Natural Options that Reverse Symptoms

Author: manabunnow4zph (Page 2 of 37)

Pneumonia

  • Are you prone to experience respiratory problems including pneumonia?
    Have you ever had lung infections that were difficult to treat?
    Did you struggle to overcome a Covid infection?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions and currently experience Parkinsons symptoms, you want to provide protection again a pneumonia infection which is a leading cause of death among persons diagnosed with Parkinsons.

A new study offers a treatment found to offer respiratory support. The study evaluated a new photobiomodulation device – the Vielight RX-Plus – used as a treatment for 294 subjects experiencing COVID symptoms. Details of the study are reported below.

If you have confronted respiratory challenges in the past and decide to acquire the new Vielight RX-Plus device, there are two ways the company reduces the risk involved. First, they offer a 10% discount on all orders (coupon code healing4me). Second and most importantly, you are invited to use the device up to six months. If it does not offer the relief anticipated, you can return the device for an 80% refund.

Bottom line; Pneumonia is a serious health threat. The CODIV study results reported below suggest to me that the new photobiomodulation  is a new treatment option for pneumonia worth serious consideration.

Vielight RX-Plus Study

This first-of-its-kind PBM major clinical trial (n=294) with the Vielight RX-Plus (Vielight X-Plus 4 equivalent) examined the efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM) in treating acute COVID-19 infections.

The primary focus was on recovery speed in patients with moderate-to-severe symptoms. Patients with symptom durations of 0–7 days experienced significantly faster recovery when treated with PBM and standard care (SOC) compared to SOC alone. However, those with 8–12 days of symptoms did not show significant improvement.

Recruitment

Recruitment began in September 2020, with 701 adults who tested positive for COVID-19 assessed for eligibility. Of these, 407 did not meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria: 406 participants either had severity scores outside the required 4-7 range on the WURSS-44 scale or were outside the age range of 18-65, while one couldn’t complete forms in English. This left 294 eligible participants. Recruitment ended on July 5, 2021, due to the availability of monoclonal antibodies, declining interest, and sufficient numbers for statistical power, after which the datasets were locked.

Results summary

This study evaluated the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, specifically the Vielight RX Plus, in accelerating recovery from COVID-19 for non-hospitalized patients with moderate-to-severe symptoms. In patients experiencing symptoms for 0–7 days, PBM significantly reduced recovery time compared to standard of care (SOC) alone. However, in those with longer symptom durations (8–12 days), PBM did not produce a statistically significant improvement.

PBM was particularly effective in alleviating respiratory symptoms and reducing adverse effects like tachycardia and dysgeusia. It also contributed to a quicker recovery in specific symptoms such as headache, chest congestion, and body aches for patients in the 0–7 day symptom group. In contrast, the 8–12 day group showed slower recovery from fatigue and other energy-related symptoms, though they did experience milder symptom severity for some issues.

The study attributes the benefits of PBM to its anti-inflammatory effects, which have been linked to reduced cytokine levels in past research.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Magic of Music for Parkinsons

Hi Robert, some weeks ago I sent you a mail telling you my method to improve mymagic of music for Parkinsons walking especially in ff times. Here is a short video showing me first walking without the music – then afterwards walking with music and demonstrates the magic of music for Parkinsons. 

You can very well see in this video the result on my walking when I listen with concentration to the music. I would love other PD persons having problems with walking to have the same possibility of walking much better and for a Long time. The music has to be very Rhythmik with about 105 Beats per minute on the Metronom.

There is no medicine that can make me walk immediately – so I ask myself why nobody prescribes the Radetzky March to me ……….

What do you think about the result ?

Gerdi

This amazing video speaks for itself! Your video speaks to the reality  of  the magic of music for Parkinsons. This therapy is  natural, safe, fun and a 100% effective solution. It is one of the best natural therapies available.

Music Facilitates Movement

  • Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation: One of the most well-researched areas of music therapy for Parkinson’s is the use of rhythmic auditory cues to help with motor control. Patients often experience a reduction in symptoms like bradykinesia (slowness of movement) and tremors when they move in synchrony with a steady beat. Rhythmic cues can help improve walking patterns, gait, and overall mobility.
  • Enhanced Gait and Posture: Music with a clear, steady rhythm can help improve walking speed, stride length, and posture. Patients with Parkinson’s often struggle with walking, and rhythmic cues can help them walk more smoothly and confidently.
  • Movement Initiation: People with Parkinson’s sometimes have difficulty initiating voluntary movement, a phenomenon known as “freezing.” Music and rhythm can help overcome this by providing an external cue that prompts movement.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Pioneers of Recovery

 

Stochastic Resonance Therapy

Stochastic Resonance Therapy (SRT) was born in the German city of Frankfurt when Dietmar Schmidtbleicher developed a new training device for Olympic athletes. Since then, the whole-body vibration device he developed has been studied and shown to be effective in the treatment of Parkinson’s motor symptoms. While you may have already heard of the benefits of vibration therapy and Parkinson’s, chances are you haven’t heard of SRT until now.

SRT is different from other types of vibration devices. It delivers randomized and non-uniform oscillations and perturbations to the body, whereas all other devices on the market deliver uniform, sinusoidal vibrations. The random nature of SRT vibrations elicits the automatic stretch reflex in the muscles, which leads to postural adjustments being made in the spinal cord and the cerebellum (the part of the brain that automatically adjusts movement patterns). These adjustments keep the head still and the body upright while on the device. Hundreds to thousands of stimuli are delivered to the spinal cord and cerebellum in a matter of minutes.

In the literature, SRT has been shown to decrease tremor and rigidity, improve postural control and balance, and lead to better gait patterns in Parkinsons patients. For further information contact:

https://zeptoring.com/

The following is an update on the status of the SRT therapy for use in the USA from Kyle Harris…

The SRT Zeptoring is available for purchase in the US by way the company in Berlin. It is primarily intended for use within a clinical setting, ie physical therapy clinic, and the price point reflects that. And as far as I know there’s are still only two units in the States.

However, it could be purchased for private in home use, cost being the prohibitive factor. It is equivalent to purchasing a luxury car.

I still hope to help this technology to the US, but the going has been incredibly difficult. Medical professionals are understandably hesitant to invest in a machine that they currently cannot bill for insurance. The SRT Zeptoring would easily clear the FDA requirements to be able to bill insurance, the German-based company is still waiting to officially expand here while they focus on expanding in Asia and continue to do very well in Europe.

Maybe some of your listeners would have the resources to be able to visit Germany to try the device. I would be more than happy to put them in contact with my contacts at the Berlin headquarters.

Hopefully in a a couple years we will be on he road to SRT being available via the US healthcare system.

Kyle Harris, MS, CSCS, SRT Zeptoring
Cell: 605.454.1418
Email: kyledharris2017@gmail.com

Brady Volmering
Cell: 989.551.9503

Parkinsons Dis. 2016:2016:7948721. Postural Stability in Parkinson’s Disease Patients Is Improved after Stochastic Resonance Therapy

Abstract

Background. Postural instability in Parkinson’s disease (PD) increases the risk of falls and is not improved by pharmacological therapy. Objective. We performed a double-blind, randomized sham-controlled study to test the effects of stochastic resonance (whole body vibration) therapy on postural stability in PD.

Methods. Fifty-six PD participants were allocated to either experimental or sham groups. The experimental group received four series of vibration over eight days, with each series consisting of six stimulus trains of 60-second duration using a randomized whole body vibration. Participants allocated to the control group received a sham treatment.

Results. Within-group analysis revealed that postural stability in the experimental group improved by 17.5% (p = 0.005) comparing experimental and sham groups. The between-group analysis of change after treatment comparing both groups also showed a significant improvement of postural stability (p = 0.03). Only in the within-group analysis several items were improved after Bonferroni correction, too, rigor 41.6% (p = 0.001), bradykinesia 23.7% (p = 0.001), tremor 30.8% (p = 0.006), and UPDRSIII sum score 23.9% (p = 0.000), but did not reach the level of significance in the between-group analysis.

Conclusions. Stochastic resonance therapy significantly enhanced postural stability even in individuals with increased risk of falling. Thus it offers a potential supplementation to canonical treatments of PD.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Shortcut to Hope and Healing

Lilian Sjoberg presents a fascinating discussion on the shortcut to hope and healing.

Get ready to be inspired from watching my interview with her below. She is author of Interviews with People with Parkinsons.

Here are the questions Lilian answers during the interview:

    1. The book is based upon the connection between stress and Parkinson’s. Can you elaborate
      on this connection?
    2. What’s the most common misconception about Parkinson’s that your book challenges?
    3. This book features interviews – why this format, and what makes these stories so compelling?
    4. What are some practical stress reduction strategies readers can implement after reading your book?
    5. Many people feel hopeless when diagnosed with Parkinson’s. How does your book
      address this?
    6. Can you share a brief, inspiring story from one of the interviewees?
    7. What makes this book essential reading for everyone, not just for those with Parkinson’s?
    8. Many people with Parkinson’s feel isolated. How does your book foster a sense of community and shared experience?

Parkinson’s is traditionally diagnosed as a disease which only gets worse over time. This book challenges that view..

Interviews of people with a Parkinson’s diagnosis from around the world reveal that it does not have to be this way. Instead, hope and self-reflection can be part of the solution to a better life.

People can recover or improve, not via quick fixes or miracles, but with supporting psychotherapy and an understanding of why the body, due to chronic stress or trauma, has ended up reacting the way it does.

Below are listed the resources she discusses on the shortcut to hope and healing.

Faceblog group where Gary Sharpe and I post: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hopeshortcut

Webpage: https://hopeshortcut.com/

The book: https://www.amazon.com/Interviews-People-Parkinsons-inspirational-conversations/dp/B0DC5MP99Y

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

1: My Preoccupation with What’s Shaking

The following series of Blog posts come from Jay Whiteside in Toronto, Canada where he keeps in touch with family and friends in a series of newsletters he’s named as ‘What’s Shaking’.  Jay has edited highlights from ‘What’s Shaking’ for us to hear firsthand how he is managing his Parkinson’s symptoms which were first discovered over ten years ago. He kindly gave me permission to post seven of his episodes here.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Episode 1: My Preoccupation with What’s Shaking.

I began my Blog because of the long quiet among friends, family and me as I addressed my condition. I wanted those close to me to know how I was doing and for them to gain encouragement from my evolution. In doing so I stacked the deck to expect continued progress. 

Parkinson’s Disease has been called “as the gift that keeps on taking.”  Yet, for all that it takes I am enhanced for having it. 

And while the work is hard – and not always pretty – dealing with PD has made me more complete; a person I like more and am content with. But yes, the work is hard. 

This Blog is for me. It helps to organize my thoughts in a useful context. The plan is to make this a regular journal. In time, others may find this series of reports can be useful for them too. 

This is part of my effort to make sense of the changes that are taking place. My objective is to forestall the natural progression of the condition and establish strategies to get the best from it. 

I can be a better person while living with a condition that may be destroying my brain. Since there’s no hiding from it, I elect to embrace it. And since PD is relentless, then I will be too.

I am enjoying success with the program Rosie and I, and my health care team have put together. It’s a mix of traditional medicine and alternative approaches. I have good specialists supporting me. Some of my physical symptoms are reduced from a year ago. The emotional and cognitive limitations that are becoming more present can be successfully managed. “Parkinson’s in Remission” is a real possibility. Many different  years-ago metrics have improved.

My outlook is a well-managed positive one. Being upbeat in the face of challenge is a gumbo of gratitude, confidence, faith, good humour, and the choice to be happy.    

To consolidate and reinforce this, I reflect on my  simple pleasures. My list is intended to go beyond the sunsets-and-puppies pleasures that everybody shares and focus instead on deeply personal, specific pleasures of mine that celebrate and strengthen the sensation of being me. I include the following list of pleasures I am grateful to enjoy. 

Parkinson’s can’t take this.

 

 

2 My Five-Step Program.

The following series of Blog posts come from Jay Whiteside in Toronto, Canada where he keeps in touch with family and friends in a series of newsletters he’s named as ‘What’s Shaking’.  Jay has edited highlights from ‘What’s Shaking’ for us to hear firsthand how he is managing his Parkinson’s symptoms which were first discovered over ten years ago. He kindly gave me permission to post seven of his episodes here.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Episode 2: My Five Step Program

Starting with an upbeat mindset, my What’s Shaking Five-Step program includes excellent nutrition, 15-plus hours physical fitness training every week, Parkinson’s-targeted physio, and not automatically adding more prescription drugs (my pharma load is 25% less than two years ago). 

There’s a lot of learning in each of these steps (and lots of trial by error too) but with this plan I continue to see progress.

I reject the notion that I’m retired. I have a career’s worth of work ahead of me. Learning about myself. Learning about medicine and the warren of health care approaches. Continuous measured improvement of my five-steps. Learning and practicing and refining healing modalities – both conventional and natural, even mystical. Always moving forward. And seeking opportunities where my direct experience may benefit others, and vice versa. Sharing the lessons learned from this peculiar gift.

The work starts with getting in my own face…How healthy do I want to be? 

If on the one-to-ten scale it’s a number I can be proud of, then I need a big  vision. “Training” must be a total lifeforce devotion, not a twice a day lifestyle diversion. All-in commitment vs. sort-of miscellany. 

3 Reawakening a Zest for Life

The following series of Blog posts come from Jay Whiteside in Toronto, Canada where he keeps in touch with family and friends in a series of newsletters he’s named as ‘What’s Shaking’.  Jay has edited highlights from ‘What’s Shaking’ for us to hear firsthand how he is managing his Parkinson’s symptoms which were first discovered over ten years ago. He kindly gave me permission to post seven of his episodes here.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Episode 3: Reawakening a zest for life, while making do with less – and not wanting more.

That’s the thought I had when this picture was taken. I prepared (aka “trained”) for this week in Barbados and was determined to vigorously participate in all resort activities; every nibble was going to be a shark’s bite. That was my schtick.

We had a wonderful holiday. I especially love this photo because it depicts my body in a state of joy, disengaged from the limitations of my head. The week away was all of that.

Not to say everything was perfect. There was brain fog, stumbles, and Parkinson’s disquiet that collided with best intentions for fun and frolic. The verdict wasn’t always in my favour. I was sometimes left shaking and disappointed, wishing I could’ve been better in the moment. And so, the journey continues.

My newly acquired hard knocks are contrary to the usual principles of training. Weren’t we taught the longer and harder we train the more stamina we develop? Shouldn’t I be able to build a reservoir of energy I can spend recklessly during a vacation blow-out? Pre-Parkinson’s, sure. Now, maybe no. No, definitely not.

As you may have guessed, for all my preparation I over-indulged while on holiday. Nothing embarrassing unless you count the five weeks of sluggish recovery from exhaustion, and associated opportunity cost.

It’s been an important lesson about Parkinson’s-as-adversary: momentary improvement doesn’t foretell long-term success. This is a close cousin to a favourite platitude, “never take a victory lap.” This isn’t how I expected to feel after a week in paradise. What went wrong?

4 I’ve never excelled at moderation

The following series of Blog posts come from Jay Whiteside in Toronto, Canada where he keeps in touch with family and friends in a series of newsletters he’s named as ‘What’s Shaking’.  Jay has edited highlights from ‘What’s Shaking’ for us to hear firsthand how he is managing his Parkinson’s symptoms which were first discovered over ten years ago. He kindly gave me permission to post seven of his episodes here.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Episode 4: I’ve never excelled at moderation. Which is hilarious.

I don’t want to be a shuffling drooling addled old fart. Not yet anyway. The responsibility for that is mine. The expectations are mine. Getting into my grill is like a return to the drawing-board and refocusing the plan.

My zest-for-life reawakening needs to be bigger than goofing in a pool. Having yielded to excess – and paid a price in relapse – I’m ready to do what it takes for the best total health possible. This sounds almost gullible, yet I’ve got some fundamental self-management choices to make, each with significant repercussions, not just in Parkinson’s disease management, but that apply to continued good health in the prevention and cure of most chronic ailments.

What exactly did I learn?

  1. I can’t play peek-a-boo with Parkinson’s. If PD doesn’t take a day off (and is always progressing), then I can’t either. A larger commitment requires a more complete focus.
  1. If medication is essential to successful self-management, then why would anyone knowingly limit its effectiveness with body chemistry fluctuations caused by poor eating, booze, and lifestyle high jinks? Face it, how healthy do you really want to be? 
  1. Being nonchalant about body chemistry invites scorn from some of the people I rely on the most – including myself…sort of are-you-crazy (?!) scorn. It’s not good to piss off the fan base.
  1. Making do with less and not wanting more is a wonderful philosophy. It’s got significant currency and broad relevance. It’s “Sustainability” in bumper sticker form. Make it a mantra.
  1. Embrace gratitude. Holiday travel to exotic locales with good friends and wonderful experiences is a gift that warms the soul forever. In the face of challenge celebrate what fortifies the fight.

Getting better with Parkinson’s may be therapeutically (theoretically?)  impossible based on current science and the published literature. 

Being better with Parkinson’s is within my realm. I’m glad for the opportunity to examine this more closely and the feeling of greater determination that has come from it. 

5 Living my life, not the disease

The following series of Blog posts come from Jay Whiteside in Toronto, Canada where he keeps in touch with family and friends in a series of newsletters he’s named as ‘What’s Shaking’.  Jay has edited highlights from ‘What’s Shaking’ for us to hear firsthand how he is managing his Parkinson’s symptoms which were first discovered over ten years ago. He kindly gave me permission to post seven of his episodes here.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Episode 5: Living my life, not the disease.

“Jay, you’re living your life, not the disease,” said a medical team member at my pre-summer check-in. That’s a mantra disguised as a compliment. I take great pleasure from that observation and am propelled forward. 

So, I ventured on the squash court for the first time in 30-years. I was no Jahangir Khan for sure. But I didn’t embarrass the club or my host with my performance. And at least the following days’ muscle stiffness was not  rigor mortis. Since then, I’m playing regularly…line up ten guys my age on a squash court and ask which one has Parkinson’s. You won’t pick me! 

I visited family on my first unaccompanied transcontinental trip in ten-years  with Parkinson’s. Well worth the effort; just the effort was strenuous. Travel is a marvel – and you can’t beat the welcoming arms of family at your destination – but the literal people-packing logistics are a coordinated effort to exploit or aggravate brain damage. It’s a challenge for those of my ilk.

Further to this, students of the Parkinson’s condition will recognize a concern about impulse control. In some cases, the interaction of the disease and medication will produce potentially embarrassing “impulse control” side effect issues, like gambling,  excessive carnal desires, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and so forth. I face the prospect of impaired impulse control with big time apprehension.

So, I signed up for an online seminar on the topic. My first. It was a support group for those with hideous experiences to bare. Like the person who admitted he is compelled to disrobe completely each time using a toilet. 

He can recount it now with humour recalling people’s reactions to a wrinkled nudist in a public restroom. Ha-hah, right. It strikes fear of imminent humiliation for me. 

Laugh all you want, but while shopping at Nordstrom last month I was spooked I’d wander out of the change rooms naked. I was so preoccupied with not presenting myself nudus nudum, that I locked myself out of the change room. My clothes were inside. “…ROSIE?!”

Kaleidoscope Chart

6 Parkinson’s Kaleidoscope

The following series of Blog posts come from Jay Whiteside in Toronto, Canada where he keeps in touch with family and friends in a series of newsletters he’s named as ‘What’s Shaking’.  Jay has edited highlights from ‘What’s Shaking’ for us to hear firsthand how he is managing his Parkinson’s symptoms which were first discovered over ten years ago. He kindly gave me permission to post seven of his episodes here.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Episode 6: My Parkinson’s Kaleidoscope.

My other first is my beginnings of a “Parkinson’s Kaleidoscope” to help chart progress on the Parkinson’s journey. Where am I on this supposed progressive, degenerative voyage?

I’m aware of the random course my Parkinson’s symptoms appear to take. There’s no clear or predictable path to the journey. All sorts of different external factors affect change in Parkinson’s symptoms. Call them externalities. The externalities are not variables easily measured and they defy predictability. Each symptom  can be affected differently by externalities like emotional state, routine, current sense of self, level of exercise, nutrition, family status and feelings of support, among others.  

The current state and status of these relationships can’t be depicted as a histogram or a bar chart. I wish it were a periscope in which I could peer from great depths to see what lies ahead. The reality is more like looking into a kaleidoscope. 

So, I’m forced to make sense from an imperfect device…a kaleidoscope. To start building the basic viewfinder there’s got to be  an inventory of symptoms. 

Here’s mine – remembering that Parkinson’s cases are like snowflakes…no two are the same, they are merely a collection of similarities classified as “Parkinson’s”. This my snowflake…

I’m working to make sense of the journey and will have more thoughts on the Kaleidoscope in future Blogs.

My summer of firsts includes my first-ever effort at a series of short stories. I have no desire for a public career as children’s author, but I can see this becoming a private love affair of mine. I have (will have) some hesitation in sharing. Because I’d like it to be good.  But to be good, it will need to be vulnerable, emotional and personal, and we already know what I think about getting naked in public! Let’s see how this goes.

7 Do Fun Stuff

The following series of Blog posts come from Jay Whiteside in Toronto, Canada where he keeps in touch with family and friends in a series of newsletters he’s named as ‘What’s Shaking’.  Jay has edited highlights from ‘What’s Shaking’ for us to hear firsthand how he is managing his Parkinson’s symptoms which were first discovered over ten years ago. He kindly gave me permission to post seven of his episodes here.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

Episode 7: Millie & Grampy Do Fun Stuff.

“The shoes of two Penticton hikers now relaxing after a busy day in the Okanagan wilderness. 

If you look closely, you may notice Tickleberry ice cream drippings, the official energy food of the region.”

Chapter One – Introduction: On the Trail Together

Millie, a spirited toddler with unstoppable curiosity, and her Grampy, Jay, a towering figure  whose wealth compounds in rich life experiences, have started a tradition of real and pretend fun stuff. Jay, who at 70 lives freestanding of Parkinson’s Disease, finds joy in these adventures, fuelling an offbeat perspective on the stories each trail tells. 

Despite a reserved nature, Jay’s dashing vitality and charming demeanor make him a well-liked figure in the community.

Their journeys are filled with exploration, laughter, and occasional goofiness, all strengthened by the bond of adoring grandfather and adorable granddaughter. As they navigate the rugged terrain, they create memories, each step building their spirits with shared delight. 

Today’s hike was no different, a mix of stunning vistas and dusty detours, including a stop for Tickleberry ice cream that produced more than just a sweet smackerel of tasty goodness.

As Millie padded along the path, her tiny shoes mirroring the confident long strides of her Grampy, the world was full of endless possibilities. Jay’s heart swelled with pleasure, and a hint of melancholy, knowing that his condition might one day limit these precious adventures. For now, he revels in the moment, each hike a chapter in their unfolding story.

Years into the future, Jay imagines Millie at the age when she can fully appreciate the wisdom and tales he longs to impart. He envisions her as a young woman, cool grey eyes flashing bright with interest, and gentle heart open to the world. A halo of soft red curls dancing in the wind.  Her sense of resolve being foremost in a confident demeanor. By then, his Parkinson’s might have advanced, making the rigorous hikes of today a dear memory. Yet, in his mind there is always now, and he crafts his letters and stories for her, weaving the threads of their experiences into a forever cuddle.

“Millie,” he would say in those future letters, “remember the time we stood at Munson Mountain, the wind whispering secrets only we could hear? Or the way the Okanagan Lake sparkled like a thousand diamonds just for us? Those moments are stamped in our soul for all time.”

Back in the present, they reached a lookout point where the valley spread beneath them, a montage of vineyards and orchards. Jay lifted Millie onto a rock, steadying her as she pointed eagerly at a distant sailboat. “Boat!” she called, her eyes wide. Jay laughed, the sound rich and warm, echoing across the landscape. “That’s right, Millie. A boat. One day, you’ll sail the world.”

In these quiet moments, Jay hoped that their hikes would be more than just physical journeys. He wished for them to become a bedrock of Millie’s childhood memories, a source of comfort and inspiration for the years ahead. As they started their descent, Jay whispered a silent prayer: to cherish each step, each laugh, and each precious moment they had together, building a gift of love and adventure that would endure, even when the hikes themselves could not…

Millie & Grampy Do Fun Stuff is the result of encouragement from family and friends to capture real moments in verse. I will be happy to blame/credit those same people for any strong response to the author’s work…and of course at this stage the work is still, as the lawyers in the family would say, in furtherance thereof. LOL.

How can I know what I need to do for myself to feel better?

How can I know what I need to do for myself to feel better?

Trust that your body knows what it needs to come
back into balance. I think there is a special skill
involved in being able to communicate with your
own body. The skill requires the ability to check in
regularly to see what your body needs.

I think it helps to think about what you can do
in the moment rather than trying to figure out
one single huge intervention that you can do
(such as visit clinic A or take supplement B or
see doctor C).

For example, let’s say you are in a stressful
situation. Your body will probably give out the
usual signals of stress. Symptoms will flare up
(such as more shaking, trembling, greater
rigidity or whatever.) Are you noticing?
This is your stage cue to reduce the stress
in the moment.

I think a key is first to make conscious the
usual reality that the underlying trigger for the
symptoms involves some combination of fear,
stress and trauma. It thus helps to begin watching
yourself closely and noticing when the stress
flares up. When you can monitor your stress
levels every moment, you can learn how to
get your body out of stress and into a more
balanced mode.

Alternatively, if you have having increased
symptoms, your body may be having problems
processing all the supplements and medications
you may be taking in conjunction with the food
you eat. You may feel sluggish or depressed.
When everything is combined together, the level
of toxins can begin to overwhelm your immune
system.

When your body gets overloaded with
substances it can not process (which can
include medications of one type or another
(toxins, pathogens, etc.) the immune system
crashes. Again, symptoms will get worse.
This is when the toxins begin to take their toll.
If this happens it would help to investigate
ways to detox your body.

So as to your question – How can I know what I need to do for myself
to feel better? Answer; Your body will tell you what it needs. The
symptoms are important signals. In the end,
it is all a question of inviting your body to
come back into balance moment to moment.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

© 2024 Parkinsons Recovery

Principles of Recovery from Parkinsons

I have devoted the last two decades interviewing people with different backgrounds, different training, different approaches to treatment and different qualifications across the wide spectrum of medical specialties. What follows is summary of principles of recovery from Parkinsons I have identified.

  • Anyone, anywhere can employ therapies to get sustained relief from the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease.
  • Many of the therapies that help are not intrusive.
  • Many are natural and safe.
  • Many are free.
  • Therapies that help other people may not necessarily offer you relief. Everyone is different.
  • Anyone who claims their therapy or treatment can help everyone with the symptoms of Parkinsons will not be able to justify their claim. Why? Because it can not be true. Any particular therapy may certainly help some people, but not everyone.
  • People who are on the road to recovery experiment. They try different therapies to discover what works for them.
  • It is highly unlikely that any single treatment or therapy can ever address all symptoms. A combination of therapies is needed.
  • Dopamine deficiency is a part of the big picture. Focus on bringing back on line all systems in the body – the immune system, the digestive system, the lymph system as well as the neurological system – and you will begin to feel better. Pouring more dopamine in your body can certainly help you feel better in the short run, but in the long run the root cause of the symptoms has not been addressed.
  • Trauma lies at the root of the symptoms.
  • Negative thought forms feed the symptoms.
  • Commitment and focus are needed to recover.
  • If you are not taking charge of your health care, you probably have an unconscious resistance to healing. Little progress will be made until you release resistance to healing.

These tried and true principles of recovery from Parkinsons mean that recovery does not have to be an impossible undertaking as you journey down the road to recovery.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

 

 

Iyengar Yoga Offers Relief from Parkinsons Symptoms

“I want everyone to know that Iyengar Yoga offers
relief from Parkinsons Symptoms. I am 52
and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s

about 4-5 years ago. I do intensive Iyengar yoga
(which is quite physical) and am fit and strong.
I do two, 2 hour classes per week and home
practice. I will be going on a 3 day retreat in a
couple of weeks.”

“I couldn’t live without it. I haven’t had the
need to increase my medication for a couple of
years and rarely visit my neuro. I really
believe that it has slowed down the progression
of the disease. I think the word needs to be
spread!”

Regards
Deborah

How Iyengar Yoga Offers Relief from Parkinsons Symptoms

Iyengar Yoga, a form of Hatha Yoga, is known for its emphasis on precision, alignment, andIyengar Yoga the use of props (like blocks, straps, and blankets) to help individuals practice yoga safely and effectively. It can be especially beneficial for people with Parkinson’s disease, offering a range of benefits that can support physical, emotional, and neurological health.

1. Improves Flexibility and Mobility

Parkinson’s disease often leads to stiffness, rigidity, and reduced range of motion. The slow, deliberate movements in Iyengar Yoga can help to stretch and lengthen muscles, improve joint mobility, and reduce rigidity. The use of props helps make poses more accessible and allows individuals to deepen their stretches gradually.

2. Enhances Balance and Coordination

Parkinson’s disease commonly affects balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls. Iyengar Yoga’s focus on alignment, posture, and stability helps develop better proprioception (the body’s sense of its position in space). Many of the poses help strengthen the legs, improve posture, and enhance balance, which can reduce the risk of falls and improve overall stability.

3. Increases Strength

Many Iyengar Yoga poses involve holding postures for extended periods, which helps to build strength, especially in the core, legs, and arms. Strengthening these areas can improve posture and support the body in daily movements, making it easier to manage some of the physical symptoms of Parkinson’s.

4. Promotes Breathing and Relaxation

Parkinson’s can affect respiratory function, leading to shallow breathing or difficulty with breath control. Iyengar Yoga emphasizes breath awareness (pranayama) as a central part of the practice, which helps regulate the breath and reduce tension in the body. Learning to use the breath effectively can also reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, which is helpful for managing the emotional and psychological challenges of Parkinson’s.

5. Encourages Mental Focus and Mindfulness

Parkinson’s often comes with cognitive challenges, such as difficulty with concentration or executive function. Iyengar Yoga encourages mental clarity and mindfulness through the practice of holding postures and focusing on breath and alignment. This form of yoga can help improve cognitive function and promote a sense of mental calm and clarity.

6. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

The emphasis on mindfulness and breathwork in Iyengar Yoga can help reduce stress, anxiety, and the emotional strain that often accompanies chronic conditions like Parkinson’s. The slower, meditative nature of the practice can foster a sense of calm and mental ease, which can be therapeutic for people with Parkinson’s.

7. Improves Posture and Gait

Parkinson’s disease often leads to a stooped posture and shuffling gait. Iyengar Yoga’s focus on alignment and spinal health can help improve posture, make standing and walking easier, and promote more fluid movement. By practicing specific postures that align and lengthen the spine, individuals can experience improved posture and more confident, efficient movement.

My thanks to Deborah for spreading the good news that
Iyengar Yoga offers relief from Parkinsons symptoms.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

© Parkinsons Recovery

Ayurveda for Parkinsons

The Ayurvedic approach for eliminating heavy metals and toxins from the body is to support the organ that does the proper work in the first place. The following is taken from an interview I recently had with Nathan who is a strong believer in the Ayurveda for Parkinsons approach to eliminate toxins from the body.

When a person is ill their breath can become sort of foul. But that is not the case when they are healthy. Similarly, what we are talking about here is that some organ is not producing healthy elements that are supposed to be transferred to the brain.”

“The brain is supposed to be filled with nutritious, beneficial gasses. Those gases can become polluted due to stress or injury.”

“The organ producing them will produce contaminated substances which then go on to cause a great deal of difficulty in the form of shaking because the corrosive material starts eating away at the part of the brain that produces movement and starts creating involuntary ones.”

Most doctors would not agree that the problem is in the stomach. From the Ayurvedic
perspective,  all diseases originate in the stomach.”

I should also mention that Nathan once suffered from an advanced stage of Parkinsons but is symptom free today. Ayurveda for Parkinsons certainly worked wonders for him. Nathan is one of the contributors to the first edition of Pioneers of Recovery.

In Ayurveda a degeneration of nerve cells is viewed as a disturbance in the body’s subtle energy system, leading to issues like tremors, stiffness, and instability.

A balanced diet is essential in Ayurveda for managing neurological health.

  • Warm, easily digestible foods: Emphasis on warm, cooked foods like soups, stews, and porridges, which are easier to digest and help balance the Vata dosha.
  • Incorporation of healthy fats: Ghee (clarified butter), sesame oil, and coconut oil are recommended to lubricate the body and calm the dryness associated with Vata.
  • Anti-inflammatory foods: Foods like turmeric, ginger, and garlic, which have natural anti-inflammatory properties, can help reduce overall inflammation.
  • Hydration: Drinking warm water or herbal teas throughout the day helps to hydrate the body and keep the nervous system nourished.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

© Parkinsons Recovery

Can I Stop Taking Sinemet to Pursue Natural Therapies?

Dr. Rodgers: I was interested in your suggestion that Parkinson’s is not caused by a lack of dopamine but due to adrenaline, toxic and stress problems. Can I stop taking Sinemet to Pursue Natural Therapies? 

First let me emphasize I am not a medical doctor. You will need to consult with your medical doctor about any changes in your medications or doses.

The issue I raise is to explore the reasons for a dopamine depletion. If caused primarily by anxiety, then getting anxiety attacks under control will go a long way toward reducing the need for a medication or dopamine supplement.

You do not mention if you have celebrated any improvement after taking Sinemet. The most common reports of improvement are a reductions in anxiety and muscle pain,  improvements in sleep and better energy. Have you experienced any of these welcome outcomes from taking the medications? They certainly do offer benefits to many.

You ask:  Can I Stop Taking Sinemet to Pursue Natural Therapies? There can be serious consequences if you stop taking your medications abruptly. The addictive properties to some medications for Parkinson’s make it particularly difficult – and even dangerous – to stop taking them cold turkey.

I have heard sad reports from people who tried to go off of their medications cold turkey. These reports say that people have found themselves in the unfortunate situation of having to go back on their medications at an even higher dose – sometimes twice as high – when compared to the dose they were taking the day they tried to quit.

The decision to wean yourself off of your medications is a serious one. Be sure to consult with your doctor if you consider doing something like this. Some people are able to successfully reduce the dose they take. In these cases the reduction is gradual and, again, conducted only with the close supervision of their doctor.

In addition to working with your doctor about medications and supplements, begin investigating the cause of your symptoms. There are many possible causes (toxins, trauma, stress, infections to name a few). Many people celebrate relief from symptoms while identifying and addressing the cause (or causes). The two together can be a winning combination especially when the medications offer symptom relief even if temporary.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

© Parkinsons Recovery

Natural Substitutes for Sugar

What are some natural substitutes for sugar? 

What we put into our bodies is the most important
factor in finding relief from the symptoms
of Parkinsons. It is no secret that sugar is not good for
our bodies, right?

Sugar is a neurotoxin. You know this. I know this.
Everyone knows this.

Do you ever eat sugar? You can not see me now, but
I am raising my hand at the moment. I eat sugar
sometimes. OK. Sometimes I eat too much sugar.

Why? I am filling a hole deep inside. I can’t get enough.
You know the list. Whatever.

No matter how much work I do “on myself” I still
eat sugar. So, if I come to the realization that my
preference for sweets will not abate anytime soon,
what can I do about it?

There are alternatives to sugar. Why not investigate
the alternatives that can be used in place of using raw cane
sugar. Then start using an alternative to pure sugar
that is right for you?

Know in advance that you may not be able to
tolerate one or more of the alternatives. That is,
the alternative may be worse for you than raw sugar
itself. But why not celebrate in advance
how much your body will thank you if you can find
a natural and safe substitute for sugar that your
body can tolerate?

Four natural substitutes for sugar are
agave, stevia, xylitol and monk fruit. What follows is a sketch of
information about each of the four alternatives.

Agave

Agave syrup is a sweetener commercially produced
in Mexico. Agave syrup is sweeter than honey,
though less viscous. It consists primarily of fructose
and glucose.

Agave has a fructose content that is higher than is found
in high-fructose corn syrup. Agave is notable in that its
glycemic index and glycemic load are seemingly lower than
most other natural sweetener alternatives.

Stevia

Stevia is native to subtropical and tropical South America
and Central America. Known as Sweetleaf, stevia is
used as a sugar substitute. The taste has a
longer duration than that of pure sugar. Stevia however
can be associated with a bitter after taste at high
concentrations.

Xylitol

Xylitol sounds like an expensive prescription
medication, but it is not. It is a five-carbon sugar
alcohol that is used as a sugar substitute.

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sweetener that can
be found in the fibers of fruits and vegetables such as
berries, corn husks, oats, and even mushrooms.
It is extracted from corn fibers, birch trees, raspberries,
plums, and even corn. Xylitol is by all accounts as sweet
as regular sugar.

Xylitol has been around a long time. It is used as
a sweetener for diabetics in some countries and it
is used in various products like gums and toothpaste
to reduce tooth decay.

Monk Fruit

Monk fruit is a small, green fruit native to southern China
and northern Thailand. It is a natural sweetener because it
contains mogrosides, compounds that are intensely sweet
but contain little to no calories or sugar.

Monk fruit is about 150 to 250 times sweeter than sugar,
meaning only a small amount is needed to achieve the
desired sweetness. Its sweetness comes from the mogrosides,
which are heat-stable and not metabolized by the body, s
o they don’t contribute calories or spike blood sugar levels.

Summary

Check out the possibilities. Do an extended search on
the internet for more information. Talk with your doctor.
Experiment.

You can buy xylitol, stevia, agave and monk fruit from most
health food stores, food co-ops and even some grocery
stores.

I think a safe and natural food sweetener is a delightful
choice for people like myself who love to eat a yummy
dessert every now and then. If you are like me, consider
a switch from sugar to a natural substitute.

There is no direct research evidence to indicate that using
alternatives to sugar will help relieve the symptoms of
Parkinson’s. Base on pure logic, it makes sense to me that
using any of the four natural substitutes for sugar has the potential to
help unclog neural pathways.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery

© Parkinsons Recovery

Dogs with a Nose for Parkinsons

PADs for Parkinson’s is the only nonprofit organization in North America dedicated to the training of dogs for the detection of Parkinson’s Disease. Today, PADs supports and maintains 18 dogs in the program ranging from Poodles to Pomeranians. Schnauzers to Shepherds. Herding to Hunting. All with the amazing ability to sniff out an odor molecule among hundreds of thousand of organic compounds.

PADs has been training dogs for Parkinson’s detection since early 2016. Just four months after the discovery of an odor associated with Parkinson’s Disease. The PADs training facility is located in the Northwest on San Juan Island. You can visit PADs online at padsforparkinsons.org

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery 

Excessive Weight Loss

I have a concern with excessive weight loss over a long period of time. Believe me when I say that I eat like a hungry farm animal. Even so, I am 20 pounds under my normal weight of 160. I am also experiencing weakness in my legs mostly in the hamstring muscle group.

Have you come across ways in which people have found an antidote to excessive weight loss whether it be a product like an enzyme for better food absorption, or foods/food supplements that have proven to add muscle mass? Is it mainly a protein deficiency or can fat absorption be part of the issue too? Am I eating foods that I should stay away from? What have you learned from folks who have been able to add weight and gain strength too?

Here is my typical diet:

Breakfast: Mung beans with either quinoa, millet, or wild rice with celtic sea salt and coconut oil.Eggs with gluten free rice flour bread

Lunch: Usually lunch meat consisting of turkey, ham, roast beef on the rice bread or alone. Sometimes a meat or turkey burger – The mung bean/ grain option

Dinner: A protein of fish, fowl , beef or lamb with any number of steamed vegetables. Occasionally rice or white potatoes.

Other options during the day or night might be hemp protein, chlorella, spirulina, Green Vibrance, shake. An assortment of fruits usually apples, oranges, bananas, peaches, berries. Almonds and wall nuts also.

Oils: high quality fermented cocoanut oil, some salmon oil too. Very little of any other kind.

Probably eat too much sugar in the form of gluten free cookies, poured honey over almonds, wall nuts, toast, or rice crackers. I will dip into the organic berry jellies a bit. I am not sure if I am overdoing it. Beer and wine in social situations are a possible concern too.   

Thank you

Kevin

Keep in mind that I am not a medical doctor so anything I might suggest about excessive weight loss is purely from a research perspective. I have several lines of investigation you might want to pursue:

First, your diet is awesome. Your body loves everything you are eating. You might consider using red potatoes rather than white.

Second, The high energy in the nutritious foods you are eating is clearly not being absorbed by your digestive system. You do not mention probiotics which are essential requirement for a healthy digestive system. These are the “good” bacteria that your digestive system needs to perform its function. There are many different types of probiotics. Do some research here and see what your intuition guides you to do.

Third, I do not see many fats listed. Listen to my radio show with naturopath John Briggs. He provides an excellent overview that explains the challenges you currently confront.

You also need fat in your diet.  Myelin sheaths which provide insulation for the neurons need fat to remain vibrant.

Fourth – and this may be a key – you may have an infestation of candida (yeast) infection. Candida gobble up sugar and create digestive issues in the body. Candida drive us to eat a lot of sugar which is their lifeline.

Lidia Epp resolved her own neurological symptoms by eliminating the overabundance of candida in her body. Candida is not necessarily just found in the digestive system. It leaks out into all the tissues and cells of the body (including the neurons).

Fifth, your output of energy is greater than the input (provided through food). It is likely that the mitochondria (at the cellular level) are compromised. You might consider giving them a little extra boast through a supplement called ribose. This might be something your could discuss with your doctor.

These are a few new areas to investigate to address your excessive weight loss. Speaking purely as a researcher l would look outside your diet as the source of the weight loss and muscle atrophy.

Robert Rodgers, Ph.D.
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
Road to Recovery from Parkinsons Disease

 

Photobiomodulation for Parkinson’s Disease

Photobiomodulation for Parkinson’s Disease

Finally! I have been eagerly waiting to learn results of a 3 year Australian photobiomodulation for Parkinson’s disease study that examined the impact of light therapy (using Vielight.com devices – 10% coupon code healing4me – as a treatment for persons diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Results are now published.

Documented reductions in Parkinson’s symptoms far exceeded my expectations. Measures of mobility, cognition, dynamic balance and fine motor skill for the 12 Parkinson’s research subjects were significantly improved (p < 0.05) with photobiomodulation treatment for 12 weeks and up to one year.

Many individual improvements were above the minimal clinically important differences, the threshold judged to be meaningful for participants. Individual improvements varied but many continued for up to one year with sustained home treatment.

The design of this study was eloquent. Participants were assessed for mobility, fine motor skills, balance and cognition before treatment began, after 4 weeks of treatment, then after 12 weeks of treatment and then at the end of the home treatment period.

Researchers drew the following conclusions:

“PBM (photobiomodulation) was shown to be a safe and potentially effective treatment for a range of clinical signs and symptoms of PD. Improvements were maintained for as long as treatment continued, for up to one year in a neurodegenerative disease where decline is typically expected.”

The abstract of the study follows:

BMC Neurol. 2021 Jul 2;21(1):256. Improvements in clinical signs of Parkinson’s disease using photobiomodulation: a prospective proof-of-concept study. Ann LiebertBrian BicknellE-Liisa LaaksoGillian HellerParastoo JalilitabaeiSharon TilleyJohn MitrofanisHosen Kiat

Abstract

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with no cure and few treatment options. Its incidence is increasing due to aging populations, longer disease duration and potentially as a COVID-19 sequela. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has been successfully used in animal models to reduce the signs of PD and to protect dopaminergic neurons.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of PBM to mitigate clinical signs of PD in a prospective proof-of-concept study, using a combination of transcranial and remote treatment, in order to inform on best practice for a larger randomized placebo-controlled trial (RCT).

Methods: Twelve participants with idiopathic PD were recruited. Six were randomly chosen to begin 12 weeks of transcranial, intranasal, neck and abdominal PBM. The remaining 6 were waitlisted for 14 weeks before commencing the same treatment. After the 12-week treatment period, all participants were supplied with PBM devices to continue home treatment. Participants were assessed for mobility, fine motor skills, balance and cognition before treatment began, after 4 weeks of treatment, after 12 weeks of treatment and the end of the home treatment period. A Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used to assess treatment effectiveness at a significance level of 5%.

Results: Measures of mobility, cognition, dynamic balance and fine motor skill were significantly improved (p < 0.05) with PBM treatment for 12 weeks and up to one year. Many individual improvements were above the minimal clinically important difference, the threshold judged to be meaningful for participants. Individual improvements varied but many continued for up to one year with sustained home treatment. There was a demonstrable Hawthorne Effect that was below the treatment effect. No side effects of the treatment were observed.

Conclusions: PBM was shown to be a safe and potentially effective treatment for a range of clinical signs and symptoms of PD. Improvements were maintained for as long as treatment continued, for up to one year in a neurodegenerative disease where decline is typically expected. Home treatment of PD by the person themselves or with the help of a carer might be an effective therapy option. The results of this study indicate that a large RCT is warranted.

The Future of Medicine has Arrived

Click on the link below to hear my interview on Parkinsons Recovery Radio with Dr. Lew Lim, CEO of Vielight photobiomodulation devices. This interview was conducted before publication of the photobiomodulation Parkinson’s study.

The future of medicine rests with innovative therapies that utilize light and sound to bring the body back into balance and harmony. Neurons are cells that contain mitochondria. Photobiomodulation energizes neuronal mitochondria, triggering a cascade of beneficial cellular functions. Potential benefits are:

  • Neuroprotective effects.
  • Self-repair mechanisms
  • Enhanced functionality.

Results of this photobiomodulation Parkinson’s study affirm these expectations.

YouTube player

Vielight Warranty

Use any of the Vielight devices for up to six months. If you do not celebrate the relief in symptoms expected, you can return the device for an 80% refund. The company, located in Toronto Canada, obviously has confidence that users will be delighted with the result. Use coupon code healing4me to claim a 10% discount when ordering. https://www.vielight.com.

Call them to get your questions answered. Their staff are incredible.
1-877-355-8012 (Main line). Phone-in hours are from 9 am – 5 pm EST, Monday to Friday.

Robert Rodgers PhD
Founder 2004
Parkinsons Recovery
https://www.parkinsonsrecovery.com

 

 

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