &#8211; have extensive training with other modalities. When they begin working &#8211; they will employ other modalities as needed in addition to using the techniques associated with cranial sacral therapy.</p>
<p>I suggest that anyone who currently has the symptoms Parkinson shop around for a practitioner who provides the support that works well for you. It is a very personal choice. You might want to try several therapists so you can experience the wide range of treatments that  are possible.</p>
<p>Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.<br />
Parkinsons Recovery<br />
<a href="http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com">www.parkinsonsrecovery.com</a></p>
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		<title>What is Bowen Therapy?</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/what-is-bowen-therapy</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/what-is-bowen-therapy#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:20:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bowen Therapy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=2871</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Question: Do you have an explanation of Bowen Therapy on your website? I would like one please. Marilyn Response: The Bowen Technique involves a gentle, rolling touch over the muscles and tisses of the body with only very light contact. The &#8216;rolls&#8217; either tighten or loosen muscles depending on the way the move is done. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Question:</strong></p>
<blockquote><p><em>Do you have an explanation of Bowen Therapy on your website? I would like one please.</em></p>
<p><em>Marilyn<br />
</em></p></blockquote>
<p><strong>Response: </strong></p>
<p>The Bowen Technique involves a gentle, rolling touch over the muscles and tisses of the body with only very light contact. The &#8216;rolls&#8217; either tighten or loosen muscles depending on the way the move is done.</p>
<p>The practitioner will stimulate sets of meridian points, with pauses, to allow the body to respond to the stimulation. The Bowen Technique releases built-up stress and trauma that has been trapped in the muscles and tissues of the body. Clients describe experiences of profound relaxation after a session, often falling asleep during the treatment.</p>
<p>The Bowen Technique stimulates the stretch and golgi tendon reflexes as well as joint proprioceptors in a way that heightens the sensory awareness of the body in the area worked on. This can lead to strange sensations such as heat release, tingling and a general increased awareness of the areas being worked.</p>
<p>A typical session takes place over 30 to 45 minutes, with occasional short breaks during the session to allow the body to respond to the treatment. Sessions are usually part of a series of three to five sessions, beginning with general stress loading points such as the lower and upper back, before moving on to problem areas specific to the person being treated.</p>
<p>Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.<br />
Parkinsons Recovery</p>
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		<title>What Parkinson&#8217;s Disease Treatments Should My Fiancee Try Next?</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/what-parkinsons-disease-treatments-should-my-fiancee-try-next</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/what-parkinsons-disease-treatments-should-my-fiancee-try-next#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:25:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[About Parkinson's Disease]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bowen Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[craniosacral therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Natural Remedies Parkinsons treatment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stress and Parkinsons]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=60</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Question: Please bear with me as I write this&#8230;my fiancee was diagnosed with Parkinson&#8217;s about 3 years ago. To make a long story short, he&#8217;s made many lifestyle changes (better dietary choices; no chemicals in his home; takes soil-based organisms; limits stresses&#8230;) and has been to multiple ND&#8217;s as well as MD&#8217;s for interventions. He&#8217;s [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Question:</strong></p>
<p>Please bear with me as I write this&#8230;my fiancee was<br />
diagnosed with Parkinson&#8217;s about 3 years ago. To<br />
make a long story short, he&#8217;s made many lifestyle<br />
changes (better dietary choices; no chemicals in his<br />
home; takes soil-based organisms; limits stresses&#8230;)<br />
and has been to multiple ND&#8217;s as well as MD&#8217;s for<br />
interventions.</p>
<p>He&#8217;s only tried one conventional medicine, Reserp,<br />
which resulted in severe palpitations. He has refused<br />
all other medications because he believes that this<br />
only addresses the symptoms and not the cause.</p>
<p>This is only a brief synopsis of what&#8217;s transpired<br />
over the past few years, but I&#8217;m hoping I&#8217;ve included<br />
enough info for you.</p>
<p>What can we try to help him recover from this disorder?<br />
Neither of us believe that this &#8220;disease&#8221; is incurable,<br />
but we are at a loss as to what to try next. Any help<br />
you can send my way would be MOST APPRECIATED.</p>
<p><strong>Response:</strong></p>
<p>You have asked a great question. Parkinsons Recovery<br />
is all about identifying a wide variety of alternatives<br />
for people to consider who are committed to feeling<br />
better.</p>
<p>You fiancee clearly is on the road to recovery and he<br />
will get better. Keep in mind two realities. First, recovery <br />
is a gradual process which takes time and patience. <br />
You don&#8217;t start eating healthy food one week and see<br />
dramatic improvements the next week. It takes the body<br />
time to rejuvenate cells and to heal. </p>
<p>Second, you do not report whether he is seeing any relief<br />
from symptoms. Is he getting worse? Is he the same? Is<br />
he getting better? My guess is that you and he probably<br />
do not know the answer. I suggest that he begin to<br />
track his symptoms. </p>
<p>The link to Symptom Tracker is on the main page at<br />
<a href="http://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com/">www.parkinsonsrecovery.com</a>. Complete the questionnaire,<br />
get a baseline, then repeat the assessment every month. <br />
It is free and only takes a few minutes to complete.  <br />
He can see the progress of his improvement over time. </p>
<p>From the tone of your letter is sounds like you are<br />
both discouraged.  It is very possible that he is<br />
actually improving &#8211; but neither of you see it. </p>
<p>You use the terms &#8220;better dietary choices&#8221; which is<br />
an interesting use of terms. You do not say &#8220;healthy<br />
dietary choices.&#8221; I will be doing a teleseminar with<br />
Randy Mentzer in the nest few weeks. Randy is<br />
a certified nutritional counselor. Take this opportunity<br />
to ask Randy about his dietary habits. </p>
<p>It is possible that while his eating habits are<br />
generally good he may be eating foods he is<br />
allergic to. Keep in mind also that sugar is a<br />
neuro toxin. If he is eating any sugar at all<br />
it will be a challenge to feel better right now. </p>
<p>You say he has no chemicals in his home. That<br />
is awesome news. He may however have certain<br />
toxins lodged in the tissues of his body. Most people<br />
do. It is just a question of whether the extent of<br />
exposure is too much for his body to process. </p>
<p>There are some wonderful approaches to<br />
detoxing that you two might evaluate. I will be<br />
doing teleseminars with professionals who approach<br />
detoxing in different ways. Hopefully, you will discover<br />
an approach that feels right to pursue.</p>
<p>You do not mention hydration. When the body is<br />
adequately hydrated it is able to cleanse itself<br />
of toxins more readily.  John Coleman recommends<br />
a homeopathic remedy for dehydration called the<br />
aquas. You can find more information at<br />
<a href="http://www.aquas.us/">www.aquas.us</a></p>
<p>Finally, I would venture a guess that a factor<br />
that is aggravating his symptoms is a sustained<br />
and persistent level of stress and trauma. You say<br />
he &#8220;limits&#8221; stress, but the truth is that any stress<br />
can have a profound impact on our immune system<br />
and on the health of our neurological  system. </p>
<p>So as a final next step to consider, I would recommend<br />
he investigate methods of releasing stress and trauma<br />
that is lodged in the tissues of his body. As long as a<br />
body is in a sustained state of stress. the symptoms<br />
will not and cannot resolve.</p>
<p>There are many awesome approaches for relieving<br />
stress and trauma that is lodged in the tissues of<br />
the body: craniosacral therapy, Bowen therapy,<br />
neuro-linguistic programming, biofeedback<br />
to mention just a few. </p>
<p>Which approach is right for him? Only he can figure that<br />
answer out through experimenting using his intuition.<br />
Different therapies work for different people. Only he<br />
will know what is right for him.</p>
<p>Stayed tuned. I am gathering information every<br />
week from professionals who are discussing therapies<br />
that provide ways to address persistent stress and<br />
longstanding trauma.</p>
<p>I hope these suggestions are of some use. Keep in<br />
mind that there are dozens and dozens of therapies that<br />
have helped people with Parkinson&#8217;s. Your fiance&#8217;s job<br />
now is to figure out the ones that are right for him. </p>
<p>He has set his intention. He has engaged the journey.<br />
He will get better. Just watch. Be sure to celebrate<br />
his progress as the two of you together track the<br />
improvement in his symptoms over time.</p>
<p>Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.<br />
Parkinsons Recovery </p>
<p>© 2008 Parkinsons Recovery</p>
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		<title>Where can I find a Bowen Therapist in the USA?</title>
		<link>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/where-can-i-find-a-bowen-therapist-in-the-usa</link>
		<comments>http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/where-can-i-find-a-bowen-therapist-in-the-usa#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 30 Aug 2008 20:59:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Bowen Therapy]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.blog.parkinsonsrecovery.com/?p=55</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[John Coleman, ND, recommends Bowen therapy as a way to release trauma and stress from tissues in the body as one way of finding relief from the symptoms of Parkinson&#8217;s. Bowen therapy originated in Australia, but there are many therapists who are trained in Bowen therapy that practice in the United States today.  If you click on the link [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><font face="Arial">John Coleman, ND, recommends Bowen therapy<br />
</font><font face="Arial">as a way to release trauma and stress from tissues in<br />
</font><font face="Arial">the body as one way of finding relief from the symptoms<br />
</font><font face="Arial">of Parkinson&#8217;s. Bowen therapy originated in Australia, but<br />
</font><font face="Arial">there are many therapists who are trained in<br />
Bowen therapy that practice in the United States today.</font> </p>
<p>If you click on the link below you can do a search of<br />
Bowen therapists by region. This is a very useful resource<br />
because it gives the level of training for each therapist<br />
and their phone number to call for further information.  <font face="Arial"> </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">       <a href="http://www.nsthealth.com/pract.php" title="Bowen Therapists in the USA">Bowen Therapists in the USA </a></font></p>
<p>Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.<br />
Parkinsons Recovery </p>
<p>© 2008 Parkinsons Recovery</p>
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